Cell Biology & Histology A560
    Use of the light microscope, the condenser and iris adjustment.
     
     

    Every now and then, someone will have fiddled with the position of the condenser.
    • If it's too high, your slide will have a real grainy look and you'll never be able bring the image into focus.
    • The top of the condenser should be about 1/4 of an inch below the slide you're viewing.
    • Use the condenser adjustment knob to get it where it belongs.
    The diaphragm of the iris is the mechanism that directs the light in a straight-line path through the slide. The iris adjustment also seems to be a favorite for people to monkey with.
    • If it's too wide open, it might be difficult to get the image into sharp focus.
    • If it's to tight, the field will be dim and the cells and fibers will have an annoying refractile quality. Although sometimes this effect can be helpful. An example is looking at RBCs that contain sickled hemoglobin.
    • To adjust, move the little iris lever (a little flat lever with a serrated edge) all the way to the right and then open it back up to about 1/4 of the way.
    • If you are looking in the oculars while doing this, you will see the field lighten up and the refractile quality of the fiber structures disappear.

    Sum it up please and tell me about this virtual microscope.

     


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