"Microscope" - what is it, definition of the term
A magnifying instrument that employs one or more lenses (or, in advanced models, electron beams) to enlarge objects beyond the resolving capacity of the unaided eye, thereby revealing structural details at micrometer or nanometer scales. It comprises an objective lens, an eyepiece, a light source, and mechanical components for precise focusing and specimen positioning. By increasing apparent size, the device permits detailed examination of microscopic entities, including tiny arthropods such as ticks, lice, fleas, and other insects, supporting accurate identification, classification, and scientific investigation.
Detailed information
The optical magnifier used for arthropod examination provides magnifications from 40× to 400× in standard models, extending to 1000× in high‑performance variants. Illumination options include reflected LED, transmitted halogen, and coaxial light paths, allowing clear visualization of both opaque exoskeletons and translucent internal structures. Adjustable condenser lenses and phase‑contrast accessories enhance contrast for minute features such as setae patterns on ticks or leg segmentation in fleas.
Sample preparation follows a consistent protocol: specimens are cleared in potassium hydroxide, dehydrated through graded ethanol, and mounted on glass slides with glycerin‑based media. Staining with hematoxylin‑eosin or specialized chitin dyes highlights cuticular layers, facilitating species identification. Coverslip placement with spacer rings prevents compression of soft tissues, preserving morphological integrity for measurement.
Key specifications for effective arthropod analysis:
- Magnification range: 40×–400× (standard), up to 1000× (advanced)
- Numerical aperture: 0.65–1.30, determining resolution of structures ≤0.2 µm
- Working distance: 5–10 mm, accommodating slide thickness and specimen size
- Light source: LED (stable color temperature), optional infrared for live specimens
- Accessories: polarizing filters, digital camera adapters, image analysis software
Applications include taxonomic classification of ticks, detection of pathogen‑bearing salivary glands in lice, assessment of flea mouthpart morphology for vector competence studies, and monitoring of developmental stages in laboratory colonies. Digital imaging integration enables measurement of body length, width, and ornamentation, supporting quantitative research and archival documentation.