So many microscopes, so little time. Do not fret. If you are a student of life sciences, chances are you began your research by learning how to use the bright field microscope. That’s one down for you.

Bright field microscopy entails the use of natural light in order for the viewer to see the specimen. The light passes through the subject via the lenses and then transported into the perception of the observer. Therefore, the bright field microscope user is given the view of an unseen world.

Bright field microscopes are used in various fields. Biologists use these in order to identify organisms. They also look at cellular components and estimate the microorganisms that are present through this microscope. The medical technologists use bright field microscopes in order for them to identify which of the microbes are infectious. Doctors use bright field microscopes in order to determine the diagnosis.

Laboratories have tons of bright field microscopes which are used in research and also to teach students the basic notes of microscopy.

What are the components of Bright Field Microscopes?
Bright field microscope covers tons of microscopes because it is a general term applied to each one that employs the visible light in order for the subject to be seen. Simple microscopes use mirrors in order for the light to be reflected into the subject. Nowadays, compound microscopes utilize individual light sources, providing an innovative and newer way for the scientist to work in conditions that have low ambient light.

Generally, bright field microscopes have the following components. One should be aware of these in order for him to have an easier time setting up the system.

1. The base of the bright field microscope supports the entire body. The base holds the reflecting mirror and it can also be adjusted in order to get the appropriate amount of light needed in order to view the subject.

2. The objective lenses rest on the rotating carousel in order for the microscope user to switch from higher to lower magnifications, depending on which view he utilizes in order to perceive the subject in greater and fuller detail.

3. Bright field microscopes generally include four objective lenses. Simple objective lenses have the ability to magnify the specimen four times. This is helpful when the field of view is being established. Another objective lens can also magnify the specimen up to ten times, which is helpful when selecting the part of the subject that is best viewed. Another objective lens magnifies the subject even further in order to choose the portions. Finally, the oil immersion lenses produce the highest magnification power.

4. The ocular lenses and the magnifying lenses can examine the subject further because they are near to the observer’s eyes. These lenses are what the scientists use to look through the specimen. Some microscopes have two adjustable oculars that can be moved in order to fit the scientist’s eyes perfectly.

5. The arm of the bright field microscope supports the objective lenses as well as the carousel. It connects the microscope to the base of the entire system. The arm is adjusted to be in accordance with the reflecting mirror depending on the amount of light needed.

6. The body tube of the bright field microscope is responsible in sending the reflected light to the subject under the ocular lenses. A condenser lens is used to direct the light from the source and to the specimen. In some bright field microscopes, the condenser lenses are fitted into the colored glass, therefore in creasing the contrast within the subject.

7. The stage of the microscope also lets the light slide into the specimen from various directions. The stage contains the clips which hold slides into place. These keep them from slipping off the bright field microscopic stage.

8. The adjustment knob lets the user concentrate on the subject. If the adjustment knob is course, the user will have a hard time sliding the stage up and down through the distances which he needs to get the light on the specimen from. The adjustment knob should be moved to where the light from the stage has small increments in order for the user to concentrate on the specimen’s specific part.

Now by knowing the basic parts of the bright field microscope, setting the system up won’t be that hard. By being aware where the parts should be, the user will have an easier time using the system.