Selection Method of Microscope Objective Lenses
Olympus microscopes provide customers with a wide selection of objectives featuring diverse types and functions. Below is a brief introduction on how to select objectives for different microscope models.
First, Olympus objectives are classified into three basic series: PLN (Plan Achromatic), UPLFLN (Universal Semi-Apochromatic), and UPLSAPO (Universal Apochromatic). There are also dedicated objectives for phase contrast observation (PLN-PH, UPLFLN-PH) and polarized light observation (PLN-P, UPLFLN-P). For inverted microscope applications, long working distance objectives such as LUCPLFLN and CPLFLN are available accordingly.
The basic parameters defining an objective include magnification, numerical aperture (NA), working distance (WD), and field number (FN). Even objectives with the same magnification may differ significantly in these core specifications across different series.
Common observation modes for optical microscopes are listed below:BF: Bright FieldDF: Dark FieldPH: Phase ContrastPO: Polarized LightDIC: Differential Interference ContrastFL: Fluorescence Observation (blue, green, violet excitation, etc.)UVFL: Ultraviolet Fluorescence Observation
Different objective types are designed to match specific observation modes. For example, PLN objectives with a field number of 22 support the following observation methods.
Beyond the objective itself, proper matching between the objective and the optical system of the microscope can optimize imaging performance while maximizing cost-effectiveness of the equipment configuration.
