How to choose a high quality microscope
A microscope is a precision optical instrument, and its core technology is optical technology. The key to product quality depends on the optical system (including illumination system, objective lens, etc.), which is also the basic principle for purchasing a microscope. The quality of imported microscope manufacturers (Germany Zeiss, German Leica, Japanese Nikon, Japanese Olympus) is uneven. Users should analyze rationally during the selection process, and don't go astray, which will eventually cause inevitable economic losses.
The following is a description of the technical indicators that should be focused on during the selection process:
1. Image quality
We use the microscope mainly to use the principle of optical imaging to obtain microstructure images, and then conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis on the images, so the quality of imaging is the most critical indicator. Clear image In the field of metallography we call it sharp image. To obtain a sharp image must meet the four basic conditions of high contrast, high brightness, good color reproduction and high resolution. Contrast, brightness, and color reproduction are precisely the places that users tend to ignore when selecting models, and they only blindly pursue resolution, which leads to failure in model selection. For example, the imaging quality of a Japanese brand microscope purchased by a large domestic steel mill in 2000 is far inferior to that of a German Zeiss microscope purchased in 1985, but the numerical aperture of the objective lens is higher than that of Zeiss. In fact, the reason is very simple, that is, when these manufacturers manufacture microscopes, they only consider one factor that affects the imaging quality—resolution, while ignoring other important factors such as contrast, brightness, and color reproduction. In this regard, German Zeiss company has done a better job. They use ICCS optical system and advanced anti-glare technology to significantly improve the contrast, brightness and color reproduction of the image, so as to obtain the most subtle organization and delicate color. . Only then can accurate image analysis be carried out.
2. Mechanical stability
It's not enough to have good image quality, it should also be consistently high quality over time. We call this "mechanical stability" because the microscope is not a low-value consumable item, and its normal service life should be more than 30 years. In this regard, it is recommended that users focus on the following points: 1. Raw materials 2. Manufacturing precision 3. Mechanical design 4. Origin (currently many imported microscope manufacturers have established joint ventures in China).
