A compound microscope and a stereomicroscope are two types of optical microscopes used for different purposes. Here are the key differences between them:
Compound Microscope
1. Magnification:
• Typically offers higher magnification, often ranging from 40x to 1000x or more.
2. Objective and Eyepiece Lenses:
• Uses multiple objective lenses (usually 4x, 10x, 40x, and 100x) and one eyepiece lens to achieve high magnification.
3. Light Source:
• Generally has a built-in light source below the stage, which illuminates the specimen from underneath. This is essential for viewing thin, transparent samples.
4. Specimen Type:
• Designed for viewing small, thin, and transparent specimens such as cells, bacteria, and tissues.
5. Depth of Field:
• Has a relatively shallow depth of field, which means only a thin layer of the specimen can be in focus at a time.
6. Image Orientation:
• Produces a two-dimensional, inverted image of the specimen.
7. Application:
• Commonly used in biological and medical research, microbiology, and cellular biology.
Stereomicroscope (Dissecting Microscope)
1. Magnification:
• Offers lower magnification, typically ranging from 10x to 50x.
2. Objective and Eyepiece Lenses:
• Uses two separate optical paths with two objective lenses and two eyepiece lenses, providing a three-dimensional view.
3. Light Source:
• Often has both top (incident) and bottom (transmitted) light sources. The top light source is used to illuminate opaque objects from above.
4. Specimen Type:
• Designed for viewing larger, opaque, and solid specimens such as insects, plants, fossils, and small mechanical parts.
5. Depth of Field:
• Has a greater depth of field, allowing more of the specimen to be in focus at the same time.
6. Image Orientation:
• Produces a three-dimensional, upright image of the specimen.
7. Application:
• Commonly used in dissection, microsurgery, forensic science, entomology, and quality control in manufacturing.
