Things to Look For in a Research Microscope
http://www.computerslive.net/articles/7926/1/Things-to-Look-For-in-a-Research-Microscope/Page1.html
Edison Ramsey
On an important research? Surely you need a digital microscope or a research microscope for that. Visit CanScope.ca to learn more about these lab instruments and to find wonderful picks of student's microscopes. By Edison Ramsey
Published on 02/21/2010
The research microscope is one of the most expensive investments for many laboratories, which makes choosing the right one all the more important After all, you do want to secure the best equipment that your money can buy
The research microscope is one of the most expensive investments for many laboratories, which makes choosing the right one all the more important. After all, you do want to secure the best equipment that your money can buy.
On the downside, choosing the right microscope for your research needs can be complicated, thanks in large part to the many types, models and specifications involved. On the upside, you can always refer to the following general characteristics of the right microscope for research purposes.
Flexible System Format
You should be able to easily attach a wide variety of accessories to the research microscope without compromising the images in any way. This is very important as image quality is very important in research that, in turn, often requires enhancement techniques and tools.
Thus, you have to choose the unit with the necessary ports for video and film attachments as well as for fluorescence attachment. To enhance flexibility of the system format, ambidextrous low-drive control, rotating mechanism and torque adjustment mechanism may also be added to the mix of desirable characteristics in a microscope.
Modularity & Versatility
You want a microscope that will fully expand in its design in accordance with your growing needs. This way, you are assured that you will have flexible and modular configurations even for the special high-end research applications.
As much as possible, you need to ensure that all the components of the research microscope - from the stage to the eyepieces to the light source - have the capability to be customized and mounted into the main unit. Again, the image quality must not suffer. You may also require added flexibility and versatility through the use of single set of objectives for darkfield, brightfield, fluorescence and Nomarski DIC observation.
Ergonomic Comfort
Of course, you must be able to use the microscope with as much ease, comfort and convenience as possible. Desirable qualities to look for are a turret that rotates in either direction, filter set identification markers that are clearly indicated, and all other controls from the shutters to the slots must be within easy reach.
Keep in mind that you might be using the research microscope for hours on end so it pays to choose based on image quality as well as ergonomic comfort.
Advanced Fluorescence Technology
When and where possible, you must be able to attach fluorescence applications to the microscope. This is possible through the attachment of the fluorescence illuminator, which results in greater thermal and mechanical stability.
Also, a good research microscope should be able to achieve enhanced differentiations of fluorescence specimens as well as enhanced visibility of the details.
Enhanced Resolution and Contrast
It is also a very good idea to secure a microscope that provide for enhanced contrast or resolution, usually through a set of prisms. You want magnifications that provide clearer, better image details of the specimen under study.
With these general characteristics of an excellent research microscope, you should be able to choose the best value for your money. Someday soon, humanity will thank you for your new discoveries.
CanScope - complete solution for all your microscopy needs.
Contact: 1-877-56SCOPE(72673) or info@CanScope.ca
On the downside, choosing the right microscope for your research needs can be complicated, thanks in large part to the many types, models and specifications involved. On the upside, you can always refer to the following general characteristics of the right microscope for research purposes.
Flexible System Format
You should be able to easily attach a wide variety of accessories to the research microscope without compromising the images in any way. This is very important as image quality is very important in research that, in turn, often requires enhancement techniques and tools.
Thus, you have to choose the unit with the necessary ports for video and film attachments as well as for fluorescence attachment. To enhance flexibility of the system format, ambidextrous low-drive control, rotating mechanism and torque adjustment mechanism may also be added to the mix of desirable characteristics in a microscope.
Modularity & Versatility
You want a microscope that will fully expand in its design in accordance with your growing needs. This way, you are assured that you will have flexible and modular configurations even for the special high-end research applications.
As much as possible, you need to ensure that all the components of the research microscope - from the stage to the eyepieces to the light source - have the capability to be customized and mounted into the main unit. Again, the image quality must not suffer. You may also require added flexibility and versatility through the use of single set of objectives for darkfield, brightfield, fluorescence and Nomarski DIC observation.
Ergonomic Comfort
Of course, you must be able to use the microscope with as much ease, comfort and convenience as possible. Desirable qualities to look for are a turret that rotates in either direction, filter set identification markers that are clearly indicated, and all other controls from the shutters to the slots must be within easy reach.
Keep in mind that you might be using the research microscope for hours on end so it pays to choose based on image quality as well as ergonomic comfort.
Advanced Fluorescence Technology
When and where possible, you must be able to attach fluorescence applications to the microscope. This is possible through the attachment of the fluorescence illuminator, which results in greater thermal and mechanical stability.
Also, a good research microscope should be able to achieve enhanced differentiations of fluorescence specimens as well as enhanced visibility of the details.
Enhanced Resolution and Contrast
It is also a very good idea to secure a microscope that provide for enhanced contrast or resolution, usually through a set of prisms. You want magnifications that provide clearer, better image details of the specimen under study.
With these general characteristics of an excellent research microscope, you should be able to choose the best value for your money. Someday soon, humanity will thank you for your new discoveries.
CanScope - complete solution for all your microscopy needs.
Contact: 1-877-56SCOPE(72673) or info@CanScope.ca