Laboratory Equipment & Services Information System by Centralized Laboratory Management Office (CeLMO)

The Olympus CX21 is a high-quality compound microscope designed for educational, clinical, and research use. It offers excellent optical performance and user-friendly features, making it a popular choice in laboratories and classrooms.

When using the Olympus CX21 compound microscope, various pieces of equipment and accessories are involved to ensure proper functionality and to enhance the user experience. Below is a detailed overview of the equipment used with the Olympus CX21 and how they contribute to its use:

1. Olympus CX21 Microscope

• Main Equipment: This is the core piece of the system, consisting of the optical components (eyepieces, objectives, condenser), the mechanical structure (frame, focusing knobs, and stage), and the illumination system (LED light source).

2. Eyepieces (Ocular Lenses)

• The CX21 is equipped with 10x widefield eyepieces. These eyepieces allow users to see the specimen clearly, with a broad field of view.
• Diopter adjustment is included to accommodate for differences in users' eyesight, ensuring proper focus for each individual.

3. Objective Lenses

• The Olympus CX21 has four DIN standard objectives:
  • 4x (Scanning): Used for observing large or easily identifiable specimens.
  • 10x (Low Power): Ideal for general-purpose viewing of moderately small specimens.
  • 40x (High Power): Used for examining details in small specimens or slightly larger biological samples.
  • 100x (Oil Immersion): Designed for high magnification of fine details. This objective requires immersion oil to improve resolution and contrast.
• The objective lenses can be rotated using the revolving nosepiece to switch between magnifications.

4. Coarse and Fine Focus

• The coarse focus knob is used for quick adjustments when focusing on larger details, while the fine focus knob allows for precise adjustments, especially at higher magnifications (40x and 100x).
• Focus adjustments ensure the specimen is clearly visible by controlling the distance between the objective lens and the specimen.

5. Illumination System

• The CX21 microscope uses LED illumination, which provides bright and even lighting for clear viewing of specimens.
• The brightness control allows users to adjust the intensity of the light to suit different sample types.
• Condenser lens and diaphragm: The condenser helps focus the light onto the specimen, and the diaphragm adjusts the amount of light passing through, allowing control over contrast and depth of field.

6. Mechanical Stage

• The CX21 has a mechanical stage with X-Y controls that allow precise movement of the specimen slide.
• Stage clips hold the slide securely in place while the X-Y controls enable smooth adjustments to view different parts of the specimen.
• The mechanical stage allows for fine adjustments in positioning, which is particularly useful when switching between higher magnifications.

7. Condenser and Aperture Diaphragm

• The condenser focuses light onto the specimen. The aperture diaphragm controls the amount of light and depth of field.
• Proper adjustment of the diaphragm ensures optimal lighting and contrast when observing different types of specimens.

8. Slide and Specimen

• Microscope slides and cover slips are used to mount specimens. The specimen is placed on the slide and often covered with a cover slip to protect it and provide a flat surface for observation.
• Specimen types: The CX21 is used for viewing biological specimens, cells, microorganisms, and other small objects mounted on slides.

9. Oil (For 100x Oil Immersion Objective)

• For high magnification using the 100x oil immersion objective, immersion oil is required. This oil is applied to the slide between the objective lens and the specimen.
• The oil increases the resolution of the image by reducing light refraction and providing a clearer image at higher magnifications.

10. Camera (Optional)

• The Olympus CX21 can be equipped with a microscope camera if you need to capture images or video of your specimen.
• Camera adapters are used to attach the camera to the trinocular port for imaging.

11. Cleaning and Maintenance Tools

• Lens cleaning supplies: It is important to keep the optical components (eyepieces, objectives, and condenser) clean. A lens cleaning cloth, lens cleaning solution, and air blower help to maintain the microscope’s clarity.
• Stage cleaning tools: Ensure that the stage and slide holders are free from dust and debris to avoid interfering with the observation.

12. Calibration Tools (Optional)

• Calibration slides are used for adjusting and verifying the accuracy of the microscope's measurements and focus.
• A micrometer scale is sometimes used to measure the size of specimens under the microscope.

How These Components and Accessories Are Used Together:

1. Setup: Place a prepared slide on the mechanical stage and secure it with the stage clips.
2. Focus: Use the coarse focus knob for initial adjustment, then fine-tune the focus with the fine focus knob.
3. Lighting: Adjust the brightness of the LED light to suit the specimen and, if necessary, adjust the aperture diaphragm to control light intensity and contrast.
4. Observation: Rotate the objective lenses to change magnification as needed. Use the X-Y stage controls to move the slide and explore different areas of the specimen.
5. Oil Immersion: When using the 100x objective, apply immersion oil between the lens and the slide, then use the fine focus for detailed imaging.
6. Imaging (Optional): If equipped with a camera, capture images or videos for analysis or documentation.

Summary:

Using the Olympus CX21 compound microscope involves several pieces of equipment designed to enhance the microscope's functionality and enable effective observation of specimens. These include optical components (eyepieces, objectives), focusing mechanisms, stage controls, illumination systems, and optional accessories like cameras or oil for high magnification. Proper use and maintenance of these components ensure high-quality imaging and extend the lifespan of the microscope.