Scientific Microscopes

Research Grade Considerations and Benefits 


Scientific microscopes or research microscopes are designed for applications in science research. Being powerful, high quality devices, scientific microscopes are often used in colleges, universities and research labs and are more often meant for professionals use. As such, they are also equipped with various accessories and other additional features for increased functionalities. 


These may include customized optics, high quality cameras and software and associated accessories among others for improved analysis and proper documentation. Therefore, scientific microscopes are top microscopes in terms of magnification, resolution and overall performance.




Given that scientific microscopes are mostly used in such professional settings as medical research and forensics to name only two, they can be costly compared to a number of other microscopes, which is why it is important to find the ideal microscope for the need.

The intended use of the microscope will help determine the features to look for. This involves considering the type of specimen to be viewed given that there are different requirements. For instance, whereas fixed samples can be viewed using an upright microscope, living cells require a more specialized microscope.


What to Consider when Purchasing a Scientific Microscope


Documentation


Documentation and publishing of results is important for professionals. For this reason, it is important to find a research microscope that comes with a high quality digital microscope camera. Depending on intended application, it is important to get the most ideal camera so as to produce the best images possible.

For instance, when it comes to fluorescence live-cell imaging, a sensitive camera is recommended as it minimizes the amount of excitation light that can negatively affect the cells. sCMOS cameras are a good example of the best digital microscope cameras due to they their high quantum efficiency as well as excellent acquisition speed.

With regards to documentation, it is also important to note that different microscopes will come with different software. While some of the software can only be used with certain OS, others can be used on all types of computers and offer a range of features for manipulations, measurements and editing etc. For good documentation purposes therefore, it is essential to have the most ideal features to ensure the best results.



Lighting

The type of lighting used in scientific microscopes will greatly influence the quality of the image. For conventional brightfield microscopy, differential interference contrast and phase contrast microscopy, halogen and LED illumination can be used. However, when it comes to fluorescence microscopy, then LED illumination is perfect. However, mercury, xenon and mercury metal halide can also be used here. It is therefore important to consider the best source of illumination for different microscopy purposes.

Apart from just viewing, light is essential for cell manipulation. For researchers who look forward to using microscopes for cell manipulation, it's important to keep in mind that such manipulation techniques require additional illumination. This has to be integrated into the device for such purposes to ensure that the lighting system of the microscope will suit all the needs of the user.



Optical Quality


The quality of the optics in a scientific microscope is of great significance. Professionals use microscopes for important research purposes which means that the results obtained have to be reliable for the most accurate conclusions. The objectives are some of the important features of a microscope and greatly determine the optical quality.

When choosing the best microscope, it is advisable to have either achromatic or apochromatic lenses. Whereas the achromatic objective lens helps correct error for two color of the color spectrum, the apochromatic lenses correct for three to produce clear, sharper images.

Most researchers may prefer apochromatic lenses given that they prove more useful during imaging. That is, they are more useful when capturing images using a digital microscope camera. However, it is worth noting that the apochromatic objectives have a smaller working distance. In this case, if the specimen is too thick, focusing may be a problem. However, they produce flatter images with less aberrations, which results in better quality and clear images.

In addition, it is important to ensure that the microscope comes with either semi-plan or plan objectives. whereas a semi-plan objective offers a flat field for 80 percent of the field of view, the plan objective offers 100 percent making them superior and suitable for researchers and professionals.

More on Objective Lenses.


Benefits

A scientific microscope is a high quality, powerful microscope that is commonly used by professionals. One of the reasons to buy a top research microscope is the fact that the user can be assured of high quality features. As such, these types of microscopes produce high quality images in addition to providing better user experience. Essentially they are more reliable.

Research microscopes have a big advantage due to their excellent features and other attachments. Apart from excellent standard features, these microscopes allow for attachment of such accessories as a digital camera as well as allowing for connection to computers and monitors, which allows for sharing and better analysis of the image. In this case, the user can use the microscope to share and engage others.

These types of microscopes are superior compared to others in the market being durable and long lasting. Buying a research microscopes for students would also be beneficial given that the microscope will last for a long time while providing great services.

Given that research microscopes allow for other attachments, they are versatile, which means that they can be used for different applications. While they may not be as inexpensive as other microscopes, these features and their durability make them a worthwhile purchase.

Investing in a trinocular research microscopes is a good consideration also as it aids in the collaborative process.


Trinocular Scientific Microscopes

Omax 40X-2500X Full Size Lab Digital Trinocular Compound LED Microscope With 14MP USB Camera and 3D Mechanical Stage

Omax Trinocular LED Microscope with 5MP Digital Camera and Mechanical Stage

Omax 40X-2500X Phase Contrast Trinocular LED Compound Microscope + 9MP USB Camera

Omax 40X-2500X PLAN Infinity Phase Contrast Trinocular Siedentopf LED Microscope

Omax 5MP Digital 40X-2500X Advanced Oil NA1.25 Dark field microscope


AmScope B120C-E1 Siedentopf microscope  - not trinocular


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