Stereo Microscope
Why Choose Us?
1. Rich Experience
By several years development, we have become a professional supplier for different kinds of microscopes, telescopes, binoculars, magnifiers, spotting scopes, riflescopes and accessories.
2. Reliable Product Quality
We practise ISO9001:2015 quality standard. Our all microscopes have passed CE certificate, some items has ROHS certificate. The astronomical telescope and binoculars also passed EN71 certificate.
3. Professional Technical Team
Our experienced workers and strict inspection system guarantee that goods will be with best quality before shipment. R&D team continuously optimizes available models and designs new models to keep our products' competition in the market.
4. Customizable Services
We can supply OEM and ODM service, additionally we can offer other service, such as logo printing, color box design, shipment arrangement, etc.
What is Stereo Microscope?
A stereo microscope, also known as a dissecting microscope, is a specialized optical instrument designed for three-dimensional viewing of objects at low magnification levels. Unlike compound microscopes, which use a single objective lens, a stereo microscope employs two separate optical paths, providing a binocular view. This enables users to perceive depth and details of solid objects, making it an invaluable tool in fields like biology, electronics, geology, and precision manufacturing. With its versatile applications, a stereo microscope is essential for tasks that require accurate, up-close examination in a three-dimensional context.
1. Three-Dimensional Observation
One of stereomicroscopes’ key advantages is their ability to offer three-dimensional views of specimens. This depth perception is essential for tasks involving larger item manipulation, assembly, dissection, and inspection.
2. Improved Depth Perception
Stereomicroscopes mimic human binocular vision, allowing users to detect depth and spatial relationships inside a specimen. This improved depth perception is especially beneficial for comprehending the three-dimensional structure of objects.
3. Low to Moderate Magnification Range
Stereomicroscopes have magnification levels that are ideal for examining larger specimens. They are intended for magnifications ranging from 1x to 100x, making them perfect for analyzing things too large for higher magnification microscopes.
4. Comfortable Viewing
Stereomicroscopes are ergonomically constructed to allow for comfortable and sustained viewing. customizable interpupillary distance, ergonomic eyepieces, and customizable viewing angles all contribute to a user-friendly experience.
5. Manipulation and Dissection
Stereomicroscopes’ three-dimensional perspective is crucial for operations that involve careful manipulation, dissection, or assembly of specimens. Researchers may complete tasks accurately without compromising depth awareness.
6. Surface Details
Stereomicroscopes are excellent for showing surface characteristics, textures, and minute details of objects. This makes them perfect for inspecting rough or complicated surfaces that other types of microscopes may not be able to see.
7. Non-Destructive Examination
Stereomicroscopes provide non-destructive examination of specimens. Researchers can examine objects closely without altering or destroying their original state.
8. Real-Time Observation
Stereomicroscopes allow for live, real-time observations. When studying dynamic processes or living specimens, real-time imaging is very valuable.
9. Ease of Use
Stereomicroscopes are simple to use and do not necessitate considerable sample preparation. They are appropriate for both novice and experienced users in a variety of industries.
10. User-Friendly Illumination
Stereomicroscopes are frequently equipped with a variety of lighting choices, including incident (from above) and transmitted (from below). Users can vary lighting angles for optimal specimen observation with this illumination versatility.
Types of Stereo Microscope
Fixed Magnification Microscopes
Fixed Magnification Microscopes or Standard Stereo Microscopes allow the magnification of the objective lens to be selected with a rotating nosepiece or turret. Generally, these microscopes allow you to select between multiple fixed magnification settings.
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Stereo Zoom Microscopes
Stereo Zoom Microscopes, Variable Zoom Microscopes or Zoom-Ratio Microscopes function slightly differently. Generally, these types of microscopes have an adjustable zoom knob that allows you to set a precise total magnification. Rather than set values (such as 10x and 30x), Stereo Zoom Microscopes allow for any magnification level to be used within a set range.
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Digital Microscopes
Digital Stereo Microscopes combine a Traditional Stereo Microscope with a Digital Camera to view images through a screen, as opposed to an eyepiece. Many digital microscopes also feature digital zoom to achieve a higher magnification than standard stereo microscopes.
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Digital Microscope Cameras
You could also choose whether to view samples through the eyepieces or through a digital camera. External Digital Microscope Cameras are slotted into an eyepiece tube to deliver much the same functionality as an integrated digital microscope. When using an external digital microscope camera, microscopes with a trinocular head are advantageous as they allow you to retain the binocular eyepieces and attach the camera to the top of the microscope.
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Handheld Microscopes
Conversely, Handheld Digital Microscopes do not use a conventional microscope design and are more portable and versatile than traditional microscopes. But with such a minimal design, these types of microscopes are often not as sturdy as traditional microscopes and have a shallower depth of field. However, they are also generally more affordable than conventional microscopes.
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Application of Stereo Microscope
Life Sciences & Biology
Dissections and the Study of minute species: Stereomicroscopes are essential tools in biology for examining minute species such as insects, microbes, and aquatic life. They are also used for specimen dissection, allowing researchers to investigate interior structures and pinpoint specific traits.
Observing Plant Structures and Insect Anatomy: Stereomicroscopes are used by biologists to investigate the intricate structures of plants as well as the anatomy of insects. These microscopes allow for a clear view of plant tissues, pollen grains, and insect body parts, which aids in species identification and research.
Paleontology and archaeology
Delicate Artifact Excavation and investigation: Stereomicroscopes are used by archaeologists and paleontologists for the precise excavation and investigation of delicate objects and fossils. This allows them to discover and investigate subtleties that would otherwise be invisible to the human eye.
Fossil Examination and Reconstruction: Stereomicroscopes are used to examine, clean, and rebuild fossil specimens. These microscopes are particularly useful for paleontologists studying detailed features within fossils.
Entomology
In-Depth Study of Insects and Arachnids: Entomologists perform detailed investigations of insects and arachnids using stereomicroscopes. These microscopes allow for the examination of minute details on these species, which aids in the understanding of their anatomy and behavior.
Observation of environments and Behavior: Stereomicroscopes assist entomologists in studying insects in their natural environments. In a controlled environment, researchers may monitor these animals’ behavior, interactions, and microhabitats.
Components of Stereo Microscope
Eyepieces
The eyepieces, or ocular lenses, are where you peer through to view the magnified specimen. They play a pivotal role in determining the overall magnification.
Trinocular Port
This feature allows for the attachment of a camera or other imaging device, enabling you to capture and document your observations.
Zoom Knob (on both sides)
The zoom knobs offer precise control over the magnification level, allowing you to smoothly adjust the focus and level of detail.
Coarse Focus Knob
The coarse focus knob is used to make rapid adjustments in focus, particularly when first bringing the specimen into view.
Rigid Arm Track Stand
This stable and adjustable stand forms the foundation of the microscope, providing support and enabling precise positioning.
Stage Plate
The stage plate serves as the platform for placing specimens. It often features clips or holders to secure the specimen in place.
Rheostat Light Control
This control regulates the intensity of the illumination, allowing you to adjust the lighting conditions for optimal visibility.
Transmitted Light
Transmitted light is directed upwards through the specimen, making it ideal for transparent or translucent samples.
Reflected LED Light
This illuminates the specimen from above, making it particularly useful for opaque or reflective materials.
Objective Lens (also where auxiliary lens attaches)
The objective lens is a critical component responsible for the initial magnification. It's often paired with auxiliary lenses to further enhance the level of detail and magnification.
Principle of Stereo Microscope Operation
Binocular Vision
The concept of binocular vision is one of the fundamental principles underlying stereomicroscopes. Because each eye gets a slightly distinct picture of an item, human vision is binocular, which means we perceive depth and three-dimensionality. Stereomicroscopes mimic this effect by presenting each eye with two slightly distinct pictures.
Differentiated Optical Paths
Stereomicroscopes are equipped with two optical channels, each with its own set of objective lenses and eyepieces. These optical channels are displaced slightly from one another and produce two separate images of the material from various perspectives.
Converging and Intersecting Views
At the specimen, the distinct views from the two optical channels converge and intersect. As a result, the brain processes these two perspectives to produce the experience of depth. This is known as stereopsis, which is the brain’s ability to combine two slightly distinct images into a single three-dimensional image.
Depth Perception Enhancement
Stereomicroscopes’ distinctive depth perception is due to the brain’s capacity to merge these two images into a coherent three-dimensional perspective. This improved perception is crucial for tasks requiring a knowledge of a specimen’s spatial relationships.
When it comes to selecting the right microscope for your specific needs, understanding the differences between two commonly used types, the stereo microscope, and the compound microscope, is essential. The stereo microscope operates on a dual-optical system, utilizing two separate optical paths with distinct objective lenses and eyepieces. This design provides a three-dimensional view of the specimen, particularly suited for examining larger, solid objects with depth perception. In contrast, the compound microscope employs a single optical path, utilizing multiple objective lenses for higher magnification levels. It excels at studying smaller, transparent, or thinly sectioned specimens in great detail. Stereo microscopes typically offer lower magnification levels ranging from 5x to 50x, providing a broader field of view. They are favored for tasks like dissection, soldering, and circuit board inspection. On the other hand, compound microscopes specialize in higher magnifications, often ranging from 40x to 1000x or more, making them indispensable for the study of cells, bacteria, and tissues in biology and medicine. Ultimately, the choice between a stereo and compound microscope hinges on the nature of your specimen and the level of detail required for your specific field of study or application. Understanding their individual strengths empowers you to select the optimal tool for your microscopy endeavors.
5 Things You Should Know About Stereo Microscopes
1. Stereo Microscopes enable 3D viewing of specimens visible to the naked eye. They are commonly known as Low Power or Dissecting Microscopes. An estimated 99% of stereo applications employ less than 50x magnification. Use them for viewing insects, crystals, plant life, circuit boards etc.
2. Dual Power Magnification: Dual Power stereo microscopes provide two or more fixed levels of magnification at a more affordable price, without sacrificing optic quality. The two most common types are 10x/30x and 20x/40x. Simply rotate the objective housing to click into the desired level of magnification. Dual power are excellent starter microscopes.
3. Zoom Magnification enables you to zoom, conveniently through a magnification range, similar to binoculars or an SLR camera. Some have detents or click stops at intervals through the zoom range so that you can quickly return to a precise level of magnification in the zoom range.
4. Focusing: When viewing a solid or opaque object, only use the incident (top) light. Use the bottom (transmitted) light for more transparent specimens. Most stereo microscope applications require only the top light.
5.Barlow Lens: You can use an optional Barlow or Accessory Lens to alter the focal length of your microscope, and therefore, the magnification power, field of view and working distance. A 0.5x Barlow lens, for example will halve a given level of magnification while doubling the working distance.
1. Set the stereo microscope on a flat surface or a table that has plenty of space to work.
2. Plug in the cord for turning on the stereo microscope.
3. Turn on the light switch. The bottom light is suitable for transparent specimens like specimens in slides. In contrast, the top light is best for opaque or solid samples where the light reflects from the object.
4. Keep the sample in the center of the stage. If the sample is slides or thin, use stage clips to secure the sample, and if the sample is solid, turn the clips out so that these hang and give you more area to work.
5. Adjust the contrast based on the sample. If the sample is crystal, use the black background for contrast.
6. Adjust the diopter and interpupillary adjustment ring for comfortable viewing.
7. If the stereo microscope has a rotating turret objective (fixed objective), turn it to the desired magnification.
8. If the stereo is zoom power, adjust the zoom to the desired magnification.
9. Turn the focus knob until the specimen is visible while looking through the eyepieces. Once the outline of the specimen is visible, turn the knob for sharp focus. If the specimen is not in view, move the stage slightly to make sure the specimen is directly under the objective lens.
10. Move around to view other parts of the specimen once the first focus is done. Refocusing may be necessary.
11. Once viewing under the microscope finishes, turn the switch off and store the dissecting microscope by adequately covering it.
What Can You See With A Stereo Microscope?
Enhanced Depth Perception
With a stereo microscope, you can see objects with enhanced depth perception. This type of microscope, also known as a dissecting microscope or a stereoscopic microscope, provides a three-dimensional view of the specimen being observed. It achieves this by using two separate optical paths for each eye, allowing for binocular vision. When looking through a stereo microscope, you can perceive the depth and spatial relationships of the specimen more accurately than with a regular compound microscope. This is particularly useful when examining objects that have height, such as insects, plants, or small electronic components. The stereo microscope allows you to observe the specimen from different angles, providing a more comprehensive understanding of its structure.
Detailed Surface Texture
With a stereo microscope, you can observe and analyze detailed surface textures of various objects. This type of microscope, also known as a dissecting microscope or a stereoscopic microscope, provides a three-dimensional view of the specimen, allowing for a more comprehensive examination. One of the primary applications of a stereo microscope is in the field of materials science. Researchers and engineers use it to study the surface texture of materials such as metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. By magnifying the surface, they can observe the fine details, irregularities, and patterns that may affect the material's properties and performance. This information is crucial for quality control, product development, and troubleshooting.
Fine Structure Observation
With a stereo microscope, you can observe a wide range of objects and materials with enhanced depth perception and three-dimensional imaging. This type of microscope is commonly used in various fields such as biology, geology, material science, and electronics. One of the primary applications of a stereo microscope is in the field of biology. It allows for the examination of small organisms, such as insects, plants, and microorganisms, with greater detail. The stereo microscope provides a clear view of the external features and structures of these organisms, enabling researchers to study their behavior, anatomy, and morphology. Additionally, it is useful for dissection and examination of tissues, making it an essential tool in biological research.
Subcellular Examination
With a stereo microscope, one can observe and examine various subcellular structures and processes in great detail. This type of microscope, also known as a dissecting microscope, provides a three-dimensional view of the specimen, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis. One of the primary applications of a stereo microscope in subcellular examination is the study of cell morphology. Researchers can observe the external features of cells, such as their shape, size, and surface characteristics. This is particularly useful in fields like cytology and histology, where the examination of cell structure is essential for understanding cellular function and identifying abnormalities.
How to Choose a Stereo Microscope for Your Lab
Zoom Range and Field of View
Because there are so many different types of stereo microscopes on the market, some offer quite an impressive zoom range while others may only have one type of magnification. The type of zoom range that you need will mainly depend on what you plan on using the microscope for in your lab. Some labs only need to work with one or two magnifications, so microscopes with advanced zoom range options might not be necessary. On the other hand, if your research needs you to manipulate small samples or find small pieces of information within your samples, a microscope with a larger zoom range may be more beneficial. While most basic zoom ranges on microscopes can allow you to see both larger and smaller objects, small objects might not be clear enough or close enough for you to visualize and study clearly.
Ergonomics and Portability
Not a lot of people consider ergonomics as an important factor when choosing microscopes, but in reality, it is very important. After all, a stereo dissecting microscope often requires a person to crane their neck over the device all day which can result in pain and discomfort due to the misalignment of the spine. This is not to mention that a microscope with poor ergonomic qualities can lead to bad posture and other issues. The most important thing about ergonomics is that it helps people work faster and more efficiently. Ergonomics is all about efficiency and ensuring that the worker in question can operate a device with as few problems as possible. For example, an ergonomic microscope would be one that allows the researcher to operate the magnification and focus options while still looking through the two eyepieces.
Optical Quality and Illumination
There are many types of optical qualities to consider. There are achromatic optics, plan optics, and plan apo optics. All of these different types are ideal for very specific specimens. It is important to determine what kind of optics your lab needs to function. Some labs only need one or two types of optics while others may need several different types for different specimens. Some microscopes offer several different types of optics to make the workflow more efficient. Besides the optical quality and type, you also need to consider the microscope’s illumination. Of course, any good microscope needs to have good illumination that spreads across the entire field of vision. This is the only way in which a specimen can be studied efficiently and accurately.
Ningbo Barride Optics Co., Ltd is a manufacture-based company about optical and electronic products. Located in the beautiful port city Ningbo, which has convenient transportation. By several years development, we have become a professional supplier for different kinds of microscopes, telescopes, binoculars, magnifiers, spotting scopes, riflescopes and accessories. At the same time, we also export night vision, rangefinder, compass and other optical products according to clients' requirements.
We practise ISO9001:2015 quality standard. Our all microscopes have passed CE certificate, some items has ROHS certificate. The astronomical telescope and binoculars also passed EN71 certificate.
Ultimate FAQ Guide to Stereo Microscope
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