Particle & solid-state
Optical (Light) Microscope
Magnifies particles so their size, shape and crystal habit can be seen and measured with a calibrated eyepiece graticule or camera. Used for particle size, morphology and identification checks.
- Pharmaceutical
- Microbiology
- Materials
- Food
- Forensics
- Education
TROUBLESHOOTING
Common problems, causes and fixes
Image blurred
Likely causes
- • Dirty lens or slide
- • Wrong cover slip thickness
- • Oil on a dry objective
What to do
- • Clean optics
- • Use the correct cover slip
- • Clean the objective with lens tissue
Uneven illumination
Likely causes
- • Condenser not centred
- • Lamp misaligned
What to do
- • Set Köhler illumination
- • Re-align the lamp
Particles all clumped
Likely causes
- • Poor dispersion
- • Wrong mounting fluid
What to do
- • Disperse more gently and use less sample
- • Choose a fluid with suitable wetting
Size results differ between analysts
Likely causes
- • Different particle selection
- • Graticule not calibrated
What to do
- • Use a defined field-scanning pattern
- • Calibrate and document for each objective
In LimsPulse · Calibration Management
Keep every Optical microscope in control: usage logs, calibration and maintenance schedules, and automatic blocking of overdue instruments.