Digital LCD Teaching Microscopes
Digital Teaching Microscopes with LCD Panels: Functions, Features and Maintenance
Digital microscopes are some of the latest instruments in optical microscopy offering a whole new world of possibilities not only to education but also to research and laboratory applications. Even when used as teaching microscopes, digital microscopes have the same level of sophistication that can rival some of the most commonly used instruments in formal scientific research. The main feature that digital microscopes offer is the capability to capture, edit and store still images and video images of specimens involved in a study using sharper imagery. Combined with related software and LCD monitors, digital microscopes can be an effective cutting edge teaching tool in any environment.
A digital microscope functions in much the same way as a traditional compound microscope except that the digital instrument utilizes a digital camera for viewing and capturing specimen images. It allows users to display images using a CCTV or LCD monitor, tv or projection screen. Images may also be saved, stored and sent as e-mail attachments. For image manipulation, accompanying software is often used for zooming, storage and creating reports, video presentations and composite images, among other things. This makes digital microscopes an essential tool for teaching and learning.
Parts and functions of a digital teaching microscope
The main consideration about digital microscopes is of course the digital camera. What its features are and how it will perform in relation to the requirements of the student or instructor will determine whether it is the right choice or not. Some factors that may affect camera performance include field of view, magnification, image clarity, compatibility with the objective in terms of focalization, video imaging speed and capability to reproduce true color.
The eyepiece of a digital teaching microscope is equipped with an imaging sensor, usually a CMOS electronic digital imaging system. Some models also do not require direct power supply, since power is often obtained from the host computer through a USB interface.
An important component of a digital teaching microscope package is the software. Software allows a wide range of capabilities that are not available in a microscope unit alone. Some display functions, video viewing, zooming functions and time lapse shots are only available through software. Some units do not have imaging software, which is necessary in order to view and reproduce a specimen image as faithfully as possible, although a separate package may be obtained for this purpose. It is also necessary to check the compatibility of the software with the computer, since all software that comes with digital microscopes have minimum system requirements.
The LCD panel that comes in most digital teaching microscope models is usually housed in the controller, allowing users to view and manipulate images. The built-in monitor can vary in size, with different display capabilities. How the LCD panel displays images will depend on its resolution and on the camera’s. The higher the resolution, the crisper, sharper the picture. It’s important that the camera and the LCD monitor are compatible because a discrepancy might result to a less effective image display.
Lighting for digital teaching microscopes is often provided by an LED, which might depend on a condenser lens and diffusion screen in order to illuminate the object or specimen from different angles and numerical apertures. Some of the most common illumination modes include bright field, dark field, reflected light and oblique.
Digital teaching microscopes are more expensive than the traditional kind. A decent alternative would be a microscope eyepiece that is equipped with a digital camera that can be used as an attachment to a standard compound microscope. This may be used to replace any standard microscope eyepiece and can offer a better, sharper still or video image. If the standard microscope is a trinocular, a mount adaptor may be used. The additional use of software allows more flexibility in terms of viewing, saving and editing images.
An advantage to this type of setup is that it is more economical and the digital camera may be used and adapted to any standard compound microscope. However, it is not portable and certain features are not as versatile compared to those found in digital microscopes. Digital microscopes are also more portable and more convenient to use, with some units allowing as much as 360 degrees view of the specimen.
Caring for a digital teaching microscope
The first thing to remember about digital microscopes is that they are extremely sensitive instruments. Care and storage recommendations from the manufacturer should be followed. Generally, they only require careful handling and regular cleaning to maintain the unit’s optical integrity and prolong its life. Digital microscopes must also be kept in an environment that is free from contaminants and extreme changes in temperature. Periodic cleaning should involve a lens cloth and appropriate cleaning solution. It is also important that the user avoid touching the optical parts of the instrument and that any repairs should be left to a professional in order to avoid permanent damage.
