It is well known that scientists often use microscopes in their daily scientific research to look at some of the more fine observations. In fact, the more common ones are the stereo microscope and the compound microscope. Although both type of microscopes are used to magnify observations, they are still very different from a professional point of view. Let’s describe and analyze them in detail from their practical use, components and application background.
Ⅰ. The Stereo Microscope
1. What Is the Use of the Stereo Microscope?
In fact, the somatic microscope is also called anatomical microscope. Its uses are much richer than you think. First of all, it can be used to observe some non-transparent research objects that only need to be magnified at a low magnification and cannot be too small in size. A stereo microscope can be used by biologists to dissect specific organisms or other tissues. In addition, a stereo microscope can be used by mineralogists to look at minerals, to learn about their internal composition, and to understand how they grow. Finally, microscopes can also be used to observe and study delicate items such as circuit boards, as well as conductive industrial products for quality control. These are just a few of the more common uses of microscopes, but there are some other functions that have not been mentioned here.
2. What Are the Components of a Stereo Microscope?
The components of a stereo microscope are not very complex, which makes it possible for some amateurs to use a microscope to look at objects of interest to them. In general, a stereo microscope can be divided into trinocular microscopes and binocular microscopes. The main things are the eyepiece, objective lens, carrier stage and also the reflector. Here, the objective lens provides a three-dimensional picture that helps the observer to have a better view of the object under study. In addition, a body microscope generally has a knob for changing the focal length so that the user can adjust the magnification as needed to achieve the best results they expect. The combination of eyepieces and objective lenses also allows the user to adjust the magnification. The carrier table is used to hold the items we need to observe. The purpose of the reflector is to reflect the external light source, of course, there are some microscopes that come with their own light source.
3. What Are the Application Aspects of a Stereo Microscope?
As mentioned earlier, there are many uses for a stereo microscope. The total can be divided into two parts, including biology and electronic manufacturing industry. In biology, the stereo microscope can be used to study some animal and plant tissues. In the electronic manufacturing industry, people can use the stereo microscope to observe the structure of some small parts, but also can take it for quality inspection.
Ⅱ.Compound Microscope
1. What Are the Uses of Compound Microscope?
Different from the observation items of stereo microscope, compound microscope has the following characteristics of the items it observes. Including high magnification, compact size, transparent appearance of these three characteristics. The so-called compound microscope is because he has many lenses. So he will be able to be used to carry out high magnification of the items. The accuracy of the compound microscope is such that it can be used to observe cell structures. So it can also be used to observe microorganisms as well as carry out some research on histology.
2.What Are the Components of a Compound Microscope?
The components of a compound microscope are slightly different from those of a stereo microscope, which is designed with two lenses. However, they have different names. The lens close to the specimen is called the objective lens and the other lens close to the eye is called the eyepiece. The other part is the head as well as the device to adjust the focus. Finally, compound microscopes have a separate illumination system. This is different from the stereo microscope mentioned above, which has an external light source reflected from a mirror.
3. What Are the Practical Applications of the Compound Microscope?
Compound microscope has higher magnification accuracy compared with stereomicroscope, so it can be used for more detailed image observation. For example, the observation of cell structure, and some microbial research, analysis of tissue samples. Compound microscopes are also highly utilized in medicine, for example, to observe samples for medical research. In addition, there are some pathological observation and research.
Ⅲ.What Are the Differences Between the Stereo Microscope and Compound Microscope?
In fact, the most important difference between the stereo microscope and compound microscope lies in these aspects, including the appearance design, the magnification and their designed uses. Compound microscopes are used for small transparent objects that require high magnification for observation. A stereo microscope is used for non-transparent research objects that require only low magnification to see clearly. A compound microscope gives a two-dimensional view, while a stereo microscope gives a three- dimensional view. At this point, some people may ask, so since the compound microscope can observe more sophisticated things, does it mean that the compound microscope is more valuable? The answer is no. Because the use of the microscope is based on the actual needs to decide. It is not possible to achieve generalization between the two of them. So you wouldn’t be able to say which microscope is more useful or it’s worth more.
