You’ve got yourself a new toy, haven’t you? But admit it: you don’t know how or where to start playing with it. That’s okay because this guide will teach you everything you have to know about operating a stereo microscope. And the only way to do that is to start learning the different parts of a stereo microscope and its respective functions.

What is a Stereo Boom Microscope?
A stereo boom microscope is an optical microscope. Simply put, it uses light to produce a magnified image of an object. The ‘boom’ part simply refers to its stand. A boom stand provides the stereo microscope greater flexibility and ease of use while improving work productivity. Boom stands may be built-in with your microscope or a detachable accessory.

There are small but significant differences between stereo boom microscopes and other types of microscopes. Firstly, it operates mostly at low power. Do not, therefore, expect a stereo boom microscope to make infinitesimal microorganisms suddenly visible. Secondly, a stereo boom microscope is made up of two separate optical systems. Although they are aligned with each other and focus on the same subject, they are built at slightly different angles and when you view the object using both eye tubes, you’ll see a three-dimensional image.

Working Distance and Field of View
There are two concepts that you have to understand first before we proceed to dissecting the different parts of a stereo boom microscope. First is field of view. This refers to the amount of visible area as seen through your microscope. The higher the grade of your objective, the lower your field of view would be.

The second concept you need to understand is working distance. This refers to the distance between the sample and the front end of the objective. Increasing the focus on the sample would proportionally reduce your working distance.

Understanding the Different Parts of a Stereo Microscope

Eyepieces – These are the lenses that work closest to your eyes and responsible for magnifying the image of your sample. With a stereo microscope, you’re sure to be working with a pair of eyepieces. One type of eyepiece you might commonly use with a stereo microscope is a wide field eyepiece. As its name suggests, this eyepiece is designed to produce a wider field of view for your sample.

Objectives – These make up the other half of the total magnification of your stereo microscope. To obtain the total magnification grade of your stereo microscope, you just have to multiply the magnification grades of your eyepieces and objectives.

Objectives bring clarity and improve resolution of the image produced by your stereo microscope. Different types of objectives may be used with a microscope, with some designed to provide better images for certain types of samples.

Achromatic objectives are, for instance, used to bring red and blue parts into the same focus range while delegating the green parts to a shorter focus. Oil immersion objectives, on the other hand, are used for producing images requiring higher magnification. They are called such because the objectives themselves have to be “immersed” in oil when in use. It is rare, however, for stereo microscopes to make use of oil immersion objectives.

Adjustment Knobs – These are used for adjusting the focus of your stereo microscope. Coarse focus adjustment knobs are used to raise or lower the stage and move the objective lens. Fine focus adjustment knobs basically work the same but to an extremely lesser degree and for the purpose of improving focus.

Stage – This is where you place your sample on. Stage clips may be provided to keep the sample securely on place.

Diaphragm – A disc diaphragm is made up of several holes and is responsible for controlling the amount of light used for focusing on the sample. An iris diaphragm is also located beneath the microscope stage and uses metal leaves instead for controlling light.

Condenser – This may be a mirror or a combination of lenses designed to accumulate light and direct it to the sample under observation.

Nosepiece – This is responsible for holding the various objective lenses ready for use with your stereo microscope.

Eyepiece Tubes – These are what you use to view the sample under observation. All stereo microscopes possess dual eyepiece tubes. A third eyepiece tube may be provided for a secondary viewer or for a microscope accessory to be attached.

By familiarizing yourself with the different parts of a stereo boom microscope, you will be in a better position to adjust microscope specifications to produce the best quality of images of your object. Have fun exploring the world with your new stereo boom microscope!