What are digital microscopes?

Digital microscope is a traditional optical microscope with a built -in camera associated with hub (CCD) and is used for enlarged viewing of samples and samples. These microscopes can usually be connected to a computer, so the images they produce can be stored on a hard drive for a later check or displayed on the monitor so several people can see the sample simultaneously. Using a combination of technology, digital microscopes play a key role in research and education.

How do they work

Most digital microscopes are built on the same foundation as other optical or light microscopes. The sample is located below the lens lens; The attached light source is usually used to facilitate the sample. The lens lens increases the sample and focuses on the microscope tube. In the stereo microscope, the eyepiece, also called the eye lens, then again enlarges the image, which makes it visible for the observer. Adigital microscope may not include an eyepiece but instead use digital FOutarket to focus the image.

types

The original digital microscopes required the use of a computer to view images. The box at the top of the microscope contained a cord to be connected to the computer, and the software interpreted the image and displayed it on the monitor. Microscopes of this type are still available, most including USB cables.

Other digital microscopes do not require a computer. Instead, a small monitor, usually at the top of the microscope, where the eyepiece would be traditionally, shows a picture of the sample. Some include a separate LCD monitor that can allow larger images. All-in-one models, such as this, usually include a hard drive so images can be stored and transferred.

Portable digital models are also available. The magnification levels with these small cords are usually limited and must usually be connected to the computer to see the image. HandHowever, the weight of these microscopes can be a big advantage, as the sample usually does not have to move or change in any way. The camera can also be able to put into small spaces and at unusual angles that the human eye could not achieve.

Combined stereo and digital microscopes include eyepiece so that they can be used as traditional microscopes, but have a built -in camera that allows you to transfer and store images. In most cases, the eyepiece enlargement determines the level of enlargement of the final image. There are also camera sets that attach to a separate stereo microscope, which makes it digital.

digital magnification

stereo, so digital microscopes depend on the lens optics for most of their magnification. While the stereo microscopes rely on the optic of the eyepiece to create an image is visible, the camera resolution and the monitor size determine how much magnification is possible using a digital microscope. This type of microscope does not necessarily includeOver the eyepiece, it is possible to capture images with a much larger optical magnification. In addition, the image can be further enlarged digitally, especially in high -resolution cameras.

Digital magnification - or zoom - manipulates the image so that it is larger. When the size of the image increases, the tiny colors, which form an image called pixels, increase. Because this may cause the image to look block, special algorithms are used to add new pixels and interpolate their value. Although it can theoretically reduce image quality, most digital microscopes have high -resolution cameras, so the images they produce can be as good or better than stereo optical microscopes.

Although it is possible to enlarge the digital image more than the one that can be seen through the cocoons, this magnification is limited by how large the sample can be reproduced on the monitor. Most All-in-One microscopes have relatively small views, sometimes small as 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) or less. Even the sentencesUnits often include a 15 -inch monitor (38.1 cm) that still limits the size of the image. In most cases, this means that digital microscopes give a little more than half the magnification of comparable stereo microscopes.

stereo vs. Digital

stereo, so digital microscopes come in a series of magnification and quality and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Despite the disadvantages of image enlargement, digital models have another advantage that they are able to capture and display images. Sampling images can often be easily printed and some digital microscopes provide a resolution of up to 54 megapixels. For people who have to use the microscope regularly, the ability to see the image on the screen can be.

Compared to stereo microscopes, the basic digital microscopes connected to the computer are also often more accessible and can be used for more purposes. The ability to manipulate the image digitally means that more than simple display and printing can be done; Some scientific models have a highlightA dynamic range that provides greater contrast in images and 3-D rotary and imaging functions. Some models also provide LED overhead lighting in tissue culture microscopes.