A complete guide to biological microscopy
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Compound biological microscope structure

- When moving, be sure to properly grasp the fuselage or handle, and do not apply force to the observation head or focusing bracket.
- Must be used on a flat surface.
- It is recommended to store the microscope in a ventilated place or moisture-proof cabinet, and use a dust cover to prevent dust from entering.
- When moving the microscope, be sure to confirm that the object being measured has been removed from the stage.
- Be sure to turn off the microscope after use.
Observation steps


Good design to enhance observation experience
Eyepiece pointer:
Can be pointed at an observation target for teaching or sharing observation details.

Drawing eyepiece:
The measurement scale is engraved on the eyepiece to quickly know the size of the observation target. Suitable for teaching or quality control.

Binocular observation head:
This allows both eyes to observe at the same time, improving observation comfort. Suitable for users with long-term operation requirements.

Trinocular observation head:
A camera receiver is added to the binocular observation head, and a microscopic camera can be connected to record the observation images. Suitable for teaching, experimental records and observation reports.

Microscopic camera:
Connected to the microscope photography receiver to record the images under the microscope, it can support video or connect to a large screen. It is convenient for sharing pictures and is suitable for use in multiple fields such as teaching, scientific research, medical inspection, and industrial quality control.

Photomicrography software:
Installed on a computer or mobile device and used with a microscope camera, it supports functions such as photography, video recording, measurement, and image processing. Some software can also support functions such as image stitching and depth of field expansion. It is suitable for use in teaching, scientific research, medical inspection, industrial quality control and other fields.

Objective coding system:
As a standard feature of ZEISS high-end models, each objective lens has a specific code so that the microscope can recognize the objective lens. When switching the magnification, the lighting system automatically switches to the last memorized brightness. With a Zeiss camcorder, the magnification can be automatically calculated and a scale established.

Micro-moving stage:
The X-axis and Y-axis of the stage can be adjusted through the micro-hand knob to move the specimen position smoothly and meticulously, making it easy to locate the observation point. It is a must-have for mid-to-high-end microscopes.

Lift condenser:
It can be adjusted up and down to increase the depth of field and improve image sharpness during high-magnification observation.

Light source management system:
During use, the brightness of the light source can be memorized according to the corresponding nose wheel position, and the memory can be updated immediately by pressing and holding the dimmer button. It is also equipped with an energy-saving mode, which automatically enters standby after 15 minutes of stopping use of the microscope, saving power and optimizing the life of the lighting and electronic systems.

Light source intensity display function:
The light bar on the side of the fuselage can display the intensity of the light source of the microscope, allowing teachers to know the current status of the light source usage of the student's microscope at any time. Convenient for group teaching and demonstration teaching.

Polarizing module:
Through the grating on the polarizer, the angle through which the light source passes is limited, and it can be rotated and adjusted. The effect of lighting the sample at a specific angle can be observed. This highlights the contrast of the cell wall in the field of view, making it easier to observe.

How to choose a microscope (product range, functions)
Optical quality & optical design
"Magnification affects clarity" is a common myth. In fact, the most critical factor affecting clarity is optical quality. Good optical quality allows you to see the object being measured more clearly at the same magnification. Optical quality sounds quite abstract, but simply put it is the quality of the image. The sharpness of the edge of an object can be used as a very intuitive reference. In addition, color saturation is also a very important factor in judging optical quality. The better the optical quality, the brighter and saturated the color will be. Optical quality is also a major variable that dominates price differences between microscopes.
Generally speaking, optical design and quality will be reflected in the description of some specifications, but it is still most recommended to go to a physical store to make an appointment for a trial. Shangchen Optical welcomes you to bring any form of sample to the store for trial.

Eyepiece field of view:
The larger the field of view of the mirror, the more comfortable the observation experience, and the less likely you will feel fatigue after long-term use.

Objective lens grade:
Words such as flat field and achromatic can express the basic performance of the objective lens.

Magnification:
Microscope magnification is the eyepiece magnification multiplied by the objective lens magnification. Generally, biological microscopes are equipped with 10x eyepieces, 4x, 10x, 40x or 60x objective lenses as standard. Some models are equipped with 100x oil lenses. Select the magnification to ink according to the size of the test object, and select the magnification that can clearly identify the sample. The field of view is also one of the important considerations. The greater the magnification, the smaller the field of view. If the field of view is too small, the specimen needs to be continuously moved for observation. When observing moving living microorganisms, the field of view will become a very important consideration in selecting magnification.

Lighting source:
Early microscopes mostly used halogen light sources. Although they had better color rendering than the LED lights at that time, the lamp body would generate heat during use and would age quickly with frequent use, so it needed to be replaced regularly. Recently, newer models mostly use white LEDs with high color rendering properties. Each color of light at a wavelength has the same light intensity, and the lamp body is not prone to aging and wear, does not generate heat, and saves energy.

Bright field & dark field:
Many transparent or translucent biological specimens are difficult to view without staining. Dark-field microscopes have specially designed condensers and objectives that can turn the background of the field of view into black, allowing the light source to shine toward the object being measured from the side, illuminating the edges of the object, making translucent samples easier to observe. Very suitable for observing algae and microorganisms in living water.

Photomicrography
Mobile phone photography stand:
The simplest and most versatile way to record microscopic observations, the mobile phone photography holder can firmly fix the mobile phone and aim it at the microscope eyepiece, so you can take pictures immediately after viewing. Suitable for students or those who are developing an interest in biological observation.

Microscopic camera:
It is suitable for trial users or related industries and procurement who have recording needs or quick inspection. It is installed on the photography adapter of a trinocular microscope. Users can choose based on the expected connection interface (USB, HDMI, VGA, WiFi) and required image quality. purchase. The driver software provided with the microscope camera supports image processing, recording and measurement.

Microphotography magnification:
Due to the use of the camera's photosensitive element and screen projection, the magnification of the microscope is no longer limited only by optics. You can refer to the "Digital Microscope Magnification" page, enter the equipment size, and use the formula to calculate it to suit your organization's needs and purchasing goals. .

special function

An inverted microscope reverses the direction of the light path of the microscope, with the objective lens at the bottom and the illumination source at the top, which brings great advantages in observation - there is no need to prepare a slide specimen, and the petri dish can be used directly to hold the object under test for observation.

Polarizing microscopes have a polarizing function that allows users to finely adjust the angle of the light source and observe the effects of light illumination on samples at specific angles.

Fluorescent epi-illumination light with several specific wavelengths is mainly used to observe objects that can be excited by fluorescence and observe the physical properties of the objects under fluorescence.

Phase contrast microscopy technology allows completely transparent specimens to clearly show all their details and structures without staining, eliminating damage to the specimens during the staining process. Currently, this technology has been widely used in the observation of living cells, tissues and living microorganisms. .