How to use a Compound Microscope| Monocular brightfield microscope

Summary

This instructional video offers a practical guide to quickly setting up a compound monocular bright field light microscope for specimen examination. It covers the initial setup, including positioning the microscope, adjusting the eyepiece and objectives, and ensuring optimal lighting conditions. The script also details focusing techniques, from low to high power, and the use of immersion lenses for observing minute biological details. It emphasizes the importance of careful handling and proper cleaning to maintain the microscope's performance and longevity.

Takeaways

• 🔬 The video provides a practical guide on setting up a compound monocular bright field light microscope for specimen viewing and study.
• 📦 When unpacking the microscope, hold it securely with both hands to prevent any damage.
• 📐 Position the microscope on the table with the arm towards the user and the base at least three inches from the edge to ensure stability.
• 🌞 If using natural light, place the microscope near a window for optimal illumination; artificial light sources allow for more flexible placement.
• 👀 Adjust the microscope's inclination for comfortable viewing without straining the neck and shoulders, especially for dry permanent slides.
• 🔍 Clean the eyepiece and objective lenses with lens cloth or paper to ensure clear viewing.
• 💡 Set up the light source correctly, whether using natural daylight, an external lamp, or an inbuilt light source like LED or halogen.
• 🔦 Adjust the mirror and condenser aperture to uniformly illuminate the field of view without being excessively bright.
• 🛠️ Use the coarse adjustment knob to position the objective lens and place the specimen slide on the stage with care.
• 🔬 After centering the specimen, lower the objective lens carefully and adjust the lighting for uniformity before focusing.
• 🔍 For high magnification, switch to a high power objective lens and use the fine adjustment knob to achieve clear focus without damaging the slide or lens.
• 🍃 Use a blue filter for a clear white background in the field of view, which is beneficial for observing the true color of the specimen.
• 🚫 When using a 100x oil immersion lens, ensure the specimen is dead and permanently fixed on the slide for clarity, and clean the lens and slide thoroughly after use.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is to provide a practical guide on how to quickly set up a compound monocular bright field light microscope for specimen viewing and study.

What should be the first step after removing the microscope from its box?

The first step is to bring the microscope to the working table by holding it with both hands, one hand firmly holding the arm and the other supporting the base, and then safely position it on the table.

How should the microscope be positioned in relation to natural light?

If natural sunlight is to be used, the microscope should be placed in a location with sufficient access to bright or diffuse light, but not direct sunlight, preferably close to a window.

What is the recommended position for the microscope when using an external artificial light source or an inbuilt light source?

When using an external artificial light source or an inbuilt light source, the location of the microscope placement doesn't matter much as long as the light source is positioned correctly.

Why should the microscope be kept in an upright position or with minimal inclination for temporary slide preparations?

The microscope should be kept in an upright position for temporary slide preparations to avoid the specimen and the cover glass from slipping off the slide during examination.

What is the first thing to check after positioning the microscope?

The first thing to check is the eyepiece for dust and dirt, and if necessary, clean it using a lens cloth or lens paper.

How should the low power objective lens be positioned in line with the eyepiece?

The low power objective lens should be positioned by rotating the nose piece until one of the low power lenses clicks into position and aligns itself with the body tube.

What is the purpose of adjusting the iris diaphragm and condenser lenses?

Adjusting the iris diaphragm and condenser lenses helps to ensure they are free from dust and dirt, and to control the amount of light passing through, which affects the contrast and brightness of the specimen view.

How can the field of view be uniformly illuminated without being excessively bright?

The field of view can be uniformly illuminated by adjusting the mirror sideways and up and down, as well as adjusting the aperture of the iris diaphragm.

What is the correct procedure for placing a prepared slide onto the microscope stage?

For a simple stage with two spring clips, slide the glass slide from the terminal ends of the clips. For a mechanical stage setup, pull the spring-loaded slide clip away from the center, place the slide securely, and then bring the clip back in position to hold the slide.

Why is it important to adjust the lighting distribution in the field of view a second time after lowering the objective lens?

Adjusting the lighting distribution a second time ensures that the illuminated light is uniform throughout the field of view, which is necessary for clear visibility of the specimen once it comes into focus.

What is the purpose of using a blue filter in some microscopes?

A blue filter renders the light source colorless, providing a clear white background in the field of view, which is soothing to the eyes and does not mask the true color of the specimen.

How should the high power objective lens be used to avoid damaging the lens or the slide?

When using a high power objective lens, only the fine adjustment knob should be used to bring the image into clear focus to avoid accidental breakage due to overshooting the lens against the slide surface.

What is the main advantage of using an oil immersion lens in microscopy?

The main advantage of using an oil immersion lens is that it allows for the examination of extremely tiny objects, such as bacteria, with high clarity, but it is only suitable for dead specimens that have been permanently fixed on the slide.

Why is it necessary to readjust the lighting after switching to a high power objective lens?

Readjusting the lighting is necessary to attain the ideal brightness, uniformity, contrast, and resolution when observing the specimen under a high power objective lens.

What is the recommended procedure for cleaning the microscope after use?

After use, clean the lenses, stage, and body with a lens cloth, lower the body tube to the minimum, keep the nose piece in a neutral position without any objective in alignment, and cover or store the microscope properly.