Jun 15

A Stereo Microscope is basically a microscope that allows users to examine a specimen in three dimensions. A compound microscope has only one viewing angle and so there is no perception of depth in examining a sample.

The Stereo or the Dissecting microscope achieves depth perception by giving the observer two slightly different viewing angles. This is achieved by using two separate optical paths with different objective lenses, instead of controlling the reflected light with only ONE objective lens. That’s why it is named “stereo” (as opposed to “mono”) microscope.

Stereo Microscopes are usually low powered meaning that their magnification is 10x-40x. This in conjunction with other features, make the stereo microscope useful for observing insects, leaves, rocks and minerals.  This feature also makes the stereo microscope suitable for children to get them started on entomology and the likes.

The stereo microscope usually uses light reflected from the object rather than light transmitted through the object, thereby making the stereo microscope suitable for observing thick opaque objects that light can’t pass through. Although it uses reflected light, the stereo microscope is thoroughly capable of using diascopic (transmitted) illumination; by using a bulb (or an LED) underneath a transparent stage below the object being examined.

While the Compound Microscope is used mainly in the medical field, the stereo microscope has a wide field of application ranging from dissection and microsurgery to watch making and circuit board manufacture.

Recently though, Charge Coupled Device (CCD) Camera pickups have been integrated on modern models of stereo microscopes. Software then renders the pickups into a 3 dimensional ‘anaglyphed’ image, which can then be viewed on a high resolution monitor with the famous 3D glasses.

The Stereo Microscope shouldn’t be confused with a compound one with dual eyepieces (also referred to as binoviewers). Binoviewers make viewing samples more convenient and comfortable but the image is the same as the one viewed through a monocle.

 

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Jun 16

The Olympus SZX16 is designed for advanced research and leaves other stereo microscopes eating dust. Your work will be more precise and efficient, and you can get detailed information from your samples. This is because it comes with a full complement of Apochromat objective lenses yielding features such as a maximum numerical aperture of 0.3 and an amazing resolution of 900 lines per milimeter.

The Olympus SZX16 has a large field view with a zoom ratio of 16.4:1. This gives you the maximum flexibility without having to switch objectives.

In addition to this, the SZX16 can be fitted CCD cameras as well as control modules and fuorescence capabilities. Together with the innovative cell* software, these individual components are able to provide solutions for all laboratories.

Key Specifications:

Advanced Fluorescence Capabilities

900 LP/mm Resolution

Numerical Aperture (N.A) 0.3

Maximum Magnification of 230x

Large Field of View (104.8mm)

Long Working Distance (141 mm)

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Jun 16

There are many users of stereo microscopes, due to their wide field of application from microbiology to circuit board manufacture. However there are very few who know how to handle their stereo microscope with due care. Many microscopes have been rendered useless by careless workers and students so it literally pays (by saving your money) to learn how to handle your stereo microscope with care.

Not the Eyepiece Please

If you own a stereo microscope, chances are they need to transported regularly for many reasons. Therefore handling it properly will save a lot of stress for the people using the microscope. The best way to carry a microscope (stereo or otherwise) is to put one hand below the base and the other hand on the arm (the curved piece of metal attaching the eyepiece to the base).

Never ever hold the eyepiece. There are many combinations of sensitive lenses in the eyepiece which are just waiting for an excuse to break into pieces; which brings us to the next point.

Dry Clean Only

Dust and grime will eventually build up in the lens of your stereo microscope, especially so if you use the microscope in industrial areas). The lenses are very sensitive, and are held by glue which is soluble most of the time. Therefore, never clean your microscopes with solvents.

Also, do not attempt to remove the lens from the eyepiece hoping to clean it more thoroughly. Chances are you will probably never be able to attach them back except by using a special glue only sold by manufacturers of you stereo microscope. Leave that to the professionals and save yourself a whole lot of stress and money.

 

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Jun 15

Paying for a microscope is very easy. There are many people and companies that will gladly accept you money for their stereo microscope which may or may not be what you want. Therefore, it is crucial that you know what you want and look for it before settling on one stereo microscope.

Stereo Microscope: What does it do?

Its very important to know the purpose of a stereo microscope so that you know whether it fulfills your needs or not. There is no point buying a stereo microscope only to realize that it doesn’t really do what you want it to do.

A Stereo Microscope usually has two eyepieces (binocular) and it has a magnification range from 10x to about 40x. This is ideal for dissecting insects, inspecting a circuit board, examining a rose petal etc. A stereo microscope also has a large stage which can accommodate large 3 dimensional objects. If you want to observe cells, tissue, algae and pollen, you want a compound microscope (it is usually monocular).

What to look for in a Stereo Microscope?

O.K, so you have decided a stereo microscope is for you. The first thing you have to consider is the type of lens. Its obvious that if you choose the wrong type, you wont be able to observe and examine the specimen with the quality that you expected.

Stereo Microscopes with Plan Objectives give 100% focused view with no blurs or aberrations. Needless to say these type of lenses are expansive and used for close inspection of circuit boards.

For serious hobbyists there are Semi-Plan Objective lenses that provide 60-75% focused view at high magnification levels.

Also you may want to consider getting achromatic lenses, which a lenses that can show you the true color of a specimen without absorbing other colors.

Last of all, if the main users of the stereo microscope are children or students you may want wide angle eyepieces. They provide a broad view of a specimen that is easy to look at.

 

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