Binocular Microscope Definition

A binocular microscope has two ocular lenses.

Using binocular lenses allows a person to view an object with greater clarity and to make more accurate depth assumptions. Binocular lenses are usually found on compound light microscopes, which incorporate the two ocular lenses to give a better image when the sample is viewed.

Binocular Vision

Binocular vision allows people to have greater depth perception.

Binocular lenses allow for both eyes to be used together when looking through a microscope. There is typically no need to close one eye, as you would when using a monocular lens, and usually there is increased resolution and depth perception when viewing a sample with both eyes.

Binocular Lenses

There can be one (monocular) or two (binocular) lenses on a microscope.

A binocular microscope is a light microscope with two ocular lenses. These lenses are located at the top of the microscope and are used for viewing the slide. The light microscope uses visible light and a series of lenses to magnify small images, such as bacteria on a slide; the sample can be observed directly through the binocular lenses.

Compound Microscope

The binocular setup is usually seen on the compound light microscope. The multiple objective lenses on the compound microscope allow a sample to be magnified at different strengths, allowing for a more close-up view of the sample.

References

• "Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach, 3rd Edition"; Dee Silverthorn; 2004
• University of Cambridge: Optical Microscopy and Specimen Preparation
• "Microbiology Lab Manual"; TCCD South Campus; Chess, Kleyn, Bicknell, Brown, and Harley; 2009