What Is A Binocular Light Microscope?

A binocular light microscope is one of the most widely used microscopes especially in biological research. In light microscopes visible light is used to magnify and study microscopic images and ‘binocular’ means that device is adapted for use by two eyes. The light microscope is also referred to as the optical microscope which is one of the simplest forms of microscopes.

Binocular light microscope can be either simple or compound. A simple light microscope comprises of a single convex lens which despite its simplicity has the ability to produce detailed images. In compound light microscopes there are many lenses that magnify the image. These many lenses reduce optical aberrations and in some instruments a lamp is also used to provide stable illumination.

An important part is the eyepiece. It comprises of a cylinder with about a couple of lenses or more that are used to bring the image to focus. These eyepieces are interchangeable and come with varying degrees of magnifications. In top end microscopes the magnification of the eyepiece and the objective lens is similar and ensures better quality images.

The objective lens is attached to the lower end of the microscope. There may be more than a couple of objective lenses which can be selected depending upon the kind of magnification required by the user. The various lenses include low power and high power lenses, scanning lenses and oil immersion lenses.

 

Stageis the area where the object being studied is placed. It has a hole in the center to allow passage of light that will illuminate the specimen.

 

Some instruments have mirrors to direct daylight, but these are in very basic models only. Most of the binocular light microscopes have a source of illumination that is focused through a condenser. The condenser has provisions to adjust the quality and the intensity of the illumination. Most of the instruments use an Abbe Condenser.  It is always better to use a source of light that is soft and not harsh. Incandescent or tungsten lights are not recommended as they may dry the specimen being observed. Soft fluorescent lights are recommended.

Brightfield Microscopy: In this technique light is used to magnify stained specimens or specimens that have contrasting colors. Köhler illumination is used to ensure that the specimen is properly illuminated. This ensures that the specimen is evenly illuminated.

 

Dark Field Microscopy: In this technique the image is obliquely illuminated. Direct light does not fall on the objective lenses. The specimen is thus displayed as a bright object in a dark background.

 

Rheinberg Illumination: This technique is similar to Dark field microscopy but the specimen is optically stained using a series of filters.

 

There are other techniques such as the Phase Contrast, Polarised Light, Differential Interference Contrast and Fluorescence Microscopy.

 

You can shop for a binocular light microscope online or visit a few local dealers. It is recommended that you know your needs in order to select the right kind of binocular light microscope. It is also recommended that you ask for a demo and try the microscope before you decide to purchase it. When you compare features and rates you will be able to get an instrument of good quality that does not ruin your budget. You can enjoy your work if you have an instrument that is easy to use and is of good quality.