Brightfield, darkfield and phase contrast are three contrast-enhancement techniques in light microscopy.
Category: Techniques
Here I explain the handling of the microscope and different methods to enhance contrast.
What are the differences between brightfield, darkfield and phase contrast?
Safety issues in Microscopy
Safety issues in microscopy are not only relevant to amateur microscopists, but also for teachers who want to conduct basic microbiological and microscopic work in a school laboratory. In this case the organisms are alive and depending on the type of organism, they may pose a possible health hazard. The post addresses some of the safety issues that should be taken into consideration.
A Projection Screen for Microscopes
Projection screens are useful if several people want to look at the specimen. The screen is mounted on the trinocular head instead of a camera.
Setting up a Home Laboratory for Microscopy
The home laboratory provides a safe working environment for microscopic investigations.
Determining Size in Microscopic Images
Here is an instruction on how to calculate the size of cells using a microscope.
How to prevent Air Bubbles in Wet Mounts
There are several methods how bubbles can be reduced when making slides.
Testing the Hand Microtome
Cutting a carrot with a hand microtome.
Making a wet mount microscope slide
This post explains how to make a wet mount. Video included!
Fixing specimens for making permanent slides
Before specimens can be processed for making permanent slides, they may need to be fixed.
The hemocytometer (counting chamber)
The hemocytometer (or haemocytometer or counting chamber) is a specimen slide which is used to determine the concentration of cells in a liquid sample. It is frequently used to determine the concentration of blood cells (hence the name “hemo-“) but also the concentration of sperm cells in a sample.