BCAS Campus

The Microscope

Laboratory Techniques

Randika
7/14/2015

Table of Contents
Introduction of Microscope 3
How to Use a Light Microscope 4
How to Focus Microscope 5
How to Clean Microscope 6
How to Maintain Microscope 6
How to Change Powers of Microscope 7

Introduction of Microscope
"Micro" refers to tiny, "scope" refers to view or look at. Microscopes are tools used to enlarge small objects so as they can be studied. Microscopes range from a simple magnifying glass to the expensive electron microscope. The compound light microscope is the most common instrument used in education
Today. It is an instrument containing two lenses, which magnifies, and a variety of knobs to resolve
(Focus) the picture. It is
Slowly turn the coarse adjustment so that the objective lens goes up (away from the slide). Continue until the image comes into focus. Use the fine adjustment, if available, for fine focusing.
7. Move the microscope slide around so that the image is in the center of the field of view and readjust the mirror, illuminator or diaphragm for the clearest image.
8. You should be able to change to the next objective lenses with only slight focusing adjustment. Use the fine adjustment, if available. If you cannot focus on your specimen, repeat steps 4 through 7 with the higher power objective lens in place. DO NOT ALLOW THE LENS TO TOUCH THE SLIDE!
9. The proper way to use a monocular microscope is to look through the eyepiece with one eye and keep the other eye open (this helps avoid eye strain). If you have to close one eye when looking into the microscope, it's ok. Remember, everything is upside down and backwards. When you move the slide to the right, the image goes to the left!
10. Do not touch the glass part of the lenses with your fingers. Use only special lens paper to clean the lenses. (Read the page on keeping your microscope clean)
11. When finished, raise the tube, click the low power lens into position and remove the
Even student models come at a price tag that will make you take your microscope seriously. Microscopes vary in quality and function, but their lifespan will be extended if you maintain them properly. In fact, with the right maintenance, most microscopes will last for many years. If you are the proud owner of a microscope, now is the time to learn how to maintain it.
Steps
1. Keep your microscope on a firm, flat surface at all times. This will prevent the microscope from motion that could cause parts to break or come loose.
2. Select a location for your microscope that is cool and dry. This will prevent the growth of mold, mildew and fungus and keep parts from becoming rusty or brittle.
3. Cover your microscope with plastic any time it is not being used. This will keep dust off the lens. Plastic microscope covers can be purchased wherever microscopes are sold and many microscopes come with such covers.
4. Check for dust on the lens periodically. If you spot any dust, gently remove it using a camelhair art brush.
5. Buy lens cleaning fluid and lens paper. These are used to remove oil from the lens of a microscope.
6. Store the microscope for long periods of time by placing it in a large, sealable plastic bag. Throw a few packets of silica gel into the bag before sealing it. This will keep the air inside the bag dry and prevent mold from