COMPOUND MICROSCOPE

1. The Compound Microscope
Poojashree Acharya, M.Sc Microbiology, PGDCR

2. Introduction
• A microscope is an instrument used to see objects that are too small for the nak
• Microscopes are vital in biology, medicine, and material science.
• Types include light, electron, and compound microscopes.

3. What is a Compound Microscope?
• A compound microscope uses two sets of lenses to magnify objects.
• It provides high magnification and better resolution than simple microscopes.

4. History of the Compound Microscope
• Invented in the late 16th century.
• Zacharias Janssen credited with early development.
• Antonie van Leeuwenhoek improved lens quality.

5. Working Principle
• Light passes through the specimen.
• Objective lens creates a magnified image.
• Eyepiece lens further magnifies the image.

6. Parts Overview
• Structural, optical, and mechanical components.
• Each part plays a crucial role in functioning.

7. Structural Parts
• Base: Supports microscope.
• Arm: Holds body tube and connects to base.
• Stage: Platform where slides are placed.

8. Eyepiece (Ocular Lens)
• Top lens you look through.
• Common magnification is 10x.
• May have pointer or measurement scale.

9. Objective Lenses
• Primary magnification lenses (4x, 10x, 40x, 100x).
• Rotated using a nosepiece.

10. Focusing Mechanisms
• Coarse focus: large adjustments.
• Fine focus: precise tuning of the image.

11. Light Source and Condenser
• Mirror or electric light source.
• Condenser focuses light onto the slide.

12. Diaphragm and Iris
• Regulates amount of light reaching the specimen.
• Improves contrast and clarity.

13. Stage Clips and Nosepiece
• Clips hold slide steady.
• Nosepiece rotates objective lenses.

14. Magnification Calculation
• Total magnification = Eyepiece × Objective.
• Example: 10x eyepiece × 40x objective = 400x total magnification.

15. Proper Usage Steps
• Carry with two hands.
• Start with lowest objective.
• Adjust light and focus carefully.

16. Care and Maintenance
• Clean lenses with lens paper.
• Cover when not in use.
• Avoid touching lenses with fingers.

17. Advantages
• High magnification.
• Affordable.
• Good for cell and microorganism observation.

18. Limitations
• Limited to visible light spectrum.
• Cannot resolve viruses or atomic structures.

19. Applications
• Used in schools, labs, hospitals.
• Essential for cell biology and microbiology.

20. Conclusion & Q&A
• Compound microscopes are essential tools in science.
• Understanding their parts and usage enhances learning and research.