I’ve talked about how to focus a stereo microscope over in the Microscope Basics section of MicroscopeGenius.com–especially the Stereo Microscopes section–however, I feel it’s worth reiterating to make sure the message is clear to all of my hobbyist readers. I do get a few emails about folks having trouble getting an focused image out of their…
Category: How To
Microscope 101: Oil Immersion Lens Technique
Oil immersion applies only when the exact objective is marked or specified for an immersion medium. High magnification or a 100x label alone does not establish that oil is required. If the objective model, compatible medium, coverslip requirement, or focusing procedure is unknown, stop and check the manufacturer instructions before adding oil. A compatible immersion…
Microscope 101: How To Properly Prepare a Microscope Slide
A basic wet mount places a thin, suitable specimen in a small drop of water under a coverslip. It is useful for temporary, non-medical observations with a compound microscope. If you want labeled examples without preparing a specimen, start with the prepared-versus-blank microscope slide guide. Safety boundary: glass slides and coverslips can chip or cut….
Microscope 101: What is Darkfield Microscopy?
I’ve been getting a lot of questions in my inbox about darkfield microscopy for compound microscopes–one of the more advanced forms of optical microscopy. Being a more specialized use for a microscope, there isn’t a whole lot of information out there written in easy to digest terms to explain its benefits, and in what applications…