Do And Don’ts While Do And Don’ts While Buying Microscopes
The microscope is one of the most important lab tools for examining materials and specimens that are invisible to the human eye. The specimen is multifold and magnified by the optical device to make it visible to the human eye.
Microscopes are widely used in various fields as they can create high-quality, highly resolved, clear, and magnified images of specimens. They can be used in chemistry, manufacturing, petrology, microbiology, molecular biology, and cell biology, among other fields in life science.
Numerous microscopes have been developed and put on the market for various uses. Every microscope is unique in its characteristics, capabilities, and functions. Therefore, purchasing a microscope that will perform well for your lab's workflow and applications might be challenging.
Things you need to do while buying a microscope:
Longevity
You should choose a microscope that is composed of sturdy materials, including metallic alloys, and that has metal screws fastened at all joints because you will be using it a lot. The microscope's finish needs to be easily cleaned and resistant to chemicals. After purchasing, remember to include the equipment in your lab's list of preventive maintenance.
Lighting
You will have various lighting options for a microscope, such as LED illuminators and fluorescent and incandescent tungsten-halogen halogen bulbs.
The use of tungsten-halogen bulbs might cause them to heat up. In contrast, fluorescent and LED lighting systems produce less heat, leading to superior options for observing samples that could be affected by environmental factors.
the stage
Generally, a mechanical stage is preferable to a manual one, particularly at high magnifications. Mechanical stages improve the tracking of moving organisms and provide simpler slide adjustment in a fine differential.
Digital Microscopes:
Compound or stereo digital microscopes are available. Users can record videos or take still photos to be viewed on a computer. Zoom, time-lapse, editing, and special effects software are all included with these microscopes.
Stereo or Compound?
Which microscope to use depends on what you plan to observe. Compound or stereo microscopes are more appropriate for larger 3-D items like insects, minerals, or mechanical parts. Compound microscopes in forensic or biological labs are more suitable for magnification tasks, like examining cells and tissue samples.
Compound microscopes, which can be monocular or binocular, often include many objective lenses that can be selected to improve magnification.
Stereo microscopes are a popular option for enthusiasts and classrooms due to their ease of setup and operation. However, a compound microscope is a better option for the close-up magnification needed in most laboratory situations.
Chromatic Aberration Correction:
The achromatic objective is the one that lab microscopes use the most frequently. They also undergo spherical correction for green wavelength aberration and blue and red wavelength aberrations. The least expensive choice may result in artifacts due to their restricted correction. Be aware that it is achromatic if the objective is left blank.
The second goal on this list is to obtain semi-apochromatic or fluorites. They cost more than achromatic objectives but have extra blue spherical corrections. Fluorites are a preferable option for color viewing and recording.
Of the three alternatives, apochromats are the most highly corrected and expensive. Blues, dark blues, red, and green are chromatically altered, while blue, deep blue, and green have spherically corrected values.
What are they don'ts while buying a microscope:
Choosing the Incorrect Kind of Microscope
The most common error is selecting the wrong kind of microscope. Compound and stereo are two main types of microscopes. Compound microscopes, also called biological microscopes, are made to magnify large images of small organisms like cells. Transmitted light enters the sample from below; hence, the specimen needs to be transparent.
On the other hand, Dividing microscopes or stereo microscopes have a lower magnification and are used to view the surface of solid objects, such as coins, rocks, or insects, using reflected light from above. They are perfect for looking at objects visible to the naked eye yet opaque.
Selecting the incorrect kind can result in pointless returns and unproductive observations. Determine your main requirements for choosing the appropriate microscope.
Overestimating One's Own Capabilities at a Certain Price:
Another common mistake is overestimating what a microscope at a given price range can accomplish. Your expectations and your spending plan must coincide. For example, a top-notch, multipurpose microscope with advanced imaging capabilities may be more expensive than a basic model.
A lack of comprehension of technical jargon and exaggerated claims can result in disappointment. To prevent underperformance, always concentrate on your required essential characteristics and be ready to allocate funds appropriately.
Missing of Fundamental Understanding of Microscopy:
Knowing too little about the fundamentals of microscopy can result in buying a microscope that doesn't suit your needs.
It is vital to understand the components and operations of a microscope, the distinction between compound and stereo microscopes, and the sources of illumination (transmitted versus reflected). To make a smart decision, familiarize yourself with these ideas.
This fundamental understanding will improve your microscopy experience and help you avoid costly blunders.
Ignoring to Maintain Future Proof of Your Purchase
A typical mistake when purchasing a microscope is to pay attention to future needs. Selecting a microscope that can accept updates or additional accessories makes sense.
For example, make sure your selected microscope can accommodate the addition of a darkfield condenser if you plan to examine live blood cells in the future.
This planning can ensure that your equipment remains adaptable as your needs change and spare you the cost of purchasing a new microscope later.
Not Raising the Correct Questions:
When purchasing, asking precise questions about the microscope's features and specs is essential. Find out about the kind of lighting, the objectives' optical quality, and the numerical aperture rating.
Also, check if the condenser is fixed or adjustable. Find out the zoom range, working distance, and field of view of stereo microscopes. Check the camera requirements and compatibility of the eyepieces with digital microscopes.
By asking the proper questions, you can ensure that the item you're purchasing fits your needs and that you understand it well.
Final words:
Purchasing a microscope can be challenging, and it is a fact. However, following the dos and don'ts when buying a microscope, you can find an ideal microscope for your requirements. Using these points, you can make a wise choice that advances your research and adds long-term value.
