A compound microscope looks something like this:
Start using your compound microscope to observe samples by following these steps. Use the above labeled microscope image if you are unsure where certain parts are located on the microscope.
- Plug in your microscope (unless it is cordless), and turn on the light. Tip: Control the light intensity as needed to see your sample clearly. Start with medium light intensity. You will need to increase the light intensity as you view samples under increased magnification.
- Carefully rotate the revolving nosepiece (refer to image above) so that you are using the 4x objective lens to view your sample. Each objective lens is marked with its magnification. Tip: Always start viewing with the lowest magnification objective (usually 4x for compound microscopes). Do not hold onto the objectives to rotate the nosepiece. Instead, use the dial on the nosepiece to rotate it.
- Place the slide with your sample on the microscope stage. Make sure that the specimen is directly under the objective and directly above the light source.
- If the microscope has stage clips, as shown in the above image, the slide may be placed under the clips to hold it in place. However, you will want to wait to secure the sample until after you have gotten it in focus. Use your fingers to slowly manipulate the sample while looking through the microscope eyepieces to properly position it before securing the slide with the clips.
- If the microscope has a mechanical stage (refer to the image to the left), the clip does not go on top of the slide. Instead, release the lever on the mechanical stage. Place the slide on the microscope stage and let the tension from the lever on the mechanical stage hold the slide in place. Use the control knobs for the mechanical stage to properly position your slide.
- Use the coarse focus knob to raise the microscope stage so that it is close to the sample. Once the sample is close to the objective, look through the microscope eyepiece(s) and bring it into focus using the fine focus adjustment knob. Tip: use caution when adjusting with the coarse focus to make sure that the objective lens never hit the slide or the stage.
- Adjust the condenser as needed to control the amount of light reaching the sample. Learn more about the function of a microscope condenser or iris diaphragm.
- To view your specimen at a higher magnification, rotate the objective turret to the next higher objective (10x). While viewing your sample through the microscope eyepiece(s), adjust the focus using only the fine focus knob. (You should not need to adjust the focus very much from one objective to the next.) Repeat this process with the other objective(s), increasing the magnification in from the lowest magnification objective to the highest magnification objective. Tip: You may need to adjust the light intensity and/ or the condenser on your microscope to control the amount of light reaching your sample when you change objective lenses as you increase the magnification.
- Finally, properly caring for your microscope ensures that you will be able to use it for a long time. Here are some tips for caring for your microscope.
Tips on slides: Purchase prepared slides if you would like to easily see various types of samples. You may also make your own slides. Using a glass cover slip ensures that the sample stays in place. Read these tips for preparing your own slides.
Contact Microscope World with questions about how to start using your compound microscope.
