Optics Rail Microscope Setup
Microscope Eye Chart Slide
Microscopes
Cell Phone Microscope

 

Code Number: 6A70.10

Demo Title: Microscopes

Condition: Good

Principle: Lens Systems and Focal Lengths

Area of Study: Optics

Equipment:

Optics Bench, Convex Lenses (20, 30, 48, 76, 18, cm), Eye Chart Slide, Camera and Power Supply, and Close-Up Lenses.

Procedure:

The microscope is set up as indicated with the +20 lens at the end of the track near the camera and the +18 at the end near the eye chart slide. Use the camera in place of the human eye. The camera should be focused at infinity.

Real microscopes are available for demos.

An interesting possiblilty is to buy a small microscope unit that can be attached to a smartphone.  This assembly will show the microscopic world with great flexibility.

References:

  • James Lincoln, "Ten Annoying Experiments to do at Dinnertime", TPT, Vol. 63, #2, Feb. 2025, p. 136.
  • Timo Hergemöller and Daniel Laumann, "Smartphone Magnification Attachment: Microscope or Magnifying Glass", TPT, Vol. 55, #6, Sept. 2017, p. 361.
  • A. J. Cox and Alan J. DeWeerd, "The Image Between the Lenses: Activities with a Telescope and a Microscope", TPT, Vol. 41, #3, Mar. 2003, p. 176.
  • Gorazd Planinsic, "Water-Drop Projector", TPT, Vol. 39, #2, Feb. 2001, p. 76.
  • Mark L. Biermann and Lois A. A. Biermann, "When the f/♯ is not the f/♯", TPT, Vol. 34, #5, May 1996, p. 312.
  • Kenneth N. Taylor, "Measuring Focal Lengths and Principal Planes of Complex Lens", TPT, Vol. 25, #8, Nov. 1987, p. 484.
  • Wayne O. Williams, "Glass Tubing Microscope", TPT, Vol. 17, #3, Mar. 1979, p. 204, also A Potpourri of Physics Teaching Ideas - Tricks of the Trade, p. 350.
  • Robert P. Lanni, "Letters to the Editor: Optics Experiments by Armstrong", TPT, Vol. 5, #2, Feb. 1967, p. 84.
  • H. L. Armstrong, "Apparatus for Teaching Physics: An Experiment on Optical Devices", TPT, Vol. 4, #7, Oct. 1966, p. 323.
  • Thomas B. Greenslade, Jr., "Culpepper Microscope", AJP, Vol. 90, #12, Dec. 2022, p. 902.
  • J. Higbie, "Microscope Resolution", AJP, Vol. 49, #1, Jan. 1981, p. 40.
  • Euan McLeod and Aydogan Ozcan, "Microscopy without Lenses", Physics Today, Vol. 70, #9, Sept. 2017, p. 50.
  • Andrew Resnick, "Bubbles in Contrast", Physics Today, Vol. 67, #7, July 2014, p. 68.
  • Amanda Green, "A Brief History of the Microscope", Popular Mechanics, Vol. 190, #3, Mar. 2013 p. 112.
  • Daniel Engber, "Which is More Powerful: A Giant Microscope or a Giant Telescope", Popular Science, Vol. 288, #1, Jan/Feb 2016, p. 100.
  • Sophie Bushwick, "An Origami Microscope for Less Than a Dollar", Popular Science, Vol. 286, #9, Sept. 2014, p. 72.
  • Shawn Carlson, "The Amateur Scientist: Home Movies of an Invisible World", Scientific American, Vol. 279, #4, Oct. 1998, p. 118.
  • Martin C. Sagendorf, "A Closer Look", Physics Demonstration Apparatus, 2009. p. 122.
  • 50 Fun Experiments for the Mad Scientist in You, "Bonus: Microphoto", National Geographic Kids, p. 37.
  • Janice VanCleave, "Determine How the Focal Length of a Magnifying Lens Affects Its Magnifying Power", Super Science Challenges, p. 19.
  • "Helpful Devices", The Boy Scientist, p. 9.
  • Harvard Instructional Physics Labs, "Lab 6: Microscopy".
  • C. Harvey Palmer, "Experiment A16: The Refracting Telescope", Optics - Experiments and Demonstrations, John Hopkins Press, 1962.
  • T. D. Rossing and C. J. Chiaverina, "4.10, Telescopes and Microscopes", Light Science, Physics and Visual Arts, p. 95.
  • Curt Suplee, "Inner Vision", Everyday Science Explained, National Geographic, p. 112 - 113.
  • "Waterdrop Microscope", Laser Classroom.
  • Simon Quellen Field, "Photography Through a Microscope", Sci-Toys.com, https://sci-toys.com/scitoys/scitoys/biology/micro.html#micro_photography.
  • Sara Stein, "Magnifications", The Science Book, p. 193.
  • Prof. Robert Griffith, "Home-Made Microscope", Boys' Useful Pastimes, p. 90.
  • Joseph Frick, "#183 - The Compound Microscope", Physical Technics: Or Practical Instructions for Making Experiments in Physics and the Construction of Physical Apparatus with the Most Limmited Means, p. 211.
  • "Achromatic Microscopes", Pike's Illustrated Catalogue of Scientific & Medical Instruments, 1984, p. 353.
  • The Queen Catalogues Vol. I, Catalogue of Ophthalmological Instruments, Optical Principles, p. 16.
  • "AI-Driven X-Ray Analysis Discovers Nanostructures", Microscopy and Analysis, #183, Jan. 2023, p. 5.
  • "Foldscope: A truly frugal microscope", Microscopy and Analysis, #183, Jan. 2023, p. 9.
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6A70.10 - Microscopes