Compound Student Microscope

A Compound Student Microscope is a type of optical microscope designed specifically for educational use, particularly in schools and colleges. It’s called a compound microscope because it uses two sets of lenses — the objective lens and the eyepiece (ocular lens) — to magnify small objects, typically specimens placed on a glass slide.

Main Features :

• High Magnification: Usually ranges from 40x to 1000x, depending on the objective lens in use.
• Dual Lenses System: Combines the power of objective lenses and eyepiece lenses.
• Illumination: Either a mirror reflecting external light or built-in LED illumination.
• Coarse and Fine Focus Knobs: For adjusting clarity of the image.
• Mechanical Stage (in some models): To hold and move the slide precisely.

Basic Parts :

1. Eyepiece (Ocular lens): Where you look through, usually 10x or 15x magnification.
2. Objective lenses: Usually 3–4 lenses on a rotating nosepiece (low, medium, high, and sometimes oil immersion).
3. Stage: Platform where the slide is placed.
4. Stage Clips: Hold the slide in place.
5. Light Source or Mirror: Illuminates the specimen.
6. Arm and Base: Support structure.
7. Condenser and Diaphragm: Focus and adjust the light intensity and contrast.

Common Uses :

• Biology classes to observe cells, microorganisms, and tissue samples.
• Basic research and experiments.
• Learning about microscopy techniques and sample preparation.