Tips for Achieving the Best Possible Microscope Resolution

Biological microscopes provide high magnification and optimal resolution is key to viewing a high quality image. Follow these tips in order to achieve the best possible resolution from your light microscope.

• Choose microscope objectives with the highest NA and correction.
• Use only aplanatic or achromat substage condensers.
• Use high magnification, corrected oculars consistent with viewing comfort and lighting conditions.
• Use Kohler illumination.
• Employ yellow-green filters, especially with achromat objectives, whenever possible.
• Center the entire optical system and substage condenser.
• Correct for improper coverslip thickness, or use only one of the prescribed thickness.
• Use immersion oil of the proper characteristics and avoid bubble formation on the slide.
• Adjust illumination for optimum used Numerical Aperture (NA) of an objective within its available NA.
• Use high ambient light levels with high microscope illumination levels.
• Maintain a high level of cleanliness of optical elements.
• Recognize optical artifacts and, when possible, adjust conditions to minimize them.
• Know the microscope through practice and manipulation with known test objects.

Want some further info about microscope resolution? You might find these books helpful:

• McLaughlin, Robert, Special Methods in Light Microscopy, Microscope Publications Ltd., 1977.
• Belling, John, The Use of the Microscope, McGraw-Hill, 1930.
• Oliver, C.W., The Intelligent Use of the Microscope, Chemical Publishing Co. Inc., 1953.