How to Improve the Resolution of a Microscope
The resolution of a microscope is defined by how well-defined an image appears under magnification. The limit of resolution is measured by how far apart two separate images can be before they appear as one. Increasing magnification does not always lead to increased resolution and, in fact, the opposite may occur. Because high-resolution images are desirable, it is important to understand how to best achieve them. There are several ways to increase the resolution of a microscope.
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Things You'll Need
- Microscope
- Focusing knobs
- Stage condenser
- Iris diaphragm
- Low-wavelength light source
Instructions
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Focus the microscope. Many times images are not clear because they are simply not in focus. When an image is in focus, the edges are sharp and resolution is higher. Focus a microscope by beginning with the lowest power objective lens and begin with the nosepiece as low as it will go without touching the slide. Move the coarse adjustment knob upward until you see the object, then switch to the fine adjustment knob. Move the knob up and down until the image is as clear as possible.
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Alter the light source. The shorter the wavelength of light illuminating the image, the better the resolution will be. Wavelengths of visible light begin very small at the blue end of the spectrum and are longer at the other, or red, end of the spectrum. Thus, having a light that tends toward being blue will present you with a higher resolution. Electron wavelengths are even smaller than any wavelength of visible light, which is why the resolution of electron microscopes is so much higher than any light microscope.
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Adjust the substage condenser or iris diaphragm. Each of these structures controls the amount of light passing through the lenses, which creates a cone. The steepness or shallowness of this cone determines the numerical aperture, which is directly related to the resolution. Smaller numerical apertures have greater resolutions.
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References
- Photo Credit Microscope image by e-pyton from Fotolia.com
