What are Stereoscopic Dissecting Microscopes?
Stereo dissecting microscopes are low power microscopes that generally used in laboratory experiments such as animal dissection. These microscopes, however, can be used in many different applications such as in the field of biology as well as in the industrial environment. Despite having limited magnification powers as opposed to high power compound light microscopes, these low power stereoscopic dissecting microscopes are widely used in many microscope activities from elementary or high school level classes to university or research level applications.
Dissecting stereo microscopes are low power microscopes that function with two separate compound lenses that each give its respective eye part a subtly different picture to achieve a three-dimensional effect on the specimen’s image. This two-channel independent feed gives another name to low power dissecting microscopes called stereoscopes.
Low power stereo microscopes give a great depth perception to the specimen being viewed. This is widely advantageous to numerous applications such as in the industrial field. A depth of focus is due to having the separate lenses mounted at a certain angle (of about 15-16 degrees) to each other. This lens system is enough to give a three-dimensional feedback to the viewer.
Dissecting microscopes are typically equipped with zoom magnification feature. Old versions of low power microscopes used to have the fixed magnification wherein the user has a limited option of magnification powers on a set of lenses that are rotated on a turret. In a zoom magnification feature, on the other hand, the user can increase or decrease the magnification power of the microscope at whatever magnification power within the limit of the lenses. This allows the user a very wide range of magnification power to choose from, therefore making it easier for him to focus on the item being observed. A low power dissecting microscope’s magnification power typically ranges from 1x to 100x wherein the user can choose which within these magnification powers he finds most suitable for his application.
These low power microscopes also produced an un-inverted or not reversed image of the specimen unlike other types of microscopes. A low power dissecting stereo microscope uses an incident illumination or lighting source that comes from above. This is the most commonly used lighting of stereoscopes although sometimes, transmitted light (or light source coming from below) is also used.
These lower power dissecting microscopes can also be customized to cater to the type of application where they are used. Low power kid microscopes or student microscopes are used mainly because of its ease of use and smooth operations. These types of microscopes are very useful for simple microscope activities such as looking at nature items like rocks or plant parts. Other than a simple compound light version, low power versions are one of the two most basic microscopes needed for beginners and amateur microscopists.
Though limited in magnification power, unlike compound light microscopes, biological applications use these low power stereo microscopes in important operations such as in delicate surgeries (operating microscopes) as well as in examining microbiological cultures and the like. Industrial applications, on the other hand, are benefitted by these low power microscopes in evaluating tiny gadgets, electronic parts as well as wirings and other technical items. These microscopes are also used for “skin analysis” in some beauty salons.
The fact that low power stereoscopes are one of the most basic microscopes to be used by children or beginners shows how important it is to higher-level applications. Learning how to use this type of microscope will eventually enable students or children to get acquainted with higher-end microscopes in the future.
