Optical microscopes are divided into simple and compound microscopes. The latter one contains at least two curved lenses that bend rays of light and magnify objects, making them bigger than they actually are. A compound microscope includes an objective lens and an eyepiece lens to gain a high magnification, and a condenser placed beneath the stage focuses the light directly into the sample.
A monocular compound microscope has two sets of lenses. The first set is called an eyepiece or ocular through which the observer looks at the object. The lenses are placed at the top of the tube that connects the eyepiece with the objective lens.
A binocular compound microscope is the most popular device as it is more convenient to use than monocular ones and easier than trinocular ones. This type of microscope is light and very easy to use. A binocular compound microscope is a valuable device that allows observing samples of specimens in scientific and medical applications.
A trinocular compound microscope includes two eyepieces like a binocular microscope and an eye tube that connects a microscope camera. This is a microscope with a moving prism assembly where the light is directed to the assembly of the microscope or to the camera.
A portable microscope is used in applications where the standard microscope is not practical. This type of microscope is lightweight and small enough to carry in your pocket. Portable microscopes are often used to observe coins, stamps, and botanical surfaces. Most portable microscopes include an eyepiece on one end and a light on the other end with a small stage.
A stereo microscope provides a three-dimensional view of a specimen. It includes separate objective lenses and eyepieces that provide you with two separate optical paths for each eye.
There is a wide selection of microscopes on Prime Lab Med. Choose the best one for your application!