How to Improve Light Microscope Resolution
The resolving power of a microscope is the most important feature of the system. Resolution is defined as the ability of a microscope to distinguish between multiple objects that are extremely close in space. Oil immersion is used to increase microscope resolution at higher magnifications. The oil, which has the same refractive index as the slide, prevents light from refracting between the specimen and the objective lens, resulting in a sharper image.
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Instructions
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Turn on the light source for the microscope. Gently spin the rotating nose piece so the smallest magnification objective lens is directed toward the stage. You can ensure the lens is in place by listening for a click as the smallest of the three lenses attached to the nose piece rotates into place.
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Set the slide on the stage so the specimen is in the center. Look through the ocular lens and use the coarse adjustment knob, the larger of two knobs on the side of the microscope, to adjust the height of the slide and find the specimen under the microscope. Use the fine adjustment knob, the smaller of the two knobs on the side of the microscope, to focus on the specimen once it is found.
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Adjust the nosepiece again so that the next higher magnification objective lens is in use. Rotate the fine adjustment knob to focus on the specimen.
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Place a drop of immersion oil directly on the slide cover slip. Rotate the nosepiece so the high power oil immersion lens is directly in the oil. Use the fine adjustment knob to focus on the specimen.
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Wipe the oil off the objective lens using a glass cleaner cloth after you have finished viewing the specimen.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not use the coarse adjustment knob under high magnifications because it may damage the objective lens.
References
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- Photo Credit Microscope image by e-pyton from Fotolia.com
