Posts that relate to the Keyword: mounting medium

Answering Reader Questions

Why is refractive index of mounting media important? The refractive index is important for several reasons. First, it influences the resolution of the image. Second, if the refractive index of the specimen is too similar to the refractive index of the mounting medium, then it may be difficult to see the specimen if it is [...]

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 [...]

The effect of the mounting medium on specimen and image quality

The mounting medium can have a significant effect both on the image quality and on the specimen itself. I tried a little experiment by observing pollen from a plant (in this case the buttercup, Ranunculus), mounted in five different ways: Air-mounted, with no cover glass Air-mounted, with a cover glass Mounted in water (temporary mount) [...]

Making mounts of pollen grains

Permanent slides of pollen grains can be used as a reference for identifying unknown pollen samples. It is therefore important, that the pollen grains remain in an authentic, natural shape. The preparation and mounting of the pollen can introduce artifacts: the pollen may lose some of its pigment, start to shrink and shrivel or absorb [...]