Condensers typically consist of a variable-aperture diaphragm and one or more lenses. Light from the illumination source of the microscope passes through the diaphragm and is focused by the lens(es) onto the specimen.

Many modern course microscopes are equipped with a condenser and an associated condenser diaphragm. The purpose of the condenser is to concentrate the light onto the specimen, its diaphragm regulates resolution, contrast and depth of field.

The microscope diaphragm, also known as the iris diaphragm, controls the amount and shape of the light that travels through the condenser lens and eventually passes through the specimen by expanding and contracting the diaphragm blades that resemble the iris of an eye.

Dec 18, 2023 · The diaphragm, also known as the aperture or iris diaphragm, is a circular or semi-circular disk with an adjustable opening within the microscope’s light path. It is positioned beneath the stage and above the condenser and can be manipulated to control the …

Feb 17, 2024 · The condenser is a lens or series of lenses that usually sits just below the microscope stage. Its role is to focus the light into an even illumination to give a clear and undistorted view of your samples. The amount of light that passes through the condenser is controlled by the aperture diaphragm.

The condenser aperture diaphragm (or iris diaphragm) is used to control the contrast and resolution of an image. This article explains the usage of the diaphragm.

The front focal plane of the condenser (F') resides in the center of the aperture diaphragm. Lengths a and b represent the distances of the field diaphragm (Image Plane (1)) and the specimen plane (Image Plane (2)) from the principal planes of the condenser lens, respectively.

The setting of the condenser's aperture diaphragm, along with the numerical aperture of the objective, determine the realized numerical aperture of the entire microscope system. The luminous-field diaphragm determines which portion and size of the specimen is illuminated.

Discover how the condenser and field diaphragms affect illumination in transmitted microscopy. Aplanatic condensers are well corrected for spherical aberration (green wavelengths) but not for chromatic aberration.

Here I explain how it can be adjusted. ...more. The condenser diaphragm controls depth of field and contrast.