Microscope review

magnification

the factor by which the image is enlarged

resolving power

the degree to which two adjacent points in a specimen can be seen as separate

contrast

determines how well the image stands out against the background

Low power (LPO)

4x

Medium power (MPO)

10x

High power (HPO)

40x

Oil immersion (OIO) magnification

100x

To transport a microscope, hold it ________.

upright, with one hand on its arm and the other hand supporting its base

use Kimwipes to clean

the stage

steps in ending the use of the microscope

1. remove specimen from slide holder

2. clean the lenses and stage

3. turn off light and put it under LPO (4x) and lower the stage

4. wrap power cord and put dust cover on

5. return

Eyepieces or oculars

lenses closest to the eyes, usually have a magnification of 10x.

Ocular Diopter Adjustment Ring

allows you to focus each ocular independently so you can compensate for having different vision in ach eye

-ring immediately below oculars, marked with lines and numbers

Binocular tube or headpiece

contains the prisms that bend the light into the oculars.

revolving nosepiece

rotating part that holds the objective lenses.

objective lenses

these are found on the nosepiece and range from low to high power

what is OIO useful in observing

bacterial structures and other very tiny specimens

Parfocal

the ability of the microscope to stay in focus when adjusting the objective lens to a higher power

focus knobs

fine and coarse focus knobs bring the specimen into clear view

coarse knob

used for initial focusing

fine adjustment knob

this part moves the stage slightly to help you sharpen or "fine" tune your view of the specimen

fixed stage and movable stage

-stage below objective lenses is the fixed stage

-mechanical stage is geared so you can make very small changes in the stage

condenser

part of the microscope responsible for concentrating and focusing the light onto your specimen.

iris diaphragm level

Located beneath the condenser. Regulates the amount of light that passes through the condenser

light intensity dial

the light bulb built into your microscope is controlled by a dial which allows you to control the brightness (1-10)

fixed slides

permanent slides with preservatives usually added

Oil Immersion Objective (OIO)

the longest objective; usually marked 100x and is used to view structures using oil as a medium

what does the term parfocal mean long def

"Parfocal" means that the image will remain in focus when changing from a lower-power objective lens to a higher-power lens. * only minimal focusing should be necessary with the fine focus adjustment

wet mount slide

temporary way to prepare a slide; 1-2 drops of liquid (usually water) goes on specimen; always uses a cover slip