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Breakerspace Optical Microscope Tutorial

Overview:

Optical microscope The Olympus DSX1000 Digital Microscope is a powerful instrument that allows you to see images in full color at high magnifications, capture 3D data, and stitch together large images with six observation modes.

Index:

Standard operating protocol:

Instrument startup:

Operation:

Instrument shut down:

Compatible materials and sample prep:

Sample Prep:

The instrument has no particular sample prep requirements. As long as a sample is non-hazardous and safe to handle, weighs less than 5 kg, is not so tall as to prevent achieving focus, and can be place under observation without contaminating the microscope (ie spilling), it is possible to observe on the microscope. However, additional care in sample preparation (ie. careful slicing with a sharp blade) may improve imaging results, depending on sample material and characterization goals.

Detailed operating instructions:

Features:

Objectives:

There is an internal optical zoom system that boosts magnification from 14-140x, so total magnification will be (external objective) * (internal zoom factor), for a range of about 14x to 5600x depending on configuration used.

Observation modes:

Many different observation modes are available and can be selected in the desktop application or on the console:

The Best Image feature gives a quick preview of how the sample looks in each observation mode, and allows quick selection of the preferred mode. The DSX1000 Digital Microscope Operation Manual offers detailed instructions on use of the Best Image feature on page 52, and detailed explanations of each observation mode starting on page 63.

Best image feature operation.
Using the Best Image feature to choose an observation mode

Acquisition:

The microscope is able to acquire and save images in 2D or 3D, and can capture and automatically stitch images together to create higher resolution images or cover a larger area on the sample than can be observed at one time.

2D:

A 2D acquisition will save an image of whatever is displayed in the live view. A detailed walkthrough of the 2D acquitision process can be found starting on page 106 of the manual.

3D:

a 3D acquisition will capture a series of images, changing the focal plane slightly between each. It will composite the sharpest pixels from each source image into a final 3D image where the entire area under observation appears in focus. It will also capture height data, which can be exported as a [.stl file](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STL_(file_format).

There are various methods available to set the start and stop heights, and step size, of 3D image captures. A detailed description of various options begines on page 112 of the manual.

Stitching:

Stitching allows you to capture images in 2D or 3D with a wide field of view/high resolution by capturing multiple frames while the stage travels. Further information about the stitching process can be found on page 132 of the manual.

Other acquisition methods:

The DSX application is also capable of capturing timelapses, movies, and acquiring images along a path. The full set of options are all detailed in chapter 9 of the application manual, beginning on page 106.

Data processing and analysis

The measurement feature allows the user to determine a variety of information about the sample. This includes the change in elevation, horizontal distance, and angle between two points or along a shape. The volume of the sample can be calculated, along with the volumes of any divots or troughs along the sample. To perform these measurements, click on the measurement tab next to imaging, and then click the measurement option located directly below the reports tab. To check the distance, change in elevation, or angle between two points, select the profile option. To make a wire frame model, click the button with the arrow pointing from 2D to 3D. To find the volume of a crest or trough, select the volume option.

Wire Frame Finding the volume

Common failure modes

Manufacturer’s manuals

Exercises