Microscope glossary of terms and definitions

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Microscope Glossary

Semi-Plan lens. Semi-plan lenses show sharper images and less aberration in the outer edge of the lens. A step up from achromatic lenses.

Slide. A flat glass or plastic plate that transparent specimens are placed on.

Slip Clutch. A mechanical device that protects the focusing system of the microscope.

Stage. The flat plate where the specimen is placed for observation.

Stereo microscope. A microscope with separate optical channels for each eye (both eyepieces and objective lenses) that allows viewing of specimens in three dimensions.

Trinocular microscope. A binocular microscope with a third viewing port. The third port can be used for an instructor to view the specimen, or be used with a camera.

Turret. Also called the nosepiece, the part of the microscope that holds the objective lenses.

Working Distance. The distance between the specimen the objective lens. This dictates the allowable movement of the objective.

Zoom. A lens that provides variable magnification levels while maintaining focus.