Aligning the Condenser on a Biological Microscope

Biological microscopes are excellent for research, schools, and laboratories. The condenser should always be kept lint and fingerprint free for the clearest image. To clean the condenser it is best to remove it from the stage with a small screwdriver.

Once the condenser is unscrewed you can clean it and recenter it for optimal viewing. The center of the condenser is indicated with small perforated dots to help the end user align the condenser with the optical axis. If the sub-stage iris is also attached, which is fairly common with biological microscopes, then centering can be achieved by aligning the microscope objective on a low setting.

The sub-stage iris diaphragm should allow for a specific level of light to enter through the condenser thus illuminating the specimen and avoid over exposure. This will ensure proper exposure and resolution of your image and help ensure quality image and video every time you use your OMAX microscope. 

Fluorescence Microscopy Tips

The images you take are only as good as your equipment. So take time to take care of your equipment on a regular basis; clean objectives, cover slips, and ensure your microscope has the proper setup.

Most objectives are designed for a cover-slip that is .17mm thick. If you fail to use the proper cover-slip, you will lose image clarity and sharpness. Although cover-slip thickness can range anywhere from .08mm to .25mm in thickness, .17mm is the most common and optimal for most microscopes.

Slides are also another component that vary in quality. Research your brands and find out which is the best for your type of microscope.

For further tips we recommend referencing the following text:
"A Guide to Super-Resolution Fluorescence Microscopy" (2010) Schermelleh et al. J Cell Bio.
"Live Cell Microscopy- Tips and Tools" (2009) Frigault et al. J Cell Sci.

Objective Lens Comparison

Objective Lenses: 
Achromatic vs Semi-Plan vs Plan 

Besides some special microscope objective lenses, there are three kinds of objective lenses on the market.
Achromatic, semi-plan, and plan. 

Achromatic Lens:

Semi-Plan Lens:

Plan Lens: 

 

First of all, all these three objective lenses correct for color, although there's no "achromatic" in the name of "semi-plan" or "plan". The difference between these three lenses is the focusing area which can be seen from the eyepieces when using high power objective lenses such as 40x, 60x and 100x. 

The difference from low power lenses are not obvious, which means that can be ignored. At high power, an achromatic lens has about 65% of focused area acrossing the center. A semi-plan one has about 85% whereas the plan one has 95%. 

 Due to the correction from the different lenses, the price for those lenses are also different. Here are some links for the objective lenses: 

Achromatic: http://www.microscopenet.com/achromatic-objective-lenses-compound-microscopes-p-377.html 
Semi-Plan: http://www.microscopenet.com/semi-plan-achromatic-objective-compound-microscopes-p-317.html
Plan: http://www.microscopenet.com/plan-achromatic-objective-compound-microscopes-p-316.html

Objectives

The following is a list of descriptions of the various types of objectives available for your microscope.

 Achromat Objectives - these are the most basic high power microscope objectives. Typically the outer edge of the circular image seen through the microscope will be slightly out of focus due to the curvature of the lens.

Semi-Plan Achromat Objectives - these are one step up from basic microscope objectives in that the field of viewhas been corrected a bit and the outer edges will be in focus more than the standard achromat lens.

Plan Achromat Objectives - these microscope objectives have been corrected for lens curvature and the entire image plane is flat and in focus

Plan Apochromat Objectives - These objectives have been corrected for four colors chromatically and spherically. Best used for critical resolution and color photomicrography.

Plan Fluorite Objectives - these microscope objective lenses are corrected for four wavelengths, but not quite as extensively as plan apochromat objectives.

100 X Achromatic Compound Microscope Objective Lens $69.99
Shop here: http://bit.ly/130Jfs8http://bit.ly/130Jfs8

Shop Objectives: http://www.microscopenet.com/microscope-accessories-objectives-c-89_53.html

DIY: Slides

A great project for kids of any age is making a variety of microscope slides to view under your high power microscope.

When making temporary slides, the supplies needed are very basic:
1. blank slide
2. cover slip In order to make your slide, simply place the specimen on the slide, apply the cover slip so it lays flat, and view under the microscope.
3. When finished viewing, wash the slide in warm soapy water. The cover slip is quite thin so be careful that you don't break it during cleaning.

Creating permanent slides involves sealing your specimen within the slide so it lasts, and then labeling the slide so that years from now you remember what the sample was. You may also want to stain the slide, if so, this page offers great information on staining microscope slides.
1. Prepare the slide just as you would when making temporary slides.
2. When applying the cover slip, you will want to coat the very outer edges of the cover slip with a thin layer of clear nail polish or cement in order to permanently seal the cover slip to the slide.
3. Make sure your layer of adhesive is not too thick, as this will cause problems with not being able to focus properly on your specimen.

Fun slide making ideas!
1. Cheek cells from inside your mouth (use a Q-tip to scrape the inside of your mouth).
2. Pond water, or water from a muddy puddle.
3. Fine sand particles, sugar, salt, baking soda, a vitamin C tablet - any fine powdery substance. (If you have a polarizing filter - use it when viewing these items as well!)
4. Fabric fibers or strings. Cotton - a thin strand pulled off a cotton ball.
5. Soil from the back yard. A blade of grass or a thin section of a flower.

Adjusting Condensers

The condenser aperture diaphragm is used to control the contrast and resolution of an image. An improper setting of the condenser aperture diaphragm  can be the cause of much frustration both for teachers and students. Students may attempt to find the focus with the condenser aperture diaphragm all the way open.

Remember, an open condenser aperture diaphragm results in a low depth of field. Students may not see anything at all when working with high magnifications because the image is too dark. In this case the diaphragm is closed too much. The diaphragm should not be used to control the amount of light, but for some specimens or magnifications there may simply be no way around this especially if the lamp is not very powerful. The higher the magnification, the more need for a condenser.

Tips:

• Completely close the condenser aperture diaphragm when starting to use the microscope. 
• Rotate the low power objective into position and find the focus with the coarse focus knob. The larger depth of field and higher contrast makes it easier for the students to focus the specimen. 
• When switching to a higher magnification, the students should start to gradually open the condenser aperture diaphragm, to observe the differences in image quality. 
•  Adjust the light intensity with the dimmer to prevent glare. Students should be made aware that the condenser aperture diaphragm should be adjusted to the numerical aperture value which is printed on the objective.
• Opening the diaphragm further will not increase image quality, but may result in glare. If the sample is thick, strongly stained or pigmented then the diaphragm has to be opened to allow more light to pass through the specimen. As a consequence, the depth of field becomes smaller.
•  Use the fine focus adjustment knob to focus through the different layers of the specimen

Shop Darkfield Condensers here: http://bit.ly/16rya5k

Gem Microscopes

A gem microscope is similar to a biological or medical microscope in that it is binocular, and uses compound lenses. 

A binocular magnifying device has two eyepieces so that both eyes are used at once. This is ideal for getting a good three dimensional view. In a compound scope, there is a set of lenses close to the object being magnified and a set in the eyepieces.
With this set-up, magnification is compounded, meaning that, for example, if the objective lens is 5x and the ocular lens is 10x, the total magnification is 50X (5X x 10X).

Gem scopes differ from biological scopes in that the total maximum magnification is usually lower and there are more lighting options. 

Professional grade gem microscopes generally include:

• brightfield illumination
• darkfield illumination
• oblique fighting
• overhead lighting
• light diffusing system
• a system for immersing the object in liquid in a well for viewing
• polarizing lighting
• pivoting stone holder

Shop our selection of Jewel Gem Microscopes here.

Check out our Professional Gem Jewel Darkfield Stereo Microscope 12X-75X

On sale now for $1,244.99

Shop Microscope here

Gemology: Diamonds

Diamonds are one of our links between the world back then and the world now. We don't know if they truly are forever but we do know that they have been in existence a very long time.

Diamonds are made of carbon atoms that are formed into a tightly packed structure with extreme heat, pressure, and oxygen conditions. Most diamonds form in the earth's crust or mantle but some deeper down. Under the earth's crust they form as impact diamonds under the deep earth. due to mass pressure. The redox reaction of CO2 or Methane forms diamonds. The complex pattern of diamonds could take anywhere from 3 billion years to form in the earth's mantle and brought so the earth's surface through magma.

Shop Jewel Gem System Microscopes here

Darkfield Imagery Tips

Darkfield microscopy is a very simple method for viewing unstained specimens clearly because it is clearly visible. Good candidates for darkfield observation usually have a transparent background that way the light an illuminate the specimen and darken the surrounding area, making the image quality clearer and more intense. Good specimens to use include aquatic organisms, cells, and cultures.

To achieve good darkfield images make sure that the central light rays along the optical axis are blocked. Blocking these light rays allows for just oblique rays to pass through at sharp angles, striking the specimen and illuminating the image. A darkfield condenser will get you the results your looking for with your microscope. The condenser reflects a single surface that provide more even illumination.

We recommend the OMAX Compound Binocular Microscope with Darkfield Condenser and 5.0 MP Digital Camera for $549.99

Model No: M827-A191-C50

CLICK HERE TO SHOP

Compound Microscopes 101

A compound microscope can be used for medical research to a day at the beach. A compound microscope includes an eyepiece, stage clips, and objectives with different lenses, adjustable knobs, a power button, and a stage with light source. Other parts include the body, nose piece, arm, and stage stop.

It can be used in various science fields such as Microbiology and Geology. Forensic investigators and scientists identify crystal shapes to reference pharmaceuticals and other medical needs. Microscopes can also help them see human cells, minerals, and metals. 

The setup of the optical parts plays an important ole in working with a compound microscope. The condenser focuses light onto the specimen with either bright-field or darkfield condenser attachments. 

By understanding these basics, you can independently carry out an experiment for observing minute objects of your interest, and try to explore some of the incredible things with the help of this wonderful instrument. Nowadays, compound microscopes are used in various domains, within or outside science. Care should be taken while buying any of the microscopes, be it compound or digital microscope. For better understanding, you can always discuss with a science teacher or an expert.

For more info check out our website's shopping guide here.

Shop Compound Microscopes here.

Multi Viewing Attatchments

A multi-viewing attachment is one of the most beneficial accessories for your microscope if you are interested in group research and observations. Most multi-viewing microscopes are designed to allow for anywhere from two to six viewers. Over the years consumers wanted more heads for larger conferences and research and also for teaching purposes. Nowadays there are systems with even up to ten to a dozen heads, while they function properly, the image quality is not the greatest with so many heads. This is because any microscope with more then six heads will make the light not be evenly distributed  The light gets harder to find and all the users may not be seeing the same quality image.

For teaching purposes, two or more persons to view the specimen simultaneously is a great feature. It is also useful got presentations. We recommend out dual binocular model which is great for labs, demonstrations, clinics, universities, and schools.  Shop double binocular head compound microscope here.

Features Include:

-4 levels of magnification

-Dual binocular heads

-2 pairs of eyepieces

-4 achromatic objectives

-Variable intensity illumination

OMAX MicroscopeNet Facebook Promotion

We at MicroscopeNet are hosting our first ever Facebook promotion where you can enter for your chance to win a microscope just by "liking" our Facebook page!

Here's how to enter to win:
Step 1: Like Microscopenet on Facebook, then go to "Enter To Win" tab.
Step 2: Once you have completed an Enter Form, then you must submit your Entry Form at our Facebook page.
Step 3: Share this event with your friends, and you can get 1 bonus entry every time a friend enters!  

If you are the lucky winner you will have the choice of one of our two most popular models below. No return for cash value. You are entitled to our 5 year warranty on the microscope you win. Free UPS ground shipping for continental US and Canadian address. AK,HI, and where UPS Ground does not reach, and international winner will have to pay for the extra shipping fee.

You can choose from the:
1) Binocular Stereo Microscope with Dual LED Lights

• Plug and see, no special knowledge needed
• High quality optical glass elements
• Three magnification levels: 20x, 40x & 80x
• 45°inclined 360°rotatable binocular head
• Dual LED lights (upper and lower)
• LED light lifetime: 100,000 hours
• Long working distance
• Sharp stereo erect images over a wide field view
• Diopter adjustment on left ocular-tube
• Adjustable inter-pupillary distance
• 90°rotational objective
• Locked-in eyepieces
• Tool-free focus knob tension adjustment
• Metal stand and framework

2) Compound Binocular Biological Microscope with Replaceable LED Light

• 8 levels of magnification: 40X-80X-100X-200X-400X-800X-1000X-2000X
• Replaceable 3W LED transmitted light with adjustable intensity
• 45 degree inclined 360 degree swiveling binocular viewing head
• Large double layer mechanical stage with NA1.25 Abbe condenser & iris diaphragm
• Coaxial coarse & fine focus knobs with tension control

Click here to "like" our Facebook page

Cleaning Your Microscope

Caring for your microscope is essential to keep all the components working smoothly and maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of your microscope will help ensure clear visibility when looking through your eyepiece. 

It is best to only clean the eyepiece when needed. Use the proper cleaning materials which can be purchased on our website under the accessories category or from another independent retailer. If your eyepiece needs cleaning you can dip your cloth into an alcohol solution to remove stubborn spots.

The eyepiece and objective lens can obtain build up easily from use. If your objective lens is also dirty you can clean it with lens paper dipped into a diluted ammonia solution. Place a few drops of ammonia into about 1/2 cup of water. 

To ensure you will not scratch your eyepiece(s) or lenses refrain from using anything other than a special lens cleaning cloth or tissue. Do not use your finger nails to try to remove any spots or debris.
Click here to browse our selection of cleaning tissue. 

Trinocular Zoom Stereo Microscopes

Trinocular Zoom Stereo Microscopes are amazingly useful for lab research and hobbyists alike. With the third tube in place, you can easily hook up with the usb camera to your TV or PC monitor.  No mather what you're inspecting for, coin, rocks, or gems our selection of trinocular stereo microscopes won't disappoint. Stereo Microscopes are practical for all levels of observations.  They are a delight for gemologists, jewelers, collectors, and even hobbyists. We recommend our Trinocular Zoom Stereo Microscope with 8W Fluorescent Ring Light and 9.0 MP Camera on sale now for $725.99! It's great for larger specimens because it comes with a table stand and can easily be connected to your laptop for still and live image recording.  Product Features Include: High quality optical glass elements 2 pairs of widefield eyepieces (10X and 20X) 0.5X auxiliary objective lens provides larger field of view and longer working distance 8W fluorescen ring light provides shadowless illumination 9.0 MP digital camera