Posts of the Category: Theory
These posts have a more theoretical approach to the subject matter. It provides a basic overview of microscope optics.
Euparal Mounting Medium
Euparal is a semi-synthetic mounting medium used in microscopy. It is slightly yellowish in color, flows well and cures after a few days. After curing, it becomes very hard but not brittle, keeping elasticity. Euparal also adheres strongly to glass. It has a refractive index of 1.5174. Compared to other mounting media, Euparal has a [...]
How to obtain the best resolution with your microscope
The resolution that a microscope is capable of achieving is probably the single most important factor that determines the quality of a microscopic image. Without a sufficiently high resolution, magnification is not possible without loss of quality. Read the following introductory post: . There are a variety of different factors that determine the achievable resolution. [...]
Cover glass thickness and resolution
The thickness of the cover glass can have a significant impact on the resolution. The effect is highest with high-numeric aperture aperture (high magnification) objectives, and barely noticeable when using objectives of a low numeric aperture. Types of cover glasses Cover glasses come in all sorts of different sizes. I already wrote a post about [...]
Digital methods for improving microscopic photographs
Digital photography gives the users many new possibilities in improving photographs taken through the microscope. This post gives an overview of the different image processing functions that can be applied to microscopic images. This post places a focus on what is possible, but does not explain the “how” part. This is something that I plan [...]
Different types of microscopes
How many different types of microscopes are there? More than you probably thought. I tried to research a list of different types, based on the physical principle used to make an image. Of course, one could also classify the microscopes based on their area of application, their cost, their versatility or any other aspect. These [...]
Increasing Contrast using Optical Methods
Many microscopic specimens are either very thin or transparent or lack color. They lack contrast and can not be easily seen in bright microscope light. In many cases it is not possible or desirable to chemically stain the specimens. In this case, optical techniques become necessary to enhance contrast.
Electron Microscopes vs. Optical (Light) microscopes
This post outlines the advantages and disadvantages of electron microscopes in contrast to optical (light) microscopes. Each type of microscope is designed for different areas of applications.
Advantages of Koehler Illumination
Koehler illumination offers a range of advantages over “critical illumination”. Illumination is more uniform, specimen heating is reduced as well as light reflections for photographic work.
The Condenser Aperture Diaphragm
In this post, the function of the condenser aperture diaphragm is explained. The purpose of the condenser is to concentrate the light onto the specimen, its diaphragm regulates resolution, contrast and depth of field.
About the numbers on the Objective
This post explains the meaning of the different engravings on an objective.