A microscope is one of the most interesting and popular scientific instruments, from childhood immersing people in the world of small details that cannot be seen with the ordinary eye. The process of using this device does not seem complicated, however, to get the maximum benefit from a session of researching an object, you need to know the principle of operation and the nuances of its operation. The rules for working with the microscope contain instructions for preparing the device, its setup, use and care. Their observance will not only make the study process more efficient, but also extend the life of the device.
The device and the principle of operation of the device
An ordinary microscope is formed by several functional parts, including mechanical, lighting and optical. For the convenience of physical handling of the device, a supporting and regulating equipment is provided, which includes a tripod, base, holders and tuning units for working parts. This is the mechanical basis of the device. And the mirror or special lamps are responsible for the direction of the light flux. In the latest models, an LED is connected to improve the quality of the image.
As for the reproducing part, it forms a group of lenses that provide a sufficient increase. All the described components in the complex determine the principle of operation of the microscope, which is based on the optical magnification of objects through lenses. Actually, the entire design of the device is designed for convenient technical organization of the process. The user is required to at least place the object under study on a glass slide, and then adjust the mechanical part with an eyepiece and a lens. The further process will depend on the specific objectives of the study.
Features of electronic models
Modern microscopes are equipped with an electronic control and data reporting system. Also increases the power of the optical part, providing an increase of up to 10,000 times. Energy support is fundamentally distinguished by an electron microscope. The principle of operation is based on the use of charged particles, whose energy is at least 200 keV. Directed electron fluxes are formed by a conventional cathode made of a latan alloy or tungsten.
The function of a kind of controller is performed by magnetic lenses. They correct the movement of electrons in the tube of the apparatus. As a result, part of them dissipates, and the other part passes the sample, presenting visual information about the structure of the object. It is important to emphasize that the principle of operation of this type of microscope allows for close interaction with computer technology. Already in the process of research, the operator can display on the monitor a picture of the target object with a detailed graphic study. Special programs may be included in the research process for automatically compiling the characteristics of an object based on the information received.
Rules for working with a microscope for students
At the first acquaintance with this device, you should master the basic instructions for handling it. Among these rules are the following:
- The position in the process should be sedentary.
- Before research, all optical equipment is wiped with a cloth.
- The device should be in front of the user about 3 cm from the edge of the desktop.
- Change position during the study is undesirable.
- After placing the object on a glass slide, a small increase is adjusted.
- Luminous flux, if any, is sent to the area of the object, and the lens approaches it up to 1 cm.
- You can look into the eyepiece with only one eye, and adjust your sharpness with your hands using a screw for coarse adjustment. It is important to emphasize here that the rules for working with a microscope prohibit lowering the lens precisely at the time of observation through the eyepiece. This limitation is due to the fact that the front lens during such manipulations can damage the glass.
- After completion of work, a small increase is again set, the lens rises, and the working glass is cleaned.
Commonly made errors when working with the device
There are two categories of errors associated with controlling the microscope and its functional organs. They are associated with the control of lighting equipment and the transition between zoom modes. As for the light, the errors relate to two points:
- Third-party furnishings in the room fall into view. The situation can be corrected by rebuilding the capacitor (lowering) to a level until the interference is eliminated.
- Incorrect fixing of the lens on the optical axis. As a result, part of the review may be obscured. The problem is solved by turning the design revolver until it clicks.
Also, the rules for working with a microscope require careful attention to adjusting the optics. When moving from a small magnification to a large one, a lack of focus is often encountered. This can be caused either by the fact that the object has left the field of view, or by the incorrect position of the cover glass in a downward direction.
Microscope Maintenance and Care
After finishing work, use the screws to lift the tube, remove the preparation from the slide and bring the device to the inoperative position. As already mentioned, optical parts should be wiped, which will preserve their integrity. These are the most sensitive structural elements, the damage of which can negatively affect the quality of observations. How to work with a microscope to maintain the integrity of the lenses? First of all, the device should always be located on a flat surface, which minimizes the risk of falling. Direct contacts with the surfaces of optical parts are minimized at all - only a soft cloth with cleaning solutions can be an exception. It is recommended to store the microscope in a case, and it is better to keep the same lenses with other sensitive elements in plastic bags.
Conclusion
Today, there are many new types of this device that offer new research opportunities. In this regard, the rules for working with a microscope also change, in particular, the requirements for the organization of electrical communications, program control, etc. are introduced.
This applies to electronic models, but mechanical devices are not lagging behind in their development. They are equipped with more ergonomic and functional controls, a new generation of effective optical accessories and a wide range of optional tools like the same LEDs.