Know the Parts of an Optical Microscope

Since its invention to the present day, the microscope has undergone countless changes and no longer resembles the rustic models created in the 16th and 17th centuries. Since then, it has provided humanity with important advances in different fields of knowledge, such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Medicine, by allowing the exploration of life and objects invisible to the naked eye. The possibility of observing the smallest details of a structure provided the study and understanding of the most diverse elements that make up our world.

Success in the classroom, the optical microscope is the most common type of device, being easily found in schools, laboratories, universities and even for private use. From exams in clinics and hospitals to the study of science in educational institutions, it is an essential tool in the daily life of a laboratory.

Optical microscopes can be divided into two types, defined according to the number of lenses they have: the simple ones, which work with a single magnifying glass, and the compounds, which work with an optical system formed by two lenses, one objective and an eyepiece. Currently, this is the most widespread and used model. In this device, the lenses are arranged at opposite ends inside a tube called a cannon.

Optical Parts

·        Ocular lenses: each microscope has two of these lenses, which are where we place our eyes to view the material under observation. Eyepieces magnify the image formed by objective lenses, adjusting possible optical deficiencies. These lenses generally have a magnification power of 10 to 15 times.

·        Objective Lenses: they are a set of fixed and overlapping lenses that enlarge the image of the object under observation. Generally, optical microscopes have three or four of these lenses and their magnifying power can vary from 4 to 100 times. The lens is the lens closest to the object, producing an enlarged and inverted image. This inversion is corrected by the eyepiece.

·        Condenser: a system of two or more lenses that performs the control and concentration of light rays on the sample analyzed, equally distributing the light that strikes the microscope's field of view.

·        Diaphragm: regulates the intensity of the light that is projected on the object, through the opening or closing of reeds that allow more or less light to enter, according to the need. As a rule, the more transparent the sample under observation, the less light is needed.

·        Light Source: projects light - whether from an artificial or natural source - through the diaphragm, blade and object. Today's microscopes use a lamp, but in older models a mirror reflected natural light.

Mechanical Parts

·        Foot or Base: support and fixation of the microscope, ensuring the stability of the device.

·        Arm or Column: piece fixed to the foot, serves to support the other elements.

·        Platinum or Table: flat support where the blade will be supported with the material to be observed. It has a central glass passage, where the light rays pass, and can be moved according to the need for visualization.

·        Revolver or Drum: rotating part where the objective lenses are. When rotated, it changes the lens, changing the increase of the sample under observation.

·        Tube or Cannon: cylindrical part that serves as support for the ocular lenses, in the upper part, and for the revolver, in the lower part.

·        Macrometric screw: swiveling piece allows you to move the table in vertical and wide movements, providing adjustment of the focus.

·        Micrometric screw: performs more subtle vertical movements of the table, allowing a more precise focus, in addition to exploring the depth of field of the microscope. View here for more info: parts of a compound microscope

The advances that the microscope has provided for science are undeniable . From the development of new technologies to didactic use in school laboratories, the microscope provides a greater understanding of our world and everything that forms it.