Compound Microscope.

Introduction:

Generally an object smaller than 0.1 mm cannot be seen by our eyes. Therefore, to observe an object smaller than this, an instrument is used called “Microscope”.
Microscope was first invented by a Dutch spectacle maker, Zaccharias Janssen.
Different types of Microscopes are available today which offer different functionalities and greater magnification.
Compound microscopes are generally used in the laboratories.

This is the U-shaped lower portion of the microscope on which the other parts of the microscope are placed.
Above the U-shaped portion, there is a perpendicular portion known as the pillar.
On the top of this, another arm is fixed, this is known as inclination joint.
An inclination joint can be used to tilt the microscope at a desired angle.

It supports the body tube and base of the microscope.
This portion is used to hold or carry the microscope.
On the basis of this, the stage is fixed.
On the top of the arm body tube of the microscope is fixed and two knobs are fitted.
One is for the coarse adjustment and the other for the fine adjustment.
These are used for focussing the body tube.

This is attached to the knob of the arm.
It has one lens on the upper end known as an eyepiece.
This lens can be changed according to the required magnification.
On the bottom of this tube there is a nose piece.
Two to four lenses can be fitted in this nose piece.
Because the lenses are fitted on the objective, these are known as objective lenses.
These are fitted in the body tube, known as the objective lens body. The objective lens body is fitted into the noise piece.

It is a platform having a circular hole in the centre to allow the passage for light from below.
It is fixed to the base by the stand.
One mirror is fixed to the stand, it is known as a reflecting mirror.
Below the stage is a condenser through which a concentrated beam of light passes.
Iris diaphragm is also attached to the condenser.
The reflecting mirror reflects the light upward through the iris and diaphragm. This beam of light passes through the hole in the stage and provides light to the object kept on the slides.
There are two clips for holding the slide above the hole on the stage.

To use the microscope first of all rotate the nosepiece until the low power objective is in line with the body tube and clicks into position.
Open the iris diaphragm.
Look through the eyepiece, adjust the mirror and diaphragm to set a complete field of vision.
Place the slide you want to examine on the stage of the microscope and by the help of the clip fix it.
Move the slide till the object comes roughly to the centre of the hole or the stage.
Bring the object into focus using the coarse adjustment knob.
Turn the fine adjustment knob to bring the object into sharp focus.
The multiplication of magnification of eyepiece and nosepiece denotes “Magnification Power” of the microscope.

Microscope is a costly equipment & should be handled carefully.
Always keep the microscope in an upright position while moving it from one place to another.
Carry it holding the arm by one hand and supporting the base by another hand.
As far as possible don’t tilt the arm.
Clean the lenses of the microscope with the lens paper or muslin cloth, never use the filter or any other kind of paper.
If you are using the high power objective lens then after the observation is over, turn the nose piece and bring a low power objective lens in line with the hole in the stage.
Objective lenses should be kept at least 1 cm above the stage.
After using the microscope, always keep it in the box.
Take care to see that the stage of microscope, the eye piece, the objective lens are dry and clean. No chemical should stick to these.
Adjustment knobs and joints should be protected from rusting by applying petroleum jelly.