(Fig.
12)
(Fig.13.a) (Fig.13.b)
10. Aperture diaphragm of Epi-illuminator using
The condenser aperture diaphragm is provided for adjusting the numerical aperture (N.A.) of the
illuminating system of the microscope, it decides the resolution of the image, contrast, depth of
focus and brightness.
Stopping down will lower the resolution and brightness but increase the contrast and depth of focus.
It is recommended that the aperture diaphragm is set at 2/3 of the objective N.A to get the best
contrast and image quality.
To adjust the aperture diaphragm:
Adjust the condenser aperture diaphragm lever referring to the condenser aperture scale or by
observing the diaphragm image visible on the exit pupil inside the eyepiece tube, or by using a
centering telescope after removing one of the eyepieces and focusing on the aperture diaphragm.
18
(Fig.14)
11. Centering the condenser for BA310Met-T
Fully open the field of view diaphragm and condenser aperture diaphragm.
Set the specimen on the stage with the cover glass facing up.
Bring the specimen image into focus, using the 10X objective.
Close the field of view diaphragm to its minimum setting by means of the field diaphragm ring.
Turn the condenser focus knob to bring the field diaphragm image into focus on the specimen plane.
Adjust the condenser centering screws so that the image of the field diaphragm appears at the
centre of the field of view. At this time, stopping the field diaphragm image, just short of the
maximum field of view, may be convenient for centering.
Adjust and centre the field diaphragm so that it is just outside the field of view for each
magnification change.
12. Use of aperture diaphragm for BA310Met-T
The condenser aperture diaphragm is provided for adjusting the numerical aperture (N.A.) of the
illuminating system of the microscope, it decides the resolution of the image, contrast, depth of
focus and brightness.
Stopping down will lower the resolution and brightness but increase the contrast and depth of focus.
An image with appropriate contrast can be obtained with an aperture setting that is 2/3 of the
objective N.A.
To adjust the aperture diaphragm:
○ adjust the condenser aperture diaphragm ring referring to the condenser aperture scale, or
○ by observing the diaphragm image visible on the exit pupil inside the eyepiece tube, or
○ by using a centering telescope after removing one of the eyepieces and focusing on the
aperture diaphragm.
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13. Use of field diaphragm for BA310Met-T
The field diaphragm determines the illuminated area on the specimen. For normal observation, the
diaphragm is set slightly larger than the field of view. If the illuminated area is set much larger than
the field of view extraneous light will enter the field of view. This will create a flare in the image and
lower the contrast.
The thickness of the glass slide must be 1.7mm or less, otherwise the field diaphragm may not be
focused on the specimen plane.
The diaphragm does not have any effect when the condenser top lens is swung out of the optical
path in the Swing-out type condenser. Fully open the field diaphragm, as the N.A. of the illuminating
system will be reduced if the diaphragm is excessively stopped down.
14. Brightness and contrast adjustment
Blue filter is used for color temperature adjustment in routine microscopy and photomicrography.
Frost filter reduces irregularity in the illumination field, but also reduces the brightness.
To ensure enough brightness, remove the frost filter out of light path when using the
high magnification objectives and low reflectivity of sample.
For the best contrast and image quality, adjust the condenser aperture diaphragm
lever accordingly when the objective changed.
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V. PHOTOMICROGRAPHIC PROCEDURE
To ensure vibration free operation, set the microscope on a sturdy vibration free table or a bench
with a vibration proof device.
Pull the optical path selection lever of the trinocular eyepiece tube all of the way out to the limit, the
ratio of light entering the observation tube and phototube will be 20:80.
For the same total magnification, select a combination of the highest possible objective
magnification and lowest possible projection lens magnification to achieve the utmost image
definition and contrast.
To ensure optimal illumination, check the position and centring of the lamp and position of the
condenser.
Select a blue filter for routine application. An additional colour-compensating filter can also be used
depending on the colour rendition.
Adjusting the field diaphragm is important for the purpose of limiting extraneous light that may
cause flare and lower the contrast. Stop down the diaphragm to achieve an illuminated area slightly
larger than that of the field of view.
A change of depth of focus, contrast and resolution of image is attainable with an aperture setting
that is 2/3 of the objective N.A.
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VI. TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE
As you use your microscope, you may occasionally experience a problem.
The troubleshooting table below contains the majority of frequently encountered problems and the
possible causes.
Optical
Problem Possible Cause
Lamp not installed properly
Condenser not mounted correctly
Condenser is set too low
Vignetting or uneven brightness in the field of Aperture diaphragm closed too far
view or field of view only partially visible Revolving nosepiece not clicked into position
Trinocular eyepiece tube optical path selector
lever in intermediate position
Filter not in placed in properly
Aperture diaphragm closed too far
Condenser is set too low
Dust or dirt in the field of view Dust or dirt on specimen surface
Dust or dirt on field lens, filter,
condenser or eyepiece
Condenser is set too low
Aperture diaphragm closed too far
No cover glass
Too thick or thin cover glass
Immersion oil not used on immersion procedure
Poor image (low contrast or resolution)
Air bubbles in immersion oil
Specified immersion oil used not used
Immersion oil on dry objective
Greasy residue on eye lens
Incorrect illumination
Specimen holder not fixed securely on stage
Uneven focus Specimen not secured in position
Specimen tilted on stage surface
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Lamp voltage is set too low
Image tinged yellow
Blue filter is not being used
Focusing is not possible with high magnification Slide is upside down
objectives Cover glass is too thick
High magnification objectives strike the Slide is upside down
specimen when changing over from low to high Cover glass is too thick
magnification Eyepiece diopter not adjusted
Insufficient parfocality of objectives Eyepiece diopter not adjusted
Magnification or field of view of left and right
eyepieces differ
No cohesion of binocular image
Interpupillary distance not adjusted
Eyepiece diopter not adjusted
Interpupillary distance not adjusted
Diopter adjustment not made
Eye strain or fatigue
Field of view of left and right eyepiece differ
Inadequate illumination
Electrical
Power supply not plugged in
Lamp does not light Lamp not installed
Lamp burnt out
Inadequate brightness Specified lamp not being used
Lamp blows out immediately Specified lamp not being used
Connectors are not securely connected
Lamp flickers Lamp near end of service life
Lamp not securely plugged into socket
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