Uses for Digital Microscopes

A digital microscope is the combination of a standard light microscope with a digital camera and accompanying software. The advantage of using a digital microscope is the ability to display images of the specimen on a computer monitor or TV screen and then save them as either still images or motion video to a hard drive.

Below are examples of excellent used for digital microscopes: 
1. Media taken with a digital microscope allow you to accurately measure, manipulate and study the subject matter on a much larger scale.
2. Media taken from digital microscopes can be used in reports, presentations, or assessments. They can easily be shared through email, across the web, or in lectures with colleagues or students. One digital microscope eliminates the need for one microscope per student because the same image can be viewed by the entire class when it is projected onto a screen.
3. Digital microscopes are useful in a variety of different fields such as biology, chemistry, and earth science. Low power digital microscopes are used frequently in gemology and manufacturing.
4. Digital video microscopes provide the ability to view small parts on large screens thereby reducing eye straining. These are extremely useful for the quality assurance team of manufacturing facilities.

Digital microscopes are perfect for any inspection services where constant examination of small parts is mandatory. Digital stereo zoom microscopes, also known as industrial stereo microscopes, are preferred by quality control labs and in fields of study such as petrology, gemology, and even numismatics.

Back to School Tips

It's once again that time of year for students. A time of new classes, new teachers and an entire year of learning and discovery for students as a new school year is in their horizon. Below are some helpful tips for keeping your student organized and focused all school year long. 

Use binders for organizing projects or subjects. Create a science binder that you will fill up all year long with images and projects.

Create a science storage area where the kids can access supplies when needed, but also know how to put scientific instruments away to protect them. If you have a microscope, store it in a case, or keep the microscope dust cover on it when not in use. 

Shop Carrying Cases: http://bit.ly/VFEOjM

Create hands-on experimental learning experiences at home. Make an effort to take children on after school educational outings and talk to them about their learning experiences. Reinforcing what they have learned in school is an excellent way to sharpen their skills in science. 

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For beginning science students we recommend the:

40X-1600X Digital Monocular Compound Microscope with 1.3MP Camera

On sale for $259.99 USD

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Immersion Oil 101

Immersion oil is used with high power objectives such as light microscopes.

Light microscopes have an upper limit to their resolving power of marginally over 1,000 x. At this level of magnification, the microscope needs to direct every available amount of light in order to achieve a clear image. The immersion oil helps to reduce the refraction since it has a refractive index equal to glass. As a result, it forms a continuum between the objective lens and the slide, thereby successfully ensuring that more light is directed towards the specimen and ultimately, a clearer image.

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Immersion oils are commonly available in two viscosities; low viscosity (A), and high viscosity ( B). The low viscosity oil is applied to the airspace between slide and objective, the high viscosity oil is applied between the condenser and the slide. 

How to Use it: 

Type A: Locate a specimen on the slide and center it in the image field. Rotate the nosepiece until the 100x objective lens is just to one side of the slide. Place a single drop of immersion oil on the slide cover slip and place a drop directly on the objective lens. Combined, both drops ensure no air is trapped in between. Rotate the 100x objective into place and adjust the fine focus to fully resolve the image. 

Cleanup:

It is very important to carefully clean the oil off your objective lens before it dries. Carefully wipe oil from all glass surfaces with a folded piece of clean lens paper. Moisten a piece of lens cleaning paper with lens cleaning fluid and wipe away any residual streaks of oil.

The History of the Microscope

During that historic period known as the Renaissance came the invention of the light microscope. A revolutionizing instrument that enabled the human eye to observe microscopic objects. It enabled people to understand the fascinating details of the known world.

In 1590, two Dutch spectacle makers discovered that nearby objects appeared greatly enlarged. That was the forerunner of the compound microscope and of the telescope. In 1609, Galileo, father of modern physics and astronomy, heard of these early experiments, worked out the principles of lenses, and made a much better instrument with a focusing device.

The father of microscopy, Anton van Leeuwenhoek, started as an apprentice in a dry goods store where magnifying glasses were used to count the threads in cloth. He taught himself new methods for grinding and polishing tiny lenses of great curvature which gave magnifications up to 270 diameters, the finest known at that time. He was the first to see and describe bacteria, yeast plants, the teeming life in a drop of water, and the circulation of blood corpuscles in capillaries. He studied both living and non living, and reported his findings in over a hundred letters to the Royal Society of England and the French Academy.

Anton van Leeuwenhoek Microscope

(Via birthstory.com)

Robert Hooke is considered the English father of microscopy because he confirmed Anton van Leeuwenhoek's discoveries of the existence of tiny living organisms in a drop of water. Hooke made a copy of Leeuwenhoek's light microscope and then improved upon his design.

Robert Hooke Microscope 

(Via http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/museum/hooke.html)

Uses for Darkfield Microscopy

Darkfield microscopy allows for beautiful, detailed images to be revealed with one opaque disk used to block the light into just a few scattered beams. The background is dark and the sample reflects the light of the beams only. This results in a light colored specimen against a dark background. Darkfield microscopy is perfect for viewing clear or translucent details.

When to Use a Darkfield Microscope:

• Single- celled organisms
• Live Blood Analysis
• Transparent Specimens
• Live Bacteria
• Soil Samples
• Pond water Bacteria
• Seawater Samples
• Pollen Samples

Darkfield microscopy make most invisible specimens appear visible under the microscope, especially living organisms. 

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How to Set Up a Phase Contrast Microscope

Phase contrast is a microscopy technique that is helpful in viewing many biological specimens such as bacteria or blood cells. When setting up your phase contrast microscope, you must have phase contrast objective lenses and a phase contrast condenser.

The condenser shown above has five settings on it: 10x, 20x, 40x, 100x and bright field. The two screws that stick out from the condenser are centering screws and will be used when you set up the phase contrast microscope for the first time.  Set the condenser on the bright field setting and focus on a specimen. Adjust the height of the condenser for optimum image quality. Move the condenser turret to the phase setting for whichever lens you are currently using and remove the specimen.

Remove one of the eyepiece lenses and insert the centering telescope in its place. If there is a set screw on the side of your centering telescope this should be used to focus the centering telescope. When looking through the centering telescope you will see two rings. By turning the centering adjustment screws on the condenser, you can align the rings so they are concentric.

Remove the centering telescope and replace the eyepiece lens. Put your specimen back on the stage and you are ready for phase contrast observation! You will want to go through this process when you change objectives.

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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
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Fluorescence Microscopy

In fluorescence microscopy, the sample of what is studied is the light source. Fluorescence microscopy is centered around the idea that various materials emit visible light when irradiated with the light from a specific wavelength. Some samples are naturally fluorescent such as chlorophyll.

Image provided by: http://www.gonda.ucla.edu/bri_core/fluoresc.htm

The image is created when the microscope has a filter that sorts our the strength of the light emitted and matches the wavelength with the material.  When the radiation collides with the atom in the specimen, electrons are excited to a higher energy level. The light is the separated with another filter, and are projected in the microscope with high contrast against a dark background.

Fluorescence microscopy is rapidly expanding in the medical and biological field due to its abilities to identify cellular composition with great detail and accuracy.

Image provided by: http://www.intechopen.com/source/html/16436/media/image4.png

Micro Empire

Clemens Wirth & Radium Audio presents: Micro Empire.

Moving on from Macro Kingdom, we pass through the portal of a microscope to venture into the Micro Empire. Molecular conflict and mitochondrial warfare … a heartstopping, subcellular epic … a truly microcinematic experience.

Clemens says, “As an enthusiast for little things, I wanted to go deeper than the macro universe, so I found myself hanging on the eyepiece of a microscope. The real challenge was definitely the small depth of field in microscopy. It’s really fascinating how detailed this tiny world is.”

Types of Microscopy

Almost everyone at some point in time has operated a compound microscope in the classroom to examine specimens and slides. Some children who opt for the home school route even have compound microscopes of their own. It is hard to argue the fact that microscopes are fundamental observation tools for earth science, biology, and other academic field such as chemistry  Microscopes allow us to observe small details about specimens that would not be visible to the naked eye. The most commonly used forms of microscopy are electron microscopy, optical microscopy, and scanning probe microscopy.

Electron Microscope
Electron Microscopy requires a different variation of light and can achieve up to 10,000,000 X magnification level. They have revolutionized microscopy and our viewing of the nature around us.

Optical Microscopy
The most widely used form of microscopy and the beginning tool for observing the natural world. Optical microscopy is still in wide use today and has allowed us to observe bacteria and identify illnesses.

Scanning Probe Microscopy
Developed in the late 1980's this method is based on quantum mechanics. It is the highest level of microscopy even making single atoms visible.

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

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

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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.

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What is Phase Contrast Microscopy?

Phase contrast is a microscopy method used by Fritz Zernike. Zernike made multiple discoveries including the direct path of light. Phase contrast microscopy makes images appear darker against a light background.  Phase contrast uses a condenser system and an objective lens. Phase is only useful on images that are colorless or transparent because it makes it difficult to see it's surroundings. Objects suitable for phase contrast microscopy are bacteria, protozoa, and cells. Zernike was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953 for his discoveries in Physics.

We recommend our 2000X Phase Contrast Compound LED Microscope with 9.0 MP Camera.
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Product Features Include:

• High Quality Glass Elements
• High Definition Images
• Eight Levels of Magnification
• USB Camera
• Advanced Software
• Abbe Condenser

Illumination Types for Microscopes

• Tungsten – the least expensive method, and the most common on low-end scopes, tungsten illuminators use standard incandescent light bulbs. They are relatively bright, but they produce a yellowish light and considerable heat. In particular as the light is dimmed, it shifts further toward orange. This warm color balance can obscure the true colors of specimens. The heat produced by the incandescent bulb may kill live specimens and quickly dries out temporary wet mounts made with water. Lamp life is relatively short.

• Fluorescent – costs a bit more than tungsten, and was quite popular before the advent of LED illuminators. Fluorescent illuminators provide bright light that appears white to the human eye, but is actually made up of several different discrete colors that are mixed to appear white. Accordingly, color rendition can differ significantly from the true color rendition provided by daylight. Fluorescent bulbs emit much less heat than incandescent bulbs, and so are well suited to observing live specimens. Some fluorescent illuminators are battery-powered, but most use AC power. Lamp life is relatively long.

• LED – priced about the same as fluorescent illuminators, LED illuminators have become very popular, largely replacing fluorescent illuminators. LED illuminators have the same color-rendition problems as fluorescent illuminators, but are otherwise ideal for many purposes. LED illuminators draw very little power and emit essentially no heat. Their low power draw means they’re the best choice for a battery-powered microscope, and are ideally suited for portable microscopes that can be used in the field. Lamp life is essentially unlimited.

• Quartz-halogen – the most expensive type of illuminators  and the one preferred by most scientists. They provide a brilliant white light needed for work at high magnification that reveals the true colors of specimens. Unfortunately, quartz-halogen lamps also produce more heat than any other type of illuminators  Their high power draw means they are AC-only. Lamp life is relatively short.

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. 

Microscopes for Homeschoolers

Microscopes are beneficial for students who are homeschooled because it enables them to have the same type of exposure to science and experiments as those enrolled in public education institutions. 

 

The first thing you need to decide is what kind of observations your child/student will be expected to view and what kind of experiments he/she will partake in during the school year. Next you will need to decide if it is best to purchase a compound or stereo microscope. 

A compound microscope is only useful got looking at slides, which may get rather boring for students, slides must be purchased or made at home, which can be tedious and time consuming. A stereo microscope will enable your student to view live specimens, 3-D objects, and some slide use. 

For normal observations, you probably will not need a microscope with a magnification higher than 400X. 400X magnification is generally the highest level students use in most high school courses. 

Experiment Ideas:

If you decide to purchase a stereo microscope you can fill a small plastic tray with pond water and have them look through the side of the container with the microscope. If you decide to purchase a compound microscope you can purchase plain slides and cover slips and make your own slides out of vegetable peels, plants, and other transparent 3-D objects. 

Compound Microscopes

What's the difference between a compound and stereo microscope? Many beginners are unsure of which model to purchase due to their lack of knowledge about both types of microscopes. This article will touch on the differences between a compound microscope and a stereo microscope and discuss the main purposes of a compound microscope.

The main difference between a compound and stereo microscope are that a compound microscope is ideal for transparent specimens and a stereo microscope is ideal for denser specimens such as gems, rocks, and minerals. Compound microscopes are higher in power than a stereo microscope and have higher magnification power. Compound microscopes are suitable for use in laboratories, hospitals, and schools. 

Compound microscopes are traditional microscopes that are designed with a compound lens system. A compound microscope typically has a rotatable lens system with various objective powers. Compound microscopes are ideal for high powered specimens due to their bottom light source and need for the specimen to be on a slide. Visual observations with a compound microscope are typically two dimensional and can be observed in a number of microscopy techniques depending on the lighting method used. 

For more information visit our website at www.microscopenet.com

Advantages of Purchasing a Digital Microscope

Digital microscopes have helped simplify scientific observation and research in modern times. A digital microscope is generally a compound or stereo microscope with a built in digital camera that is compatible with a PC or TV. The images are projected onto the monitor and can even be saved as JPEG and video files on a computer. These data saving options are great for extensive research and referencing. 

The main advantage of a digital microscope, is that is is suitable for educational purposes. Many students in various fields such as biology, chemistry, and medicine can view specimens from a digital camera hooked up to their home computer. This is a great time saver and also ensures that research results are more accurate because they can cross-reference their research findings with live and still images.  Students can recall the image later to describe it in greater detail for an observation report. 

Another advantage to using a digital microscope, is that it allows for researchers and students to print images from their microscope and use them for projects and research both in the lab and in the classroom. 

For students we recommend our Digital Compound Microscope with 1.3 MP Camera. This a great starter microscope for students at a freshman and sophomore level. 

For professionals, we recommend our Trinocular Metallurgic Microscope with 2.0 MP Camera. This microscope is ideal for metallurgical and electronic industries.