How To Use a Compound Light Microscope
A typical compound light microscope can see 1000x the detail of any sample of specimen. It can be as small as 100 nanometers or 1 micrometer and still be seen. This is because the compound light microscope extends the range by further allowing the enthusiast to see such minute particles. Thanks to this, we are able to understand cells function and structure even more.
Common Terms
Before using the compound light microscope, it is only necessary that one knows the common terms.
1. Magnification – this is the function of making the sample or the specimen appear bigger. This is done by using the hand lens. By magnifying the sample or the specimen, the details will be seen and can be easily examined. It also depends on the resolving power of the contraption. This is defined as the distance between the two objects wherein they can be defined as separate. It also functions as the light’s wave length. Basically, the shorter the light source, the higher the microscope’s resolution.
2. Working distance – this is the distance between the specimen and the objective lens. At the lowest magnification, the working distance is longer. Once the magnification has been increased, the working distance dramatically decreased. This is why oil immersion lenses must be partially touched by the specimen. The observer must also be aware of the changes in the distance whenever the magnification is increased in order to prevent the damages.
Parts of a Compound Light Microscope
Like everything, it is important to know the parts of the contraption in order for one to use it. The enthusiast must take the time to familiarize himself or herself with the compound light microscope in order for him or her to use it properly.
1. Ocular lens or eyepiece. They come in various kinds. They should know what these are. They also have various magnifications. They should know how powerful they want it to be.
2. Body tube. It comes with prisms and mirrors which direct the sample or the specimen’s image to the ocular lens.
3. Nosepiece. This is the part of the compound light microscope that holds objective lenses. It also rotates.
4. Objective lenses. They are usually 3 to 4 in number. They come in various oil immersions such as 4x, 10x. 40x, 100x. It really depends on the total magnification. This is determined by multiplying the ocular power with the objective power.
5. Stage. This is the platform where the slides with the specimens or the samples are mounted for the enthusiast’s viewing. These come in mechanical stages. One must learn how to properly clip this.
6. Diaphragm. This is the part of the microscope which controls the light that passes through the specimen. It drastically affects the image’s focus. By learning how to use the diaphragm, the enthusiast will be able to master adjusting the light in order to get the best view for the sample and the specimen being observed.
There are two kinds of diaphragm:
a. the dial type. This is found right underneath the stage and has a rotating dial that comes in different sizes of apertures/holes. This is the kind that is used for the dark field effect.
b. iris diaphragm. Check the contraption for the lever that is found right under the stage.
Handle the Compound Light Microscope with Care
The absolute rules in caring for microscopes are quite general. Here they are:
1. Use both hands when carrying the microscope. The general rule is that one hand must be on the arm and the other must be on the base. This supports the contraption wherever you go. It also prevents the ocular from falling out.
2. Use the lens paper in order to clean the microscope’s lenses before every lab session. This should also be done after using the oil immersion. Do not ever use anything else for cleaning the lenses. Other papers are impure and this will only scratch the surface. Do not use liquid when cleaning. Just the lens paper is enough.
3. Use the proper focusing technique in order to avoid the ramming of the objective lenses and the slide. If you do not do this, then the objective lenses will eventually get scratched.
4. Turn the light off when you are not using the microscope.
5. You should always put the wire away in order to lessen the possibility of it interloping in between leg spaces and causing microscopic disasters. You can slide the wire through the drawer handles in the bench space.
Check out http://www.compound-light-microscope.com for more information about the use of this type of microscope.
