Stereo Microscope: the Nano-imaging Tool of Future

Stereomicroscopes can be roughly divided into two basic families, each of which has both positive and negative characteristics. The oldest stereomicroscopic system, named after the inventor Greenough, utilizes twin body tubes that are inclined to produce the stereo effect.A newer system, termed the common main objective, utilizes a single large objective that is shared between a pair of eyepiece tubes and lens systems. Either type of microscope can be equipped with step-type individual lenses to change magnification, or a continuously variable zoom-type magnification system.The main identifying characteristic of stereo microscopes is the fact that they contain two separate light paths with each of the light paths providing a different viewing angle. As a result, the user gets to observe three-dimensional images of the object under investigation. This makes it the ideal tool for viewing the external features of relatively larger objects/specimen, dissection of biological specimen as well repairing circuit boards etc.