Stereo microscope is a kind of optical microscope, although its magnification is not very high, but his practical application neighborhood is still quite wide. Stereo microscopes can be used to observe the quality of circuit boards, identify the authenticity of jewelry, and watchmaking. A term that often appears together with stereo microscope is compound microscope. Although they are both optical microscopes, there is a big difference between the two. Today, let's talk about the difference between a stereo microscope and a compound microscope!
1. Differences in light exposure
Stereo microscopes use light that is first shone onto the object and then reflected back out. Therefore, stereo microscope is especially suitable for observing some translucent or opaque objects.
In contrast, the light of a compound microscope needs to pass directly through the object, so a compound microscope is particularly suitable for observing some transparent objects. That's why the objects observed by compound microscope usually have to go through more complicated processing. Only if the light can pass through the object, the compound microscope can play the role of hair.
However, there are some stereo microscopes that have transmitted illumination. This is done by placing a light source or a small mirror underneath the object.
In addition, the light from a stereo microscope is not focused with a spotting scope. Moreover, some stereo microscopes are equipped with special stereoscopic mirrors, which allow the microscope to observe objects with both reflected and transmitted light.
2. Different areas of practical application
Stereo microscopes and light microscopes have different areas of practical application. This is actually due to the difference in magnification between stereo microscopes and compound microscopes. As mentioned above, the main applications of stereo microscopes include the following: authentication of gemstones, production or quality check of circuit boards, insect observation, watch making and overhauling.
Compound microscopes are more suitable for observing samples that cannot be recognized with the naked eye, such as microorganisms or things like cells. Compound microscopes have many lenses that are used to adjust the magnification, so stereo microscopes are able to observe objects as small as cells. In conclusion, the characteristics of items that can be observed by a compound microscope include both small size and transparent appearance.
3. Different components
Stereo microscopes can be divided into binocular microscopes and trinocular microscopes. A trinocular microscope has two eyepieces like a binocular microscope, but a trinocular microscope differs from a binocular microscope in that it has an external digital display. This digital display can leave a photo or video of the microscope image. Moreover, the photos or videos on the digital display can be transferred to an external device. This makes it easier for the observer to observe and analyze the microscope's images.
Stereo microscopes are able to see stereoscopic images because they have two separate objective lenses and eyepieces. Therefore, the stereo microscope has two separate optical paths, so the observer's left and right glasses see slightly different perspectives. Ultimately, the imaging of the microscope is then able to appear three-dimensional. This is one difference between a stereo microscope and a compound microscope. The microscope image we see through the compound microscope can only be flat.
In addition, the stereo microscope has a stand, so the working range of the microscope can be freely adjusted. This greatly facilitates the observer's observation.
The components of a compound microscope are different from those of a stereo microscope. A compound microscope has only one eyepiece and one objective lens. This is why with a compound microscope you can only see a flat view of the object. Also the compound microscope it comes with a light source of its own. Whereas the light source of a stereo microscope comes from the reflection of external light.
Compound microscopes can be categorized into two types, an orthogonal microscope and an inverted microscope. An orthogonal microscope is one in which the objective lens of the microscope is on top of the stage. An inverted microscope is the opposite, where the objective lens is positioned on top of the stage.
4. Differences in population groups
Stereo microscope is suitable for some beginners or some school students. There are two main reasons, one is that the operation of stereo microscope is relatively simple, even people with little experience can easily learn. The other reason is that the specimens observed by stereo microscope do not need to go through too much complicated processing. Because the stereo microscope is usually used to observe some minerals, insects or gems, so it does not need to go through additional processing, such as slicing such as a certain degree of difficulty in the processing.
If it is a compound microscope, then there are certain experience requirements for the user. For example, some professionals who specialize in certain research. The most common places where compound microscopes are found are in biological laboratories, or forensic laboratories. Adjusting the lens of a compound microscope requires a certain amount of experience, as the focus adjustment is the deciding factor in whether or not your subsequent observations will be successful.
Article Summary
This article describes the differences between stereo microscopes and compound microscopes, including their main uses, main building blocks, people they are suitable for, and other common questions. If you need to buy a microscope, you can consider the above few questions before making a final decision.