1.25 Abbe Condenser; Iris Diaphragm; 100X Oil Immersion Objective; Mechanical Stage - Home Science Tools MI-4100STD Instruction Manual

1.25 Abbe Condenser

Unlike the fixed condenser on the MI-
4100STD model, this
4100DXL models is movable. Rotate it using the
upper lever under the stage. Moving it clockwise
will lower it; counter-clockwise will raise it. In
most cases it can be left all the way up, though it
may need adjustment when you use a 100x
objective lens to achieve a clear image.
Condenser

Iris Diaphragm

Iris Diaphragm
On the MI-4100DXL
diaphragm replaces the disc diaphragm. It
provides greater control of the amount of light
coming through the specimen and optics, thus
giving you more precise resolution and contrast
for each specimen. The diaphragm adjusts very
easily with a sliding control lever instead of a
rotating disk. This lever is the lower lever under
the stage.
Begin looking at any specimen with the iris
diaphragm all the way open (clockwise is open,
counter-clockwise is closed). After focusing,
reduce the light by moving the lower lever until
the specimen is in sharp, clear contrast. As with
the disc diaphragm, you will need less light on
lower power and more light on higher power.
The following table gives suggested opening
sizes for each power level:
Objective Diaphragm Opening
4x From fully closed to 1/8 open
10x 1/8 to 1/4 open
40x 1/4 to 1/2 open
100x 1/2 to 3/4 open

100x Oil Immersion Objective

The MI-4100DXL model has an additional
100x objective that
magnification. At this
important to reduce light diffraction to enhance
the image quality. This is done by using
immersion oil according to the following steps:
1. Lower the stage using the coarse focus
knob.
2. Raise the Abbe Condenser to the highest
position by turning
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condenser on the
Abbe
Lever
Lever
model, the iris
provides 1000x
magnification it
its lever counter-
clockwise. Open the iris diaphragm by
turning its lever clockwise.
3. Place one drop of high quality immersion oil
(our item MI-IMMOIL) on top of the
coverslip. (In some cases, it may be
beneficial to place a drop of oil between the
condenser and the slide also, but this is
usually not necessary for a good image.)
4. Move the 100x objective lens into position,
and then slowly move the stage up until the
lens makes contact with the oil.
5. Continue focusing with the coarse knob until
the color or blurred outline of the specimen
appears. Finish focusing with
the fine focus knob.
6. Adjust the condenser and
diaphragm until you see the
specimen
contrast.
7. When you are done,
clean all the oil off the
lenses and slides using
lens paper and lens cleaning solution
(instructions are on page 2 of this manual).

Mechanical Stage

The MI-4100DXL model has a mechanical
stage built-in, a component that allows precise
movement of the slide on the stage while
maintaining relatively good focus. It is ideal for
scanning specimens. The mechanical stage has
three operating components: the slide clamp
arm, the "x" or right/left adjustment knob and the
"y" or front/back adjustment knob.
1. Move the small lever on top of the stage to
open the curved slide clamp arm.
2. Carefully place the slide squarely against
the fixed side and back edge of the
mechanical stage. Make sure the slide lies
flat on the microscope stage.
3. Gently release the small lever allowing the
slide clamp arm to securely hold the
specimen slide in place.
4. Move the specimen under the objective lens
is
by turning the adjustment knobs. The
front/back adjustment knob is at the top. It
allows precise movement to the front and
back of the stage. The right/left adjustment
knob is at the bottom, towards the base of
the microscope. It allows precise movement
to the right and left of the stage. Turn these
adjustment
Page 5 of 8
in clear, sharp
100x Objective
knobs without putting
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any