Sunday, February 3, 2008

Let's talk Microscope



The compound microscope has two systems of lenses for different magnification. The microscope is made up of several parts that when worked simultaneously can reveal incredible images. The two types of system lenses for a microscope are the ocular and objective. The ocular lens is what you look through and the objective lens is what is closest to the specimen. Before we go any further it is important to know the different parts of the microscope.
Let’s start at the base of the microscope and work our way up.
*Base
This is what is at the bottom and supports the bottom of the microscope.
*Light Source
It give you the light that is necessary to view your specimen.
*Fine Adjustment knob
It moves the stage or body tube up and down to get a for a better more clear image/ fine tuning
*Course Adjustment knob
This knob moves the stage or body tube up or down to large adjustments
*Diaphragm
Controls the amount of light let in through the stage and slide
*Stage Clips
Holds the slide in place firmly so that it doesn’t move usually metal clips
*Arm
Supports the body tube and it is usually where you would carry it but don’t forget to use two
hands.
*Objective lens
These are the magnification lenses-4X, 10X, 40X, 100X etc.
*Revolving Nosepiece
This is what hold the objectives and can be circulated around to different magnification choices. They vary in lengths depending on the magnification objective.
*Body Tube
This tube keeps the correct distance between objectives and eye piece
*Ocular Lens
This is also referred to as the eye piece it has between 10X or 15X this is the piece that you look through to actually see the specimen.
To basic operations of a microscope
1) Use two hands to move you microscope to area of choice
2) Turn the noise piece to the lowest power objective
3) Take slide and place it on the stage and fasten into place with the stage clips
4) Turn the coarse objective lenses so that is moves towards the slide but don’t let them touch
5) Now look through the eyepiece and adjust the diaphragm for the best amount of light
6) Adjust the oculars until they line up the light
7) Use the coarse adjustment knob to bring the image into sight
8) Use the fine adjustment knob to bring the clarity
9) At this time you can put more light in by using the diaphragm
10) The objective in the back is the one in use

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