Chapter 1 - Using the Microscope

Question 1

What are five rules of ergonomics to follow when using the microscope?

Answer 1

1. Neutral neck
2. Straight back
3. Supported elbows
4. Padded surface
5. Do not ignore discomfort or pain

Question 2

What are the four conjugate planes in the image path of a microscope?

Answer 2

1. The field diaphragm
2. The slide or specimen
3. The fixed diaphragm within the eyepiece
4. Your retinas

Question 3

Where are the four conjugate planes of the light source in a microscope?

Answer 3

Ideally…

1. The light bulb itself
2. The condenser’s aperture diaphragm
3. The back focal plane of the objective
4. Your corneas, roughly

Question 4

What is Kohler illumination?

Answer 4

When the ideal conjugate plane images are aligned correctly, essentially ensuring even light transmission through the specimen.

Question 5

How is Kohler illumination achieved?

Answer 5

Focusing on a slide with a 10x objective, adjusting eye pieces, closing the diaphragm, adjusting the condenser to that the diaphragm rim is crisp, then opening the diaphragm.

Question 6

What is parfocality and how is it achieved?

Answer 6

When all objectives are at the same focus.

Focus at 40x, then move to 4x and focus using eyepieces. This may not be fully achievable without servicing if one objective is simply off.

Question 7

How can you mimic polarization?

Answer 7

Flipping the condenser out of view, or closing the diaphragm.

Question 8

How can you provide a 1.25x view without having such an objective?

Answer 8

Place the slide directly on the field diaphragm.