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Archive for the ‘Microscope’ Category

What do you know about inverted microscopes?

Inverteds (as they are called) got their name because the recognized standard – the upright microscope – works in a specific way, and is the most easily recognized orientation of a microscope. Upright microscopes look down at specimens with light source below it. These are the types of microscopes usually used by medical technologies doing your blood work; inverted ones, on the other hand, look up the specimen with light sources above the specimen.

Although the equipment was first introduced in the 19th century, it saw use in the observation of marine life only during the first years of the 20th century. During World War II, the inverted microscope was used to analyze solid, heavy metals like iron and steel. These days, inverteds are useful in many types of research that use large, heavy or otherwise bulky samples requiring a wide berth of geometry.

Aquatic Research and Sciences

Although the ecology in deep seas can be recreated for observation of a small bowl or a miniature aquarium, the container holding the specimen requires a relatively wide staging. Additionally, aquatic live and living organisms are prone to gravity and tend to settle down the base of the container. This makes it ideal to place the sample or its container above to allow for more flexibility and to be able to conduct observations in more natural circumstances.

Modern Microscopes

By now, you’d have surmised that inverteds are useful in several fields, particularly in research observations. Besides aquatic and materials research, inverteds are also useful in observing tissue culture on petri dishes — a common method used in biological sciences and medicines research. Modern inverted microscopes however, are designed for flexibility, with the user in mind.

Today, most modern microscopes are able to multi-task, with the whole ensemble being a collection of interchangeable parts that can be fitted together to serve a purpose. Manufacturers have worked hard and are working hard to meet the demands of the various sectors and users of microscopes. They are also integrating microscopy techniques to create separable modules.

In this day and age, the more modular a microscope is, the more economical it is. Manufacturers make a wide range of modules to suit many purposes across disciplines, users, and even across different microscopy techniques. So, if you find an inverted microscope with an epi-flourescent attachment, don’t be surprised. That’s evolution at work.

Technology Integration

Besides the modularization of inverted microscopes, new designs include internal light sources that are below or parallel to the specimen. Most viewing and recording controls are still below the sample. This new design allows you to put specimens directly on top of the microscope. This, in turn, allows you to manipulate sample placement in a wide geometry of choices for total flexibility.

More advanced models integrate video capabilities for specimen scanning and direct digital or analog data recording. This is very useful in various laboratories that require fast, data analysis. Often, these video microscopes are integrated into the laboratories digital or automated systems for sample analysis.

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What do you know about the compound microscope?

Probably a common apparatus at most high school science laboratories, the compound microscope use the popular combination of dual lenses and light reflection. In a world becoming infinitesimally smaller in each generation, microscopes of all types, caliber, sizes and capabilities can be found virtually everywhere — from laboratories in high school campuses, colleges, universities, to research and development laboratories of pharmaceutical companies and a host of other manufacturers.

Getting to Know Microscopes

The compound microscope has more than one lens — usually two — to do its job. The most basic of all types — the simple microscope uses a single lens. Impliedly, it offers a better view and more capabilities. Here are basics of microscopy:

1. Light Source.

Illumination is a basic requirement in microscopy. Some microscopes have mirrors that reflect light from sources outside of the microscope. Others, like the fluorescence microscope have their own specific sources of illumination, in its case a mercury-vapor lamp or a xenon arc lamp. Those using specific light sources are generally more powerful as these lights are more intense than generic day or lamplights used by ordinary compound microscopes.

2. Objective Lens.

All microscopes have objective lens — the lens closest to the object under probe; not all microscopes have eyepieces. Although the common image the word conjures is that of an ocular device, there are highly advanced microscopes that do not have an eyepiece. Some microscopes have three eyepieces for normal viewing and for mounting a camera, like the trinocular microscope. Instead, there are mounted on cameras and or video displays for a state-of-the-art, 3D view of microscopic objects or organisms. If you follow popular American TV, you would have already seen this in shows like House, MD.

3. Magnification Controls.

Yes, the term sounds impressive but it’s also very basic. Microscopes, regardless of power and/or grade, allow you to control magnification levels with adjustment knobs. Usually, the magnification power is a factor of the objective lens and the eyepiece. In all cases, the maximum magnification is 2000x. Practical Applications

Compound microscopes are used in many fields and for various purposes. The type of compound microscope you need and the magnification levels you require is determined by what you want to see, the specimen you’re using and what you want to do with the images. Incidentally, manufacturers have developed a range of microscopes with specific applications and users in mind. It’s now common to find different grades of one type of microscope. Student-grade compound microscopes — probably an inexpensive tool — are found in virtually all high school laboratories across the globe. Professional-grade compound microscopes can be found in research laboratories where you usually find white coats. Fortunately, manufacturers of this equipment like Meji Techno, Nikon, and Olympus make customizing microscopes possible with a range of selections that come with various accessories. You can configure your own microscope to suit your specific application.

But wait! That’s not all. Working closely with its user base, these companies are constantly working toward improving their existing line with creative and imaginative input from people who use their products the most. So, have you and your compound microscope met?

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Contact: 1-877-56SCOPE(72673) or info@CanScope.ca

A compound microscope in Toronto can get you started on the road to discovery. Check out CanScope.ca’s selection of microscopes in Toronto, microscope accessories in Toronto , and more!