How To Use a Compound Microscope

Summary

This instructional video script guides viewers on how to properly handle and use a microscope. It covers picking up the microscope, adjusting lenses including the ocular and objective lenses, calculating total magnification, and focusing techniques. The script also addresses common issues such as blurry images and light problems, offering solutions like cleaning slides and checking the microscope's components. It concludes with instructions for safely returning the microscope to its storage, ensuring proper care and maintenance.

Takeaways

• 🔬 Proper Handling: Use two hands to carry the microscope, one on the arm and one supporting the base.
• 🧐 Dust Cover Removal: Remove and set aside the dust cover before using the microscope.
• 🔌 Power Up: Ensure the microscope is plugged in and turned on for illumination.
• 🌟 Magnification Explained: Understand the magnification power of the ocular lens (10x) and the objective lenses (4x, 10x, 40x).
• 🤓 Total Magnification: Calculate total magnification by multiplying the ocular lens magnification by the objective lens magnification.
• 🔍 Focusing Techniques: Use the coarse focus knob for initial focusing and the fine focus knob for precise adjustments on higher magnification lenses.
• 📏 Stage Positioning: Place the slide on the stage and adjust its position using the stage manipulator knobs.
• 🔄 Parfocality: After initial coarse focusing with the scanning lens, use only fine focus for subsequent lenses.
• 💡 Illumination Issues: Check if the microscope is plugged in, turned on, and the light intensity is set correctly if the illuminator is not working.
• 🚫 Diaphragm and Objective Check: Ensure the iris diaphragm is open and the nose piece is clicked into place with the objective for light to pass through.
• 🧼 Slide Clarity: Clean the microscope slide with optic lens wipes to avoid blurry vision due to smudges or dirt.
• ❗️ Troubleshooting: If issues persist, use a red tag to indicate a problem and provide details for further inspection.
• 🏠 Post-Use Care: Turn off the lamp, unplug the microscope, remove the slide, adjust the scanning lens, center the stage, store the cord, and cover with the dust cover before returning the microscope to the cabinet.

Q & A

How should you carry a microscope?

Use two hands, one around the arm and one under the base, and then gently set it down on the table.

What is the purpose of removing the dust cover when using a microscope?

The dust cover is removed to prevent dust from interfering with the observation and to keep the microscope clean.

What is the magnification of the ocular lens on the microscope mentioned in the script?

The ocular lens has a magnification of 10x.

What is the revolving nose piece and what does it do?

The revolving nose piece is a part of the microscope that allows you to select different objective lenses by turning it.

What are the magnifications of the objective lenses available on the microscope?

The objective lenses have magnifications of 4X for the scanning lens, 10X for the low power lens, and 40X for the high power lens.

How is the total magnification of a microscope calculated?

The total magnification is calculated by multiplying the magnification of the ocular lens by the magnification of the objective lens.

What is the function of the condenser lens on a microscope?

The condenser lens focuses the light to a point where the object is on the stage, which is crucial for proper illumination.

What are the two types of focusing knobs on a microscope and what do they do?

There is a coarse focus adjustment knob that moves the stage a lot and a fine focus adjustment knob that moves the stage a little, allowing for precise focusing.

What does 'par focal' mean in the context of microscopes?

Par focal refers to the property of a microscope where the focus remains the same when switching between different objective lenses after initial coarse focusing.

How do you place a slide on the microscope stage?

Ensure the scanning lens is selected, pull back the stage clip, and gently slide the specimen into place, using the stage manipulation knobs to position it correctly.

What should you do if the illuminator does not appear to work?

Check if the microscope is plugged in, turned on, and if the light intensity dial is set to an appropriate level.

What are some common issues that cause blurry vision when using a microscope?

Blurry vision can be caused by improper focus, a dirty slide, or if the objective lens is not properly clicked into place.

How should you clean a microscope slide to avoid blurry vision?

Use optic lens wipes to gently rub the slide, being careful not to touch the specimen or the sharp edges of the slide.

What should you do if you still have trouble with the microscope after trying all the troubleshooting steps?

Attach a red tag to the microscope, detailing the specific issue, and place it in the lab for further inspection.

What are the steps for returning a microscope to the cabinet?

Turn off the lamp, unplug the microscope, remove the slide, return the scanning power to the original location, move the stage to the highest position, center the stage, neatly store the electrical cord, pull the dust cover over, and carry it back to the cabinet with two hands.

Outlines

00:00

🔬 Microscope Handling and Lens Introduction

This paragraph provides a step-by-step guide on how to properly handle a microscope, starting from picking it up using two hands to setting it down gently on a table. It also explains the process of removing the dust cover and plugging in the microscope. The narrator introduces the different lenses found on the microscope, including the ocular lens with 10x magnification and the objective lenses with varying magnifications (4X scanning, 10X low power, and 40X high power). The concept of total magnification, calculated by multiplying the ocular magnification by the objective magnification, is clarified. Additionally, the condenser lens, which focuses light on the specimen, and the two focusing knobs for coarse and fine adjustments are described. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of using the correct focusing technique for parfocal microscopes, which involves using the coarse focus initially and then switching to fine focus when changing to higher magnification lenses.

05:01

💡 Troubleshooting and Operating a Microscope

The second paragraph delves into the operation of the microscope, including how to adjust the fine focus for different lenses and how to troubleshoot common issues. It advises checking if the microscope is plugged in and turned on, ensuring the light intensity is adequate, and confirming the iris diaphragm is open to allow light through. The importance of hearing a click when the objective lens is properly seated is highlighted to prevent light leakage. The paragraph also addresses blurry images, suggesting that a dirty slide could be the cause and recommends using optic lens wipes for cleaning. For wet mounts, the narrator provides a method to prepare the slide. If a microscope still malfunctions after following these steps, the user is instructed to tag it with a red tag for further inspection. Finally, the paragraph outlines the procedure for returning a microscope to the cabinet, which includes turning off the lamp, unplugging the device, removing the slide, adjusting the scanning power, and ensuring the microscope is neatly stored with its dust cover in place.

10:03

🏷️ Returning Microscopes to the Cabinet

The final paragraph focuses on the process of returning a microscope to the cabinet after use. It provides a brief overview of the steps to be followed, such as ensuring the microscope does not bump into others while being placed back. Although the paragraph is short, it emphasizes the importance of careful handling and proper storage to maintain the condition of the microscopes.

Keywords

💡Microscope

A microscope is an instrument used to observe objects that are too small to be seen by the naked eye. In the video's context, it is the central tool being demonstrated for its proper handling, setup, and use. The script describes picking up the microscope with two hands, indicating its fragility and importance in the process.

💡Ocular Lens

The ocular lens is the eyepiece of the microscope, which the user looks through to view the magnified specimen. It has a magnification power of 10x in the video, contributing to the total magnification of the observed object. The script emphasizes the role of the ocular lens in conjunction with the objective lenses to achieve different levels of magnification.

💡Revolving Nose Piece

The revolving nose piece is a component of the microscope that holds different objective lenses. It allows the user to switch between lenses for various magnifications. The script describes turning the nose piece to select the scanning lens, low power lens, and high power lens, which is crucial for adjusting the level of detail seen in the specimen.

💡Objective Lenses

Objective lenses are the set of lenses located near the stage of the microscope that provide different magnification powers. In the script, three objective lenses are mentioned: the scanning lens (4X), low power lens (10X), and high power lens (40X). The selection of these lenses determines the magnification and detail of the specimen being viewed.

💡Condenser Lens

The condenser lens is a component under the microscope stage that focuses light onto the specimen. It is essential for proper illumination, as mentioned in the script, where it is pointed out as a crucial part for directing light to where the object is placed on the stage.

💡Focusing Knobs

Focusing knobs are used to adjust the clarity of the image in the microscope. The script differentiates between the coarse focus adjustment, which moves the stage significantly, and the fine focus adjustment, which provides minute adjustments for precise focusing. These knobs are vital for achieving a clear image of the specimen.

💡Parfocal Microscopes

Parfocal microscopes are designed such that once the specimen is in focus with one lens, it remains in focus when switching to other lenses without the need for readjusting the coarse focus. The script explains that after initial coarse focusing with the scanning lens, only fine adjustments are needed when switching to the low power and high power lenses.

💡Stage Clip

The stage clip is a mechanism on the microscope stage that holds the slide in place. The script describes pulling back the stage clip to insert the slide and then adjusting the slide's position using the slide manipulation knobs.

💡Illuminator

The illuminator is the light source of the microscope, essential for providing the necessary light to view the specimen. The script addresses troubleshooting the illuminator, such as checking if it's plugged in and ensuring the light intensity is set correctly.

💡Iris Diaphragm

The iris diaphragm controls the amount of light passing through the microscope. If it is closed, no light will reach the eyepiece, making the view dark. The script mentions checking the iris diaphragm as part of the troubleshooting process for a lack of light.

💡Slide

A slide is a glass or plastic surface on which a specimen is mounted for microscopic examination. The script provides instructions on how to prepare and place a slide on the microscope stage, as well as how to clean it if it's dirty, which can cause blurry vision.

💡Red Tag

In the script, a red tag is used as an indicator for a microscope that requires maintenance or inspection. It is attached to the ocular tube with a twist tie when the user cannot resolve issues with the microscope, signaling to others that the instrument needs attention.

Highlights

Proper handling of a microscope involves using two hands, one on the arm and one under the base, to carry it gently to the table.

The dust cover should be removed and set aside before using the microscope.

The microscope should be plugged in first before use.

The ocular lens on the eyepiece has a 10x magnification.

The revolving nose piece allows selection of different objective lenses.

The scanning lens provides 4x magnification, the low power lens 10x, and the high power lens 40x.

Total magnification is calculated by multiplying the ocular lens magnification by the objective lens magnification.

The condenser lens under the stage focuses light to a point where the object is on the stage.

There are two focusing knobs - the coarse focus adjustment for larger movements and the fine focus adjustment for precise focusing.

Parfocal microscopes allow initial focusing with the coarse adjustment and subsequent focusing with the fine adjustment when changing lenses.

To place a slide on the microscope, use the scanning lens and adjust the stage clip and slide position.

Slide movement on the stage is controlled by separate knobs for horizontal and vertical adjustments.

When using parfocal microscopes, start with coarse focus on the scanning lens, then switch to fine focus for low and high power lenses.

If the illuminator appears not to work, check if the microscope is plugged in and turned on, and adjust the light intensity dial if necessary.

Common issues with microscopes include a closed iris diaphragm, an improperly clicked nose piece, and dirty or smudged slides.

To clean a slide, use optic lens wipes and gently rub around the edges without touching the specimen.

If a microscope still doesn't work after troubleshooting, use a red tag to indicate the issue and attach it to the ocular tube.

When returning a microscope to the cabinet, turn off the lamp, unplug it, remove the slide, adjust the scanning lens and stage position, store the cord, and cover with the dust cover before carrying it back.

Transcripts

when you pick up a

microscope use two hands one around the

arm and one under the base and then

carry it to your table and gently set it

down now I'm going to remove the dust

cover and kind of put it over here out

of the way and then I'll plug in the

microscope first of all I want to point

out some of the lenses that we find on

the

microscope on the eyepiece we have the

ocular lens that has a magnification of

10x then above the stage here we have

this revolving turret that's called the

revolving nose piece and as you can turn

this and you can select different lenses

these lenses are known as objective

lenses and the first lens here is called

the scanning lens and it has a

magnification of

4X turned it to the next one that's the

low power lens and it has a

magnification of 10x and turn it to the

third lens here um that is a high power

lens that has a magnification of 40x

total magnification is ocular times the

objective so if I have that selected to

the scanning lens uh 10 * um 4 is 40

okay if I turn it to the um low power

lens that's 10 * 10 which is 100 and if

I turn it to the high power lens that is

10 * 40 which is

400 now I also want to point out a lens

that is um under the stage too and this

is a lens that's called the condenser

lens which focuses the light to a point

you know where your object is on the

stage these are the two uh focusing

knobs this large knob right over here is

the coar focus adjustment and when I

turn this it moves the stage a lot

now right in front of it is a

smaller knob that's the fine focus

adjustment I turn that it moves the

stage a

little now this is very important you

know for focusing these are par focal

microscopes what that means is that when

you first start out with putting the

slide on the stage that um when you have

it un scanning use the course Focus

only then when you move it to subsequent

lenses the low power and the high power

lenss only use the fine focus now how

about putting a slide on the microscope

so what I'm going to do is I want to

make sure that I'm on the scanning lens

uh that's the red one over here and I'm

going to get a slide and I'm going to p

pull back the stage clip and gently uh

slide that U slide into place and I can

manipulate my Slide by these knobs here

this knob will move it you know right

and left this one over here will move it

uh up and

down and other thing I want to make sure

and make sure you do have this on the um

the scanning lens I'm want to use a

course focus and make sure that

the stage is all the way up

position now these are par focal

microscopes what that means is that if

you start out with a scanning lens focus

with the course Focus but then when you

move to the um subsequent lenses the low

power and the high power only use the

fine focus okay so let me show you how

to do that now remember that I have my

station all the way up positioned and I

have it on the scanning so what Focus

knob am I going to use well the course

Focus so I'm going to look in here and

I'm going to um turn this until my image

comes into focus and now I see it in

perfect Focus right now

now I move it to the next lens which is

the low power LDS but remember these are

par focal microscopes so now I use the

fine focus adjustment so I'll turn the

fine focus looking in here until it

comes into perfect

Focus okay I got it in focus and if I go

to the high power lens I'm going to um

you know turn the revolving nose piece

and put the lens in the place and again

I going to use the fine focus and now my

image comes in The View

and that's basically how you um you know

use these

microscopes some times the Illuminator

appears not to work one of the first

things you check is if the microscope is

actually plugged in and that has

happened to me before then also after

it's plugged in make sure that you have

it turned on on and there's an on andof

switch someplace on your microscope even

it's not in this particular

location the light intensity dial is on

the side and sometimes it's too low

maybe set on one and no light will show

through so then you need to change that

intensity level by turning the

knob and making sure that that's not

your problem too all right A lot of

times a student will think that the

microscope is not working and I'm going

to answer ansers some questions that are

frequently asked one of them is the

light is on here and my Illuminator but

I don't have any light coming through to

my eye so I can't see anything in the

microscope one thing that might be wrong

is that the iris diaphragm is closed all

the way and you can see that there's no

light coming through when the diaphragm

Irish diaphragm is closed so that's one

thing that could be wrong one other

thing is if the nose piece is not

clicked into place with the objective

then again no light will come through if

it's in between two objectives so you

have to make sure that you hear that

click when you turn the revolving nose

piece another thing uh that sometimes is

an issue is if the view is

blurry sometimes of course you haven't

gotten it into Focus but then another

thing that could be wrong is that your

slide is dirty if your microscope slide

is dirty that's also going to cause some

blurry blurriness when you're trying to

see it so what I suggest is that you

take some optic lens wipes and gently

rub the

slide be careful not to rub too hard

over the specimen but just around the

edges and that will take care of should

take care of any of the smudging that's

on your slide that would cause you to

have a blurry vision when you're using

the blank slides for some reason then

sometimes they come out of the box and

they're blurry too so you can again use

these

wipes to rub the

slide and be careful while I'm doing

this or while you're doing this because

while I'm doing this it is very sharp

the slide's very sharp so you want to

make sure that you

avoid touching

the sharp edges in a way that would be

harmful to you and then the slide is

ready to go to make a wet Mount when

you've done everything you can to make

your microscope work if you still have

trouble put a red tag on it and we'll

take a look at it for you take one of

the red tags that will be located in

your lab write on the blank side What

specifically seems to be wrong with your

microscope use a twist

tie to attach the

tag and then a fix the red tag to the

ocular tube on your

microscope make sure it's going to stay

on but you don't have to do it tightly

and then once you put on

your once you put on the dust

cover I will still be able to see that

there's a red tag and I need to take a

look at something reminders for

returning your microscope to the cabinet

turn the lamp off allow it to cool

unplug your microscope remove the slide

from the stage turn the scanning power

back to the original location move the

stage to the higher most position make

sure that your stage is

centered neatly store the electrical

cord when you're finished with that pull

the dust cover over and then carry it

with two hands back to the cabinet

making sure that you don't bump it into

the other microscopes that are already

in the

cabinet