The AmScope B100B-E1 digital compound binocular microscope has pairs of 10x and 20x widefield eyepieces, a forward-facing nosepiece with four DIN achromatic objectives, Brightfield (BF) illumination from a 20W tungsten bulb, a 1.25 NA Abbe condenser, and a fixed stage. The 1.3MP camera has a CMOS color sensor, image capture and editing software, and USB 2.0 output to capture or display still or video images on a computer or projector. The binocular viewing head has interchangeable pairs of 10x and 20x widefield eyepieces on a sliding head to adjust inter-pupillary distance, a fixed 45-degree vertical inclination to reduce eye and neck strain, and a 360-degree rotation capability to provide a more comprehensive view and enable sharing. The sliding head has an adjustable inter-pupillary distance of 55 to 75mm. The forward-facing nosepiece has 4x, 10x, 40xR, and 100xR (oil) DIN achromatic objectives that combine with the eyepieces to provide color correction of magnified images at eight magnifications. The 40xR and 100xR objectives are spring loaded to prevent slide damage when focusing. The 100xR oil objective provides increased resolution over a standard objective. A digital compound microscope is used for inspection and dissection of specimens when two-dimensional images are desired, and where image capture, detailed records, or documentation is required.

The 1.3MP digital camera has a CMOS color sensor for displaying still microscopy images and streaming live videos to a computer or projector, and 40x magnification. The camera can be mounted in any 23mm eye tube. The camera includes image capture and editing software that provides still image and live video capture and editing capability, including measurement functions. The software supports JPG, TIF, GIF, PSD, WMF, and BMP file formats and is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8; Mac OS X; and Linux. Camera drivers are compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8; Mac OS X; and Linux. The software includes Windows APIs for native C/C++, C#, DirectShow, Twain, and LabVIEW that enable custom application development. The camera has a USB 2.0 data port (cable included).

The microscope has lower (diascopic) Brightfield illumination that transmits light up through the specimen for enhanced visibility of translucent and transparent objects. Brightfield (BF) illumination allows the specimen to absorb light, resulting in a dark image on a light background. Tungsten (incandescent) illumination provides bright light. The 1.25 NA Abbe condenser can be adjusted to control the distance of the light from the stage and has an iris diaphragm to optimize the amount of light illuminating the specimen. The plain stage has an opening for light transmission, stage clips to secure the slide or specimen in place while viewing, and pre-drilled holes that accept a mechanical specimen holder (sold separately). Separate coarse and fine focus knobs speed focusing. The enamel-coated cast-steel body is durable and resistant to stains and corrosion.

Microscopes are instruments used to enhance the resolution of an object or image. Types include compound, stereo, or digital. Compound microscopes use a compound optical system with an objective lens and an eyepiece. Stereo microscopes show object depth in a three-dimensional image. Digital microscopes are used to display an image on a monitor, rather than looking through a lens. Microscopes can have monocular (one), binocular (two), or trinocular (three) eyepieces, with varying magnification abilities. Magnification ability refers to the size of an image. Resolution, also known as resolvant power, refers to the clarity of the image. The interaction between field of view (FOV), numerical aperture (NA), and working distance (WD) determines resolution. Microscopes can control magnification through a fixed focus, or through a range of adjustments. They can also utilize LED, fluorescent, and mirror light sources to help control viewing capabilities. Microscopes are widely used in education, lab research, biology, metallurgy, engineering, chemistry, manufacturing, and in the medical, forensic science, and veterinary industries.

United Scope manufactures microscopy equipment and accessories under the brand name AmScope. The company, founded in 1996, is headquartered in Irvine, CA.

What's in the Box?

• B100B microscope with plain stage
• (4) DIN Standard Objectives; 4x, 10x, 40xR, and 100xR (oil)
• 10x widefield eyepieces, one pair
• 20x widefield eyepieces, one pair
• (2) Color filters, green and blue
• 1.3MP digital camera (MD130)
• USB 2.0 cable
• Software CD
• Wrench
• Dust cover
• One replacement bulb
• Immersion oil, one bottle
• Instructions