Fleischer, Kiara Marie M.

XII – L STEAM June 20, 2017

PARTS OF A STEREO MICROSCOPE
Stereo microscopes are used for viewing live specimens or three-dimensional objects too large or thick to be
accommodated by compound microscopes. Specimens can be physically manipulated under magnification, since
they do not have to be mounted onto a slide for observation under a dissecting microscope. These microscopes
are not as powerful as compound microscopes; rather, objects are viewed under low magnification, ranging from
about 10x to 80x magnification, the range depending on the make and model.
Note:
 Stereo Microscope: A low power microscope or dissecting microscope with a separate eyepiece and
objective lens for each eye. These separate optical channels enable stereo or three-dimensional images of
the specimen. See Compound Microscope.
 Dissecting Microscope: Typically interchangeable with stereo microscope, a dissecting microscope is a
stereo microscope used in laboratory work.

Stereo Microscopes: A low power or stereo microscope typically employs objective lenses of 50x or less. It is
used to view specimens that are visible to the naked eye such as insects, crystals, circuit boards and coins.
A stereo microscope has three key parts:
 Viewing Head/Body that houses the optical components in the upper part of the microscope
 Focus Block that attaches the microscope head to the stand and focuses the microscope
 Stand that supports the microscope and houses any integrated illumination.
Stereo microscopes are increasingly modular. This means that the same head can be used in conjunction with
different focus blocks and stands. For example, Microscope.com offers a range of pole stands, track stands and
boom stands.
Fleischer, Kiara Marie M. XII – L STEAM June 20, 2017
OPTICAL COMPONENTS
As in a compound microscope, there are two optical systems in a compound microscope: Eyepiece Lenses and
Objective Lenses.
Eyepieces or Oculars are what you look through at the top of the microscope. Typically, standard eyepieces have
a magnifying power of 0x. Optional eyepieces of varying powers are available, typically from 5x-30x.
Eyepiece tube holds the eyepieces in place above the objective lens.
Diopter adjustment ring that allows for the possible inconsistencies of our eyesight in one or both eyes. Binocular
microscopes also swivel (Interpupillary Adjustment) to allow for different distances between the eyes of different
individuals.
Objective Lenses are the primary optical lenses on a microscope. In a low power microscope, they provide fixed
magnification or zoom magnification. Zoom magnification is typically offered in a Greenough design or with a
Common Main Objective.
Focus Control Most stereo microscopes have only coarse focus controls.
Working Stage is where the specimen to be viewed is placed. Pole and track stands have simple stages since
lower magnification powers require less subtle movements than high power microscopes.
Stage Clips - are used when there is no mechanical stage.
Transmitted Illumination Since most specimens examined on a stereo microscope are opaque, a top light
(Transmitted Illumination) is used to shed light on the specimen. Some stereo microscopes also include a bottom
light (Incident Illumination).

Source: http://www.microscope.com/education-center/microscopes-101/stereo-microscope-parts/