What is a Stereo microscope?

A stereomicroscope is a type of optical microscope and is also called a binocular stereomicroscope. An optical microscope is an optical device that uses an eyepiece to magnify and observe a real image of a minute object magnified by an objective lens. The stereomicroscope has two optical paths and can observe an object three-dimensionally by using the parallax between the left and right eyes. Generally, the magnification is relatively low, several to 40 times, but the distance between the objective lens and the stage is long, so it is possible to observe a relatively large sample as it is. You can also perform tasks such as dissection and assembly while looking at the magnified image. Types and characteristics of optical microscopes There are various types of optical microscopes depending on their principle and purpose of use, but they are generally classified into two types: biological microscopes and stereomicroscopes. A biological microscope is a type of transmission microscope and should be considered the most common microscope. This type of microscope observes by sliding the sample thinly and letting light pass through it. On the other hand, stereomicroscopes use both transmitted illumination and oblique illumination as the illumination method. The stereomicroscope has two eyepieces and can be observed with both eyes at the same time, so it has the characteristic of being able to observe the sample three-dimensionally. In addition, since the distance between the eyepiece and the stage on which the sample is placed is long, it is also suitable for work such as dissecting while observing a biological sample.

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