Stereo Technology in Microscopy

The stereo sound was the wave of the 60s. The technology enable the production of three dimensional sound effects with the use of microphones; two microphones recorded sound and these were connected to two separate channels connected loudspeakers. Listening to vinyl records back then, music enthusiasts heard sound coming from different directions.

In stereo microscopes, images not music from two different angles are combined – to create an illusion of depth of the specimen. This happens when different images of the same object are presented to each eye. The microscope offers a lateral and upright view of the object from two dissimilar angles and the eyes sees the object in 3D. With stereoscopy features, two eyepieces plus two objectives, the microscope is a perfect instrument for dissecting specimens or inspecting larger objects, i.e. rock minerals and diamonds.

Stereoscopy gives dissecting convenience. Dissecting the specimen becomes easier because viewing the specimen at same time while dissecting it can be done. Larger specimens like rock minerals can also be conveniently viewed because there is more distance between the objective and the stage. Custom stereo microscopes can also be obtained from some dealers or can be assembled according to specific needs.

Types of Microscopes with Stereo Functions

Microscopy research requirements demand specific functions that can be responded with the different microscopes available. For stereo or for dissecting specimen, such as plant or human tissue, the stereo feature comes useful. However, you don’t just get any microscope out there because it has STEREO written all over it.

Concerned dealers inquire what you need for a microscope to ensure that you get that you get exactly what you need for stereo microscopes. There are binocular and trinocular microscopes with stereo features. Different models and brands will come with or without fixed magnification with a magnification selection knob, and easy zoom in and zoom out function.

Digital technology also goes with stereo technology. You can have the best of both worlds in this amazing piece of instrument, and you don’t need bulky contraptions to view 3D imaging. With a USB camera added, excellent imaging for live video and still jpg is possible. You might also need an upright rather than an inverted microscope.

If you are a gemologist, stereo binocular microscopes should fit the bill. You can see a 3D image of a tiny diamond and examine it for flaws. Student laboratories will benefit from a pole-mounted microscope.

Stereo Does It

Had it not been for stereoscopy, it would still be tricky to dissect specimens accurately without the aid of the eyepiece. For illumination, the microscope may use a fluorescent bulb, LED ring light or fiber optics. Added to stereo 3D imaging some stereo microscopes have video capability and a digital camera.

Before you dismiss stereo microscopes as adult instrument, let it be known that the microscope is also great for educating young children; prices may range from under 100 dollars or can run up to thousands of dollars. It is your choice.

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To clear that clutter on your mind, let’s get a few things straight.

First, the modern microscope can be classified according to compound or stereo. The compound microscope uses only one eye-piece (that cylindrical part of the microscope that you put your eyes on to see the specimen being examined). On the other hand, the stereo microscope uses two optical paths and has the ability to give you a 3D image. It is for this reason that this kind of modern microscope is very popular in surgery and in dissecting objects and even machine tools.

Second, there are two frame types of the modern microscope: the upright microscope and the inverted microscope. For you to have a clearer understanding on the difference of the two, you must be familiar with the major parts of the microscope first.

* The Illumination system – this refers to the group of parts that gives lighting to the specimen. This group includes the lamp, the condenser, the diaphragms (or pinhole apertures) and the rheostat, among others.

* The Stage – this is where the specimen rests. Usually, the specimen is held in place and moved with the use of clips and a micromanipulator, respectively.

* The Lens system- these are the group of parts responsible in forming the image. This includes the eyepiece, objective lenses, tube and the nosepiece (the mount that holds several objective lenses).

To distinguish an upright from an inverted microscope, you only need to remember the placement of the three major microscope parts mentioned above. The upright microscope is your standard view of a microscope: on top is the lens system, followed by the stage, and then the illumination system. The inverted microscope, on the other hand, has the reverse sequence. You have the illumination system on top, then the stage, followed by the lens system.

Does an inverted microscope make sense? At the outset, the idea might seem ridiculous. But upon careful consideration, you’d realize how useful an inverted microscope is.

This kind of frame is very useful in examining a specimen that’s either too large or too heavy. Yes, an inverted microscope would come in handy if you want to study cells in suspension. This is because the lenses are closer to the bottom of the specimen – where the cells are. Thus, it makes more sense to make use of an inverted microscope rather than an upright microscope in this scenario.

Microscopes – just like cameras – use accessories too. Among the widely used accessories are: the Epi-fluorescent attachment kit, a mechanical case, or even a microscope case. These make your microscope become more powerful (just when you think they could not get any more powerful, huh?).

So there you are, a little clarification about the many terms related to the microscope. To review, the modern microscope can be classified as either stereo or compound. But in relation to frame types, only two words must come to mind: upright and inverted. Easy enough, right?

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Looking for an upright microscope or an inverted microscope in Toronto? Check out CanScope.ca. Visit the site too for more choices of Epi-fluorescent attachment kits.

Introduction to Phase Contrast Microscopy

Our eyes can only see colors of the visible spectrum and the differing intensities of light. Objects that absorb light are easy for us to observe because of these biological capability. Even if the objects are very tiny, it’s still possible for us to see them if we use a microscope. However, transparent and colorless objects, such as bacteria, sperm tails, flagella, and some parts of the cell, cannot be seen clearly under typical light microscopes. This is because light travels through these objects in a way that our naked eye cannot detect. Light passes through these specimens, called phase objects, slower and they are shifted. This change in phase cannot be detected by our eyes. This is why it would be impossible to study these objects clearly.

In the 1930s, a Dutch scientist named Frits Zernike developed the phase contrast method. He observed that it is possible to increase change in phase or shift in these transparent objects by half a wavelength. This was done by the use of rings etched onto plates of glass. The method resulted in patterns of interference. These patterns, in turn, made the details of the phase objects darker than the background. The contrast is increased and they become visible to the naked eye.

Phase Contrast Microscopy Today

Zernike received a Nobel price for inventing the method. It was a well-deserved accolade because he has revolutionized the way microscopy works today. Because of his invention, we have been able to properly observe objects that would otherwise have been impossible to analyze under a normal light microscope.

If it weren’t for this method, for example, we would never have known how cell division works. Without phase contrast microscopes, transparent and colorless objects are stained so that they can be observed under the microscope. This staining method makes them absorb color but it alters their components. It can kill some phase objects, too. Incidentally, killing phase objects also makes them more visible but it becomes impossible to observe their processes. Killing them often defeats the purpose of observation. With this technique, it is possible to observe living cells and how they divide.

Used with other modern devices, this kind of microscope has even made it possible to see the internal structures of these phase objects. Post-processing and other enhancement devices can now make us see what goes on inside transparent and colorless organisms. They used to be beyond the reach of technology but a genius changed that. Science and mankind has definitely benefited from this incredible invention.

CanScope – complete solution for all your microscopy needs.
Contact: 1-877-56SCOPE(72673) or info@CanScope.ca

Are you interested in knowing how phase contrast really works? If you want to buy the components needed to make a phase contrast microscope, visit CanScope.ca. They also have other components, such as infinity corrected objectives, fluorescent filter, and many others.