Compound Light Microscopes

The bright field microscope is another term for the light microscope, the most basic form of microscope, and this classification includes the category of compound light microscopes. These microscopes are a bit different from other types of light microscopes, in that the light is shone up from beneath the specimen, and is intended to shine through it.

As you know, the ordinary light microscope has a source of light shining down on the specimen from above. There are a few other differences between compound light microscopes and other types, but this is the most basic difference. Compound light microscopes also have a lens to concentrate the light source onto the specimen, above the light, but still below the specimen. Above the lens is a diaphragm called an Iris diaphragm which allows you to adjust the amount of light focusing on the specimen.

What Are Compound Light Microscopes?

When using compound light microscopes, there are a number of adjustable stages to sharpen your image apart from the Iris diaphragm. You will choose which objective to use according to your need, and that will have adjustable lenses too.

Then you will adjust the eyepieces to fit your face, and using thumbscrew, bring your specimen into focus. It is important to keep parts of the specimen from dirtying the lenses as far as possible, but should this occur, clean them very carefully so that you don't scratch them. Always begin your examination using the lowest resolution and work your way up.