How to Use a Fluorescence Microscope
A florescent microscope is used to study organic or inorganic matter using florescence instead of reflection or absorption (although it may also be able to use these methods in addition to forescence). The object to be studied is marked with a molecule called a fluorophore (a dye). When the florescent light is activated, the light used for illumination is separated from the florescent molecule (the fluorophore), which is much weaker. This is done through an emission filter. Care must be taken not to bleach the dye in order to keep its ability to fluoresce.
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Instructions
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Locate the light switch on the side of the microscope that turns on the light. Turn the microscope on.
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2
Write down the exact time you turn on the light. The florescent light is mercury-based, and a time log must be kept for exposure and use of the light.
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3
Locate the toggle switch on the right side of the microscope between the oculars and objectives. This switch controls the shutter for the mercury light to the objective lens.
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Select the appropriate dye for your object (this will depend entirely on what you are going to be studying). The most common dyes include I3 (for use with CTC, DTAF and fluorscein), A (for use with DAPI and f420), N21 (for use with rhodamine) and L3 (for use with fluorscein).
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Put the filter (dye) into the tray operated by the silver sliding knob. To remove the tray, simply pull the silver knob out.
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Select the lens you would like to use. The 63x objective lens will have the highest numerical aperture. The 100x objective lens will have the highest magnitude that can be used with the mercury-based florescent light source.
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Turn the light off when finished, and mark the time. Wait 30 minutes before turning the light back on, or the lamp could explode. It is a good idea to keep track of how many hours the lamp is in use and replace it according to the manufacture's guidelines.
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Clean off the microscope lens with lens paper, or if really dirty, use a cotton swap and glass cleaner.
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