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Achromatic: Objective lenses made of different types of glass with different indexes of refraction delivering a clearer image than non-achromatic lenses.
Disc Diaphragm: A disc mounted beneath the stage bearing holes of different diameters. The disc can be rotated and each hole allows a different amount of light through the stage opening.
DIN Optics: A German standard for the manufacturing of microscope lenses. Optics are interchangeable from one DIN microscope to another.
Diopter Adjustment: The ability to adjust the focus for one eyepiece in a binocular or trinocular microscope to compensate for the difference in vision between your eyes.
Dual Head: A microscope with two eyepieces at an angle to each other. Typically one straight and one angled or both angled in opposite directions (often called dual opposing).
Immersion Oil: Special oil often used with 100x/xR objectives to improve the resolution of highly-magnified images.
Interpupillary Adjustment: The ability to adjust the distance between two eyepieces on binocular and trinocular microscopes.
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Iris Diaphragm: A device mounted underneath the stage which slides open to allow a fully variable amount of light though the stage opening.
Mechanical Stage: A mechanized stage which moves on the X-Y plane via knobs on the side of the scope. Some mechanical stages are graduated for more precise movement.
Numerical Aperture (N.A.): Expresses the ability of a lens to resolve fine detail of the object being observed. The condenser system on a scope should match the N.A. of the highest power objective on the microscope.
Objective Lens: The lens(es) closest to the object being studied. Typically indicated as "x" for straight magnification or "xR" for lenses that are retractable.
Retractable Lens (xR): A specially designed lens for high-magnification work in which the tip retracts on contact to prevent damage to the slide or objective.
Parcentered: An object centered in the field of view at low magnification will remain centered when the objective is switched.
Parfocalled: An object clearly focused in the field of view at low magnification will remain in focus when the objective is switched.
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Rack and Pinion: A mechanical system where a rotating gear moves a toothed track. Typically used in focusing mechanisms and on mechanical stages.
Rack Stop: The factory-set rack stop limits the movement of the stage or objective preventing damage to either mechanism.
Reticle: A fine grid inserted into an eyepiece lens allowing the user to measure objects viewed through the microscope.
Semi-plan Lens: A high-quality lens that increases sharpness and clarity at the perimeter of the field of view. Displays higher perimeter clarity than standard achromatic lenses.
Slip Clutch: Prevents further motion or pressure if a user continues to turn the focus knob once it has reached its maximum or minimum height eliminating damage to the focusing system.
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