Introduction

The Trinocular Biological Microscope with Digital Camera is primarily used to study biological specimens such as cells and microorganisms and their vital processes. It is essentially an optical microscope integrated with a digital camera. The camera can photograph the specimens under observation, which can be saved as digital files for further analysis. 

The digital camera reduces human efforts and enables its use in microphotography, image processing, particle size measurement, pathology report, recording mobility, sketching, and labeling. 

The microscope has a total magnification of 40X – 1600X, allowing the specimen to be viewed within a wide range of magnification according to experimental needs. It also has a built-in LED adjustable light source with a charging system. Therefore, it can be used for 50 hours without electricity, increasing its benefits and convenience. 

Apparatus

The Trinocular Biological Microscope with Digital Camera is an optical microscope equipped with a trinocular head and a digital camera. The microscope’s head has a 55~75 mm interpupillary distance and an adjustable diopter. It has a plan eyepiece and four achromatic objectives with a total magnification between 40X-1600X. It also includes a quadruple nosepiece, 160 mm mechanical tube, ABBE condenser with iris diaphragm, and 140×155mm double layer mechanical stage with a vernier scale of 0.1 mm to measure small lengths. The focusing system includes a fine and coarse coaxial focusing system with a focusing range of 30 mm and a minimum division of fine focusing of 0.002 mm. Blue, Yellow, and Green filters are included with the microscope. A major benefit is that it is equipped with an adjustable brightness built-in LED source with a charging system that allows it to be used for 50 hours without electricity.

Principle

Light coming from the LED source illuminates the specimen, and the digital camera projects the image of the specimen to the computer/laptop screen. 

Protocol

• Place the microscope on a table and turn it on.
• Set up the digital camera. 
• Remove the cover of the camera port, attach it to the eyepiece and then fix it on the microscope.
• Connect a laptop or computer with the camera via a cable.
• After connecting the camera, prepare your slide.
• Place the slide on the stage. 
• Set your desired magnification by moving magnification lenses.
• Adjust the brightness and focus with the fine and coarse adjustment knobs until you get a clear image on the laptop.

Applications

The Trinocular Biological Microscope with Digital Camera is an effective instrument for inspecting and analyzing various biological specimens and microorganisms. Many sectors employ digital biological microscopes, including education, research, health, forensics, hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and industrial manufacturing. 

Jasrotia et al. (2019) used a Biological Microscope with Digital Camera to compare the efficacy of ultrasonic file irrigation and hand instrumentation techniques to remove calcium hydroxide/chlorhexidine-containing medicines from the root canal before obturation.

Precautions

• The microscope should be placed in an area free of dust and oil stains.
• Place it in an area with minimal vibrations and temperature fluctuations because the equipment will be negatively affected. 
• Brightness should be kept to a minimum to avoid affecting the user’s eyes.
• Avoid touching the lens with your hands. 
• When the power is off, be sure to wash the lens off with a lens cleaner or alcohol.
• As a result of the digital microscope’s high voltage and current needs, proper wiring is essential. Otherwise, heat hazards may easily be generated during use. 

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths

The microscope is a blend of traditional and modern technology that makes it a perfect optical system with outstanding resolving power and clarity. Digital microscopes can display an image directly onto the camera, resulting in higher-quality pictures. High dynamic range (HDR), capacity to produce all-in-focus pictures outside the field of vision, and tilted lighting choices give more texture than you can see via eyepieces. It has great versatility to handle various applications and anti-halation to decrease glare. It provides quick photos and makes it simple to collaborate with others since it displays pictures on a computer screen. The microscope can also be used if there is no available power outlet since its built-in charging system allows it to be used for 50 hours without electricity. 

Limitations

Inflexibility and camera deterioration are the two biggest drawbacks of an integrated digital microscope. Moreover, it is bulky and difficult to move to different locations.

Summary

• The Trinocular Biological Microscope with Digital Camera integrates a digital camera with the traditional light microscope.
• It is equipped with a binocular and trinocular head with a digital camera, 55~75 mm interpupillary distance with diopter, plan eyepiece, achromatic objective, mechanical tube, focusing system, double-layer magnetic base, filter, and illuminator.
• It has a built-in LED adjustable light source with a charging system. Therefore, it can be used for 50 hours without electricity. 
• Light coming from LED illuminates the specimen, and the digital camera projects the picture onto the laptop screen.
• It is an effective instrument for inspecting and analyzing various biological specimens and microorganisms.
• It is a blend of traditional and modern technology that makes it a perfect optical system with outstanding resolving power and clarity.

References

1. Jasrotia, A., Farooq, R., Bhagat, R., Bhagat, K., Sharma, N., & Habib, S. (2019). Removal efficacy of various calcium hydroxide/chlorhexidine medicaments from the root canal with the aid of a biological microscope. Indian Journal of Dental Sciences, 11(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijds.ijds_72_18