Key Terms
Example
A blue object under pure red light appears black because it absorbs all red wavelengths hitting it.
True color of an object
Defined by which wavelengths it absorbs or reflects — independent of illumination. Apparent color: what you see, which d
Objective lens
Closest to the specimen; high magnification (typically 10x to 100x); forms a case 1 real, enlarged, inverted image of th
Eyepiece (ocular)
Acts as a magnifying glass; the first image becomes its object; forms a case 2 virtual image that is further enlarged an
Final image
Virtual, inverted, much larger than original object.
Working distance
Physical distance from front lens element to specimen. Higher NA and higher magnification = shorter working distance = m
To maximize magnification
Long focal length objective + short focal length eyepiece.
Adaptive optics
Computer-controlled micro-mirrors and micro- lenses that adjust in real time to correct atmospheric distortion.
Eye power
P = 1/d_o + 1/d_i (distances in meters) Power of lens: P = 1/f Overall mag (microscope): M = M_obj x M_eye Angular