Microscopy

Coarse Adjustment Knob

The larger knob used for focusing with the 4x (scanning) objective lens.

Fine Adjustment Knob

The smaller knob used for focusing with the 10x (low power) and 40x (high power) objective lenses.

Working Distance

The distance between the tip of the objective lens and the slide, which decreases with higher magnification.

Parfocal

A feature of microscopes that allows switching between objective lenses with only minor adjustments needed using the fine focus knob.

Field of View

The diameter of the circle of light seen when looking through the microscope.

Total Magnification

Calculated by multiplying the magnification of the objective lens by the magnification of the ocular lens.

Depth of Field

The thickness of the specimen plane that remains in focus as magnification increases.

Slide Clamp

A mechanism used to secure the slide on the stage of a microscope.

Lens Barrel

The part of the microscope that indicates the magnification of the objective lens, marked with its respective power.

Iris Diaphragm

An adjustable opening that controls the amount of light reaching the specimen.

Moving Stage Direction

When the stage moves right, the object appears to move left due to the reversed movement effect.

Oil Immersion Lens

The 100x lens requiring immersion oil to focus properly, used with caution to avoid damage.

Crunching Glass Sound

A sign indicating a mistake in focusing that may result in a damaged lens or broken slide.

Centering the Slide

Positioning the slide on the stage so the area of interest is over the light source.

Adjusting Ocular Lenses

Cover one eye while focusing with one ocular lens, then adjust the second ocular lens for clarity.

Resolution

The minimum distance between two objects where they are still perceived as two objects.