Technology, Use Purposes and Types of Stereo Microscope

by Joseph Marie General Stereo microscopes, often termed as dissecting microscopes, are extensively used for getting a microscopic view of natural objects, particularly large and solid surfaces and specimens. These instruments typically have lower magnification power.

However, use of two separate eyepieces helps in creating a three dimensional depth in visual effect.

•    It is termed as a dissecting microscope due to its ability to allow manipulation of the specimen for achieving higher precision while observing objects.

•    These instruments are used for a detailed view of the specimen in processes like microsurgery, watch making, inspection of circuit board and manufacturing procedures.

This model can be divided into two groups, namely, Greenough microscope and Common Main Objective stereo microscope. It is also available in two types of configurations - fixed magnification and a continuous variable zoom.

Greenough stereo microscope

Greenough microscope, one of the older designs in this category, has been used extensively in production processes and for detailed dissection of specimens in laboratories. Named after Horatio S. Greenough, it is one of the first microscopes to offer three dimensional effects in viewed specimen.

The main benefit of this instrument is that it has the same capacity in allowing the selection of high apertures as a compound microscope. There are some disadvantages as well. Most notable of the disadvantages is the keystone effect which is nothing but the tilt of light in the focal plane because of viewing the same image with two lenses.

Common Main Objective microscope

Common Main Objective microscope or CMO is commonly used in research, laboratory and manufacturing settings. It is preferred because of its higher resolution and the availability of an array of optical and illumination accessories.

This instrument, in contrast to the Greenough design, uses only a single large objective lens, and to enhance the viewing two ocular channels and lenses are attached to it. Because of this the single lens viewing, focal tilt can be completely eliminated. Even the CMO has some disadvantages. In spite of its sharp viewing capacity without any tilt in the focal plane, the object that is being observed thorough this microscope may appear to be slightly elevated in the middle causing a distortion of perspective.

Both types of microscopes described above are available with variety of zoom types and capacity.

Other types of stereo microscope

Stereo Fixed Microscope: In this type the fixed magnification is used with two objective lenses. The magnification has a fixed degree and it entirely depends on the capability of the lens.

Stereo Turret Microscope: This model offers turret type of mounting allowing the viewer to change the magnification by just rotating the turret mounting.

Stereo Zoom Microscope: This instrument is capable of zooming in and out to increase or decrease the level of magnification. A stronger eyepiece can further add strength to it. These also come in different types of stands.

Binocular Stereo Zoom Microscope: Different binocular heads can further differentiate stereo zoom microscopes into various types. The stereo microscope with binocular head consists of two eyepieces mounted on the instrument.

Trinocular Stereo Zoom Microscope: This model comes with a trinocular head allows mounting a third eyepiece.


Labo America, Inc. is reputed manufacturer and distributor of quality stereo microscopes and scientific instruments for use in life sciences, ophthalmology, dental, and ENT, gynecology, laboratory, and research centers.

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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

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