Objects too small to see with the naked eye must be viewed with a microscope. While a standard microscope may enhance a slide 100 times up to perhaps 300 times its normal size, it has limited options for extremely small specimens. A compound microscope is the next phase of scope and allows you to see objects magnified 1,000 times. Compound microscopes come with an internal light source, which adjusts via the diaphragm. The focusing knobs on the side of the scope provide both gross and meticulous detail. Learning to adjust and operate a compound microscope is an essential step in acclimating yourself to lab work.
Instructions
1. Set your microscope up. A flat surface will work best. You should keep the scope level.
2. Plug the cord into the electrical outlet and turn the scope's light on.
3. Open up the diaphragm on the microscope to the widest setting. A clockwise turn opens the diaphragm. This piece works to control the light hitting a slide and is located under the slide platform.
4. Place a prepared slide onto the platform.
5. Look through the eyepiece of the scope. Focus the slide by turning the large focus knob, usually located on the side of the microscope. Continue to focus on the slide until the view becomes clear.
6. Concentrate on a small detail of the slide. Use the small focus knobs to fine-tune the view. For instance, if you are looking at a stained cell, focus your attention on the membrane or border, where the stain will be darker. Adjust your focus using one of the focus knobs until the detail becomes distinct.
7. Turn the diaphragm counterclockwise to adjust the light.
8. Rotate the lens on the microscope. This increases the magnification.
9. Refocus the scope using the same procedure. Focus until the overall view is clear and then focus on a detail to fine-tune the image.
Tags: compound microscope, focus knobs