Powerful microscope. The most powerful optical microscope in the world will allow you to see living viruses. Which company microscope to choose?

A microscope is not only a professional device, but also a way to attract children and adolescents to science. There are certain differences in the wide range of devices.

Design and principle of operation

The design consists of a tube - a hollow tube where the eyepiece (lens system) is equipped. When it is removed, the magnification is adjusted. The device is equipped with attachments for one (monocular) or two eyes (binocular) or a double lens with a camera for shooting.

A lens is placed in front of the object being examined. It comes in two types: dry and immersion. The increase is carried out by a special mechanism - a revolving attachment (expensive models). Simple models require manual lens changing.

The element under study is placed on the object stage. To move the object vertically, use the adjustment screw. The illumination is adjusted by a capacitor. Some models are equipped with backlighting (electric or mirror).

• The object under study is placed on a glass slide and covered with a thin glass plate.
• The light is concentrated by a third lens system - a capacitor, which is attached by a holder. Below is a lighting mirror that transmits light from the lamp.
• The image is saved if the microscope is equipped with a camera.

The operating principle of an electron microscope is based on imaging a beam of charged energy particles. They are controlled by magnetic lenses that control the movement of electrons.

One part is scattered, the second passes through the object. Information comes from the charges and is shown on the screen.

The main purpose is to obtain enlarged images, measure objects visible or invisible to the eye.

Main goals:

• Editing schemes.
• Defect analyses.
• Monitoring.
• Preparation of materials.
• Testing.
• Taking microcharacteristics.

The scope of microscopes is immensely wide: metrology, cryobiology, toxicology, virology, nanometrology, chemistry, biology, forensics.

Functions of microscopes

• Creation of a luminous flux.
• Reproducing an enlarged optical image.
• Image visualization.

How to choose a microscope

Construction type

The material used to make the device indicates the reliability and durability of the product. The metal alloy has the best characteristics. Its structure reduces vibration, and there are no fluctuations during temperature changes.

The plastic case is inferior to the metal one in terms of strength.

Optics

The most important parameter is the arrangement of a high-quality focus.

Standard lenses are DIN or JIN. These models are available for retail sale and are easy to replace if they break down.

Lenses provide light correction.

The greater their number, the better the colors are reproduced, especially at long distances. Plastic versions that are equipped with children's microscopes provide an unclear and blurry image.

Eyepieces

Lenses located closer to the eye. They are characterized by a wide field of view, which gives a larger image. It's easier for your eyes to focus on an object. The minimum permissible diameter of the eyepiece lenses is 18 mm.

Backlight

• Incandescent lamp. The simplest and most inexpensive.
• Fluorescent lighting. Glass flask filled with gas. It costs more, but lasts longer.
• LED lamps. They are professional devices, economical and effective.
• Halogen lamps. A powerful stream of white light guarantees bright illumination in all conditions.

Focus

Coarse focusing consists of a single control that moves the subject through the focal plane of the lens. The knob is turned to see the image, but this is difficult to do.

With precise focusing, the object is magnified in the vertical and horizontal plane.

• Replaceable eyepieces. Replacing the mechanism occurs quickly, which limits the ingress of dust, since these areas are difficult to clean.
• Experiment kit. If the package includes ready-made samples, then you can start working immediately after purchasing the microscope. This is convenient, but does not play a role when choosing a suitable device.
• Digital screen. This device is suitable as a way to demonstrate the process, since the actions are visible on the display. But the cost increases significantly; almost all models are connected to external monitors.

What should a good microscope be like?

An important requirement for a quality product is a binocular or trinocular attachment. Two eyepieces allow you to look with both eyes and do not cause strain on the eyes during prolonged use.

The trinocular mechanism includes an additional tube for mounting a camera, so observation, photography or video recording can be carried out simultaneously.

Characteristics

• Iris diaphragm.
• Filter holder
• Magnification up to 2000 times.
• Subject table with drug holder.
• Powerful backlight (bottom, top).
• Precise, coarse focusing.
• AC adapter.

Pros:

• Built-in screen.
• High-quality optics.
• Work from the network and autonomous.
• Diopter vision correction.
• Ergonomic tripod design.
• Complete set for research.
• Record photos and video files with output to a computer.
• The optical design of the microscope is designed for infinity.

Minuses:

• High price.
• Heavy weight or volume.

Device for precision work, soldering, installation of electronic cards, microcircuits. When repairing and restoring electronic devices, there is a need to solder small parts. Most cases involve searching for microcracks in motherboards.

The device is equipped with manual focusing, smooth zoom, and backlight.

Using programs, angles, distances, areas, radii are measured with magnification up to a micrometer.
Rating:

• Konus Crystal PRO 7-45X Stereo- the most multifunctional. The trinocular device is intended for soldering, jewelry workshops, and dental laboratories.

Binocular and stereoscopic attachments complement the capabilities of the product. Distance, diopters are adjustable, halogen lighting is adjustable.

• Andonstar A 1- the most productive. The magnification reaches 500x by changing the distance to the subject in question. A distinctive feature is considered to be low cost.

The package includes an attachment with a mirror, the backlight is adjustable. If necessary, it connects to a computer, which is convenient and efficient.

• Bresser Advance ICD– the most professional. The large surface provides space for unhindered assembly operations and examination of objects up to 40 mm in height.

The microscope head rotates 360 degrees, so it can be used for observation by multiple users without moving in space.

Characteristics:

• Camera 2.0 megapixel.
• Magnification up to 200x.
• Manual focusing up to 500 mm.
• Lighting 8 LEDs.
• Computer power supply.

Pros:

• Little weight.
• Adjustable magnification.
• Illumination of the object being repaired.
• Affordable repairs.
• Adjustable sharpness.

Minuses:

• High price.

• Levenhuk 2ST- ultra-precise. Large working distance 60 mm, magnification 40x. Flat microslides, thin sections, and large objects are subject to examination.

The optical system is made of special transparent glass, which conveys high-quality realistic images.

Sharpness is adjusted with a special wheel.

• Microhoney 2 var. 2-20- the most illuminated. The brightness of the backlight is adjustable, the device is equipped with a halogen lamp. The work is based on the method of transmitted light of a light and dark field, phase contrast.

The objects under study are stained and unstained sections, smears. The microscope is used for medicine, biology, chemistry. The device is used to conduct diagnostic studies in hospitals, clinics, and higher educational institutions.

The image is displayed on the computer screen or when a video eyepiece is connected.

• OptikaM B-157- the most reliable. The model includes high-quality optics, durable mechanical parts, easy setup and operation. The device is suitable for teaching natural sciences.

The case is ergonomic, made of die-cast metal. The lenses are achromatic and coated with an antifungal compound.

Particularly convenient when using the equipment is observation with two eyes. The option distributes the load evenly and reduces discomfort during long-term work. Models for laboratories are popular.

Characteristics:

• Tube diameter 30.5 mm.
• Magnification range up to 600x.
• White LED backlight.
• Connecting additional equipment.

Pros:

• High quality.
• Coarse and fine adjustment mechanisms.
• Large object table.
• Contrasting image.
• 360 degree rotating binocular head.
• Adjustable interpupillary distance.
• The lighting is natural.

Minuses:

• Lack of backlight (some models).
• Vertical position of the eyepieces.

• Microhoney Eureka 40x-1280x. The device is intended for educational and laboratory work in the field of biology at school, lyceum or other educational institution.

  The lighting system's universal power supply (adapter and three batteries) allows for use at home.

Opaque flat elements are studied using 4x, 10x lenses. The 2MP camera displays the image on the computer screen.

• MP-450– the most accessible. A double-action microscope uses sunlight illumination with the mirror facing up, and when the position changes, illumination comes from a lamp.

The package includes 4 slides with prepared preparations. The object under study is biological materials in the form of sections and smears. The package includes a Barlow lens, which changes the magnification ratio.

• Levenhuk LabZZ M 101 Lime>– the most stylish. The microscope is manufactured in bright, attractive colors. The optics correspond to the level of traditional models.

The standard set includes 4 additional slides with stickers for labeling. The package includes all the necessary materials for conducting research. The retractable eyepiece does not require replacement, so there is no risk of glass loss.

To eliminate fatigue, the tube is tilted 45 degrees. The sample is placed on a round stage and fixed tightly with clamps.

The devices are characterized by average power. They provide assistance in the study of botany, zoology, biology, chemistry, and physics. Objects of the microworld are viewed on the monitor, as digital devices are connected via USB to a computer, or.

The devices are easy to use.

Characteristics:

• Power supply: mains, batteries.
• Focus is rough.
• Brightness is adjustable.
• Number of lenses 3.
• Retractable eyepiece.
• Magnification up to 640×.
• Stage 90×90.
• Software support.
• Touch camera.
• Resolution 1600×1200.

Pros:

• Low power consumption.
• Experiment kit.
• The child is immersed in the fascinating world of science.
• Compact sizes.
• Quick start.
• Lightweight but durable devices.
• Long battery life (about 20,000 hours).

Minuses:

• Slight increase.
• Optical elements made of plastic.

• MBS-12– the smoothest. Used in research in botany, biology, mineralogy, and the jewelry industry. The increase occurs smoothly, without jerking, up to 102×. The image is saved at all stages of work.

The 79 mm working surface is suitable for studying large objects. Diopters are adjustable.

• Biological microscope BIOLAM M-1- the most multifunctional. The device is used to conduct research on drugs from the fields of metallography and microelectronics.

The study takes place in reflected, polarized illumination using the light and dark field method. Magnification up to 1000x.

• Bresser Science MTL – 201– the most professional. The main purpose of the device is a metallographic microscope. Indispensable in mineralogical, electronic and precision engineering research.

Among the main advantages: a large stage with adjustable axes, coarse and fine adjustment knobs, a combination of a polarizer and an analyzer.

The purpose of the product is to monitor relatively large objects. These are butterflies, insects, crystals, jewelry, small watch mechanisms. A hundred times magnification. The volume is formed by separate optical systems for each eye.

Stereo microscopes are used by specialists to obtain the most three-dimensional and clear image of an object. Operations with elements are carried out directly on the stage without a cover glass.

The products are stationary and equipped with a fastening system.

Characteristics:

• Halogen backlight.
• Trinocular attachment.
• Subject table with vernier scale.
• Tilt angle 30 degrees.
• Number of lenses 5.
• Power supply network.

Pros:

• Lighting adjustment.
• Convenient reversal for the user.
• Possibility of video recording and photography.
• Correction of diopters, interpupillary distance.
• High-quality, bright image.

Minuses:

• High price.
• Large dimensions.

• 3D microscope NS-3000– high-speed. The device is designed for precise measurement of objects and construction of images in space.

A high-speed scanning module and software algorithms form a picture in real time.

Using the mechanism, miniature 3D structures (semiconductor wafers, flat panels for displays, glass substrates) are checked and measured.

Even a beginner can control the microscope and adjust parameters; the main control panel and the image are located in one program window.

• K 1-Fluo- the most productive.

The microscope is used in the field of biology and medicine, it has excellent image quality due to optical components, a highly sensitive detector, and a stable multi-wavelength diode laser.

The optics and mechanism are combined with any other type of microscope. The interface has simple and intuitive controls.

The software includes scanning modes, three-dimensional imaging, multi-channel detection, cross-sectional imaging, and time series.

• Nanofinder S – 3D- the most versatile.

The purpose of the device is research in nanolaboratories in the analysis of semiconductors, liquid crystals, optical fibers, polymers, pharmaceuticals, biological substances, and single molecules.

The advantage of the work is the choice of lasers and automated structure.

The devices magnify images of the objects under study using diffraction patterns, which are formed as a result of the explosion of particles by photons of a laser beam.

Living tissues are viewed 1 mm deep through fluorescence (a physical process, a type of luminescence). The laser is assembled by a system of conventional and translucent mirrors.

The devices are used in laboratories; they are not suitable for home use due to the complexity of the operating principle.

Characteristics:

• Magnification up to 100x.
• Height measurement range – 70 mm.
• Highly sensitive sensor.
• Number of detectors up to 4.
• Scanning resolution 2048×2048.
• Electronic control.

Pros:

• Clear, bright image.
• Optical high resolution.
• Confocal imaging in real time.
• Autofocus, selection of magnification.
• Simple analysis mode.
• The tissue examined by laser photons is practically not destroyed.
• High spatial resolution is provided.

Minuses:

• Requires expensive optical resources.
• The beam is absorbed by tissue water.

• Celestron- most modern. The innovative design includes a display instead of a traditional eyepiece. Image viewing is convenient for one person or a group.

Subjects of research – parts of plants, animals, tissue fibers, bacteria, mold, yeast.

• METAM LV 32- the most accurate. It is used to study the microstructures of metals, alloys, and opaque objects in reflected light (light, dark field) and polarized light.

Distinctive elements of the microscope are new lenses without chromatic coloring of contours and wide-angle eyepieces. The raster lighting system increases uniform illumination of the object.

Area of ​​application: metallurgical and machine-building enterprises.

• Bresser LCD 50x–2000x- the most protected. The model is characterized by high optics and rich equipment.

Suitable for display, teaching schoolchildren and students, professional research in numismatics, philately and other small works. The microscope is protected by a power adapter from power surges.

The screen size allows you to conduct research without connecting to another monitor. The image is enlarged, photos and videos are recorded.

The device is equipped with a liquid crystal monitor for observing or studying objects by a group of users (schoolchildren, students, scientists or other specialists). The demonstration microscope is used in the educational process.

Characteristics:

• Eyepieces 10x22.5 mm.
• The table moves 40 longitudinally, 130 transversely.
• Magnification 1500-2000x.
• Digital camera 5 megapixels.
• LED lights.
• USB connection.

Pros:

• Saving the image.
• Liquid crystal display.
• Clear color rendition.
• Study of transparent and opaque materials.

Minuses:

• High price.
• Small assortment.

The peculiarity of the technology is observation on a gray or dark background. The image in question looks clear and contrasty.

Models are used for medical, industrial purposes (detection of fibers, crystals, testing of semiconductors, voltage points).

Characteristics

• Permissible weight up to 15 kg.
• Magnification 2000x.
• Number of lenses 5.

pros

• Modern design.
• Accessible control handles.
• Focus-free lens.

Minuses

• There is no connection to the PC.

• Micromed POLAR 3 is the most convenient. The device carries out studies of transparent and opaque objects in polarized or ordinary transmitted light. The polarizer rotates 360 degrees, and the analyzer rotates 90.

The object table is round, rotates, and the corners are fixed. Bertrand lens system. The image is photographed.

• Bresser Science ADL-601P –mostequipped. The difference between the model is the trinocular attachment at an angle of 30 degrees, which allows you to study and record objects at the same time as research results.

Lighting is adjusted to suit the specific needs of the experiment.

• NikonEclipseE200 POL - the most endless. A special feature of this model is the new CFI60 optical system, which includes infinite imaging with a parfocal distance of 60 mm.

This guarantees clear, bright images at large working distances and numerical apertures. The process uses special lenses for observations in transmitted polarized light.

The devices are necessary for specialists when performing small, precise repair work, including soldering, cutting tracks on printed circuit boards, searching for microcracks, short circuits, and quality control of work.

Microscopes use any research methods - phase contrast, polarization, fluorescence, dark field.

Characteristics

• Magnification 300x.
• Camera 5 pixels.
• The lens is high quality lens.
• Eyepieces 2 (15, 10x).

pros

• Smooth adjustment of lighting brightness.
• Compatible with computer programs.
• Antifungal coating.
• Wide field of view.
• Documenting the results.
• Professional tripod.

Minuses

• The tripod mount on some models is shaky.
• Software compatibility errors.

• USB-DigiMicro microscopeProf – the most professional. The built-in camera delivers clear, crisp, zoomed-in images that capture every detail.

Photos and videos are transferred to a computer via a USB connection; the product can be used with or without a tripod. Options measure distances, areas, angles, radii.

• EclipseE200F/E200FLED– the most high-intensity. The device is equipped with a Fly-Eye lens, which guarantees uniform brightness throughout the entire working area. Color temperature remains constant at any magnification level.

A working distance of 60 mm provides access to a huge number of materials to be tested.

• USBsupereyes microscopeB011 is the longest focal length. Technical work is easily carried out using this model, since the working distance between the object under study and the lens exceeds in value any type of microscope.

In this case, high-precision operations are performed, without distortion, throughout the entire space of the object with a 500-fold magnification. All data is transferred and stored on a computer.

Products are divided into simple optical and complex digital. Simple devices that do not require prior preparation are common in schools. They are effective, comfortable, equipped with special restraints and springy frames.

Characteristics

• Tilt angle 45 degrees.
• Magnification 400x.
• Number of lenses 3.
• Camera magnification up to 2000 times.
• Coarse, fine cleaning.
• Stage 90×90.

pros

• Subject table holder legs.
• Double lighting on top and bottom.
• LED, halogen backlight.
• Easy to use.
• Wide field eyepiece.
• The optics are high quality.
• Experiment kit.

Minuses

• Slight increase.

• LevenhukRainbow2L- the most stylish. A bright, colorful device, equipped with the necessary kit for breeding microscopic crustaceans. Magnification up to 400×.

Using dual illumination, transparent and opaque objects are studied.

The durable plastic body makes the device lightweight. Equipping with a 0.3 megapixel digital camera will save photos and videos of the research process.

• MoticSFC-100FL- the most classic. The purpose of the device is to conduct anatomical and geological experiments. The object is enlarged by rotating the turret. The diffuser serves to reduce the brightness of the lighting.
• Celestron- the most democratic. Dual illumination for studying transparent and opaque elements. Observations are made in real time through an eyepiece or from a computer screen using a digital camera.

This group includes functional, expensive devices. They transmit the image to a computer monitor, and additionally connect a camera or video camera. The pictures are saved on digital media, where they are corrected.

Modern optical instruments, indispensable for specialists in all fields of science. Thanks to the devices, a detailed analysis of the material and microscopic elements is carried out.

Application – medicine, chemistry, biology, electronics, materials science.

Characteristics

• Magnification up to 2000×.
• Subject table 140×155 mm.
• The nozzle rotates 360 degrees.
• Resolution 1280x1024.
• Magnification up to 650x.
• Number of lenses 4.

pros

• Reliable design. Easy setup.
• Technological, functional equipment.
• Compact products.
• Low power consumption.
• Wide field of view.

Minuses

• They are expensive.

• LevenhukD870T - the most practical. The digital trinocular is suitable for scientific research in the fields of medicine, biology, forensics, and jewelry making.

The average size of an atom ranges from 62 to 520 picometers in diameter, but since this is three orders of magnitude smaller than the range of 390-700 nanometers that the human eye can in principle discern, direct observation of atoms is physically impossible. Electron beams have long come to the aid of humans. The University of Victoria in Canada has just launched the most powerful scanning electron microscope in history.

It's called STEHM, an abbreviation for ScanningTransmissionElectronHolographymicroscope, and this toy has a resolution of two picometers. It weighs seven tons (!), is five meters high and occupies two square meters. Well, and most importantly, what it was made for - it can see objects two million times smaller than the human eye.

The device was made by Hitachi High Technologies Canada using special CEOS lenses to correct aberrations. It took more than a year and more than $9 million to install and configure the unit in a basement bunker at the university's Bob Wright Center. To say that the equipment is very sensitive and gentle is to say nothing; just look at the situation. The basement is surrounded by a layer of galvanized steel 20 centimeters thick and embedded in the rock on which the building's foundation rests. This is done to minimize seismic vibrations. The external walls of the room are made of aluminum, which blocks electromagnetic radiation, and the internal walls are covered with a layer of sound-absorbing materials and cooling panels that maintain room temperature fluctuations of no more than 0.1 degrees per hour. Room pressure is also controlled to reduce air currents that could affect the accuracy of observations.

To examine a sample on a microscope, scientists place the sample in the machine and leave the room, operating the microscope remotely. First, wait until the air currents caused by people in the room calm down so that they do not affect the accuracy. All this is worth the result - never before has a person been able to accurately examine such small objects.

“The STEHM microscope will be used by a variety of scientists, both locally and internationally, on a range of research projects with implications for all of humanity,” says Rodney Herring, Director of the Department of Microscopic Research at the University of Victoria. - “It allows us to see the invisible world.”

Herring has already set a microscope record by capturing gold atoms measuring 35 picometers in size, beating the previous record of 49 picometers.

STEHM emits an electron beam 30 times brighter than any other electron microscope on the planet and has 2.5 times more lenses than competitors - as many as 50 pieces. Researchers can now observe not only intra-atomic spaces, but also see what kind of atoms they are, simply by receiving holographic images of them. They will be able to remotely manipulate samples using electron beams like subminiature tweezers.

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Comment

Scientists from the University of Manchester have announced the creation of the world's most powerful optical microscope. This microscope, called a microspheric nanoscope, uses tiny spheres of optically clear quartz glass to produce images. The images from these microlenses are then magnified with a conventional optical microscope. The nanoscope allows users to view objects about 50 nanometers in size under normal light levels, effectively 20 times smaller than objects that can be viewed in the best conventional optical microscopes.

Electron microscopes have long been capable of imaging unusually small objects, but unlike optical microscopes, electron microscopes can see the outer boundaries of objects such as living cells. With the help of an optical microscope, you can look inside the cells, even without using preliminary staining of the latter. Potentially, a microscope with such resolution could allow scientists to see and observe the actions of living viruses, which would allow them to better understand the principles of their structure and develop effective methods to combat them.

While the nanoscope has already set a record for resolution, the Manchester scientists believe there is no theoretical limit to how much resolution the new microscope can increase. And this will allow scientists to see even smaller objects and living objects without destroying them, which promises completely new discoveries in a wide variety of fields of science.