Chapter 7 Proper Alignment of the Microscope

Abstract

Publisher Summary The light microscope, in many of its configurations, is a somewhat complex tool with many adjustable components. Good alignment is essential for good image quality, especially so for quantitative studies. This chapter presents a few simple guidelines for the best alignment of all those components of the light microscope that can be focused and/or centered. A better understanding of the function of these components and the process to control their influences on the image has become even more critical for electronic imaging. While analog or digital image processing can, compensate, to a small extent for poor mechanical and optical alignment, the best end result, free of artifacts, is derived from the best possible optical image. Many stands provide receptacles for neutral density, color or polarizing filters, waveplates or so-called compensators, and special sliders for contrast enhancement. The chapter also describes aligning the microscope for Koehler illumination. It also presents a brief summary of the basic concepts, taking into account the electromagnetic wave nature of light, its wavelength, λ, and the interaction of wavefronts with the specimen's structures. Ernst Abbe was the pioneer who developed the theory of image formation through the microscope.