Unit Il: Microscope and microscopicexamination techniques
Excercise 2.1: To study parts and important functions of a compound
microscope
EYE PIECE
COURSE ADJUSTMENT
K-BOOY TUBE
KNOB
REVOLVING
FINE ADJUSTMENT
NOSE PIEÇE
KNOB
-OBJECTIVE
STAGE
-CONDENSER
INCLINATON
JOINT SUB STAGE
MIRROR
BASE
Fig 2.5 Compound microscope
Compound microscope is also known as bright field or light microscope.
Its parts can be broadly classified into two types:
1) Mechanical parts- they provide structural framework and support the
optical parts.
a) Base, pillar and inclination joint- it gives support to entire microscope.
Base is either U or V shaped. Inclination joint joins the arm of the
microscope to the pillar. It permits the tilting of arm to any degree.
b) Arm or Body tube-arm is a slightly bent structure of iron attached at
one end to the pillar by inclination joint and other to the body tube.
Body tube is a cylindrical structure to which the principa! optical
system is attached. It is easily movable at point of attachment to arm
and favors tube up and down movement.
c) Revolving nose piece-it is a circular rotating disc attached to body tube.
Objective lenses are attached to this. It can be raised or lowered for
proper focusing.
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Unit II: Microscope and microscopic examination techniques
d) Fine adjustment knob-it is used for slight or fine adjustment of body
tube for fine and distinct focusing.
freedom than
e) Coarse adjustment knob-it moves with greater degree of
fine adjustment knob and is used for fine focusing.
f) Stage-this is a small platform meant to keep the objects
for observation.
It has a hole known as stage aperture that allows passage of light to
strike the object. light
collect or reflect the
g) Light source or illunination- it is used to
source
beams. It is through either natural light (sunlight) or artificial
plain
(electric light). Light is collected through mirror with one side
side is used
and other concave. Normally with natural light concave
and plain side is used with artificial light.
condense the light
h) Condenser/Iris diaphragm-condenser is used to
and focus it on the object. Beneath the condenser, there isa diaphragm,
which regulates the quantity of light entering into the condenser.
2) Opticalparts- they are involved in the magnification of the object. The
degree of enlargement of the object is called the magnification of the
microscope.
Magnification of miroscope magnifying power of microscope X
eyepiece
Resolution =extent to which microscope can be used to obtain clear and
distinct image of the object
0.61Xw
L.R. = (where @is wavelength of light rays; N.A.-numerical
NA.
aperture)
Magnification power of microscope is due to:
a) Eye-piece lenses-It is a short tube with two lenses which fits into the
upper part of the draw tube. Eye pieces are marked 5X,10X, 15X etc.
b) Objective lenses-These are attached to the revolving nose piece. Three
magnifications are:
Low-10X (magnifying power-10X10100)
Medium-40X (magnifying power=10X40=400)
High dry-100X (magnifying power-10X100=1000)
Oil immersion-100X (magnifying power=10X1001000)
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Unit II: Microscope and microscopic examination techniques
Exercise 2.2: Handling, use and care of lab microscopes
Handling and use of microscopes
1. Microscope should be properly placed at suitable light so that it is
easy to observe.
2. Before observing the specimern sample, objectives and eyepieces
should be checked for any dust particles which might create
illusion. Move the eyepiece and if the observation moves with the
on the
movement of eyepiece than it indicates dust or impurities
eyepiece.
3. Place the slide with the object on the microscope stage and fix with
the attached clips.
4. Start with low focus, adjust specimen in front of eyepiece by coarse
adjustment knob, and resolve the image by moving the fine
adjustment knob for clarity of image.
5. Higher power can be used for more clarity of image.
6. Movement of microscope should be avoided during use.
7. Adjust the object slowly for satisfactory observation.
Care of microscopes
and base of the
1. Carry the microscope properly holding both arm
microscope.
2. Clean all the parts of the microscope before and after use.
3. Lenses and mirror should be cleaned properly with tissue paper or
fur free cloth.
4. Slides should be clean and dry.
5. Before each use, examine the microscope carefully and report any
unusual condition or damage.
6. At the end of each laboratory period in which the microscope is
used, remove the slide from the stage, wipe away the oilon the oil
immersion objective, and place the low-power objective in vertical
position.
7. Microscope should be covered when not in use.
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