Key Differences and Similarities between Comparison Microscopes and Other Types of Microscopes
Comparison microscopes are often used in forensics to verify validity of photographic evidence and if possibly, submit it as legal evidence in criminal cases. It is why comparison microscopes are also referred to as forensic microscopes. Comparison microscopes may have the same parts and make use of the same optical systems that other types of microscopes have, but they also have distinctive features that no other type of microscope possesses.
Key Differences between Comparison Microscopes and Other Types of Microscopes
TWO DIFFERENT IMAGES, TWO DIFFERENT SAMPLES
There is a reason why it’s called a comparison microscope, you know. A comparison microscope is used for comparing two images with each other side by side. When you peer through the eyepiece tubes of a comparison microscope, you’ll be able to view them at the same time. Of course, you also have the option of viewing one before the other as well.
All comparison microscopes are at least binocular but not all binocular microscopes are comparison microscopes. This is not meant to confuse you. Comparison microscopes are automatically binocular at the very least because you’d need one optical system per sample. Not all binocular microscopes can have more than one sample however.
If a comparison microscope is trinocular, do not expect this to mean you can now study three samples at the same time. Trinocular only refers to the presence of three eyepiece tubes. The third port may also be used for attaching accessories like microscope cameras.
TWO OPTICAL SYSTEMS
Comparison microscopes make use of two separate optical systems. Simply put, one eyepiece tube will have its own condenser, diaphragm, objective and eyepiece lenses, and everything else needed to produce and magnify a clear image of the sample. It also comes with separate and complete controls.
The closest thing offered by other microscopes would be perhaps the optical system used for stereomicroscopes. Its eyepiece tubes focuses on the same point on the same image, but they differ at the angle from which they’re positioned. The two images are also combined with each other – and which doesn’t happen with comparison microscopes – to create a three-dimensional image. Again, that is also not primarily offered or even considered a major objective by comparison microscopes.
AN OPTICAL BRIDGE
In a stereomicroscope, it is your brain that’s responsible for merging two images together and creating a three-dimensional photo of a singular sample. In comparison microscopes, there is no virtual merging that takes place. The optical bridge simply links images to let you view them at the same time.
A DIVIDING LINE
To prevent confusion, a dividing line is provided for comparison microscopes. This dividing line is present to make the boundaries between both images clear. With it, you’ll know where which one ends and the other begins.
The thickness of the dividing line found in comparison microscopes generally depends on the model. It is also based on your preferences if you’d wish for a thicker or thinner dividing line. In almost every case, the dividing line is colored black. The dividing line is adjustable, allowing you to modify its positioning if necessary. Because of the dividing line, your comparison microscope will produce a split view window containing both images but separate from each other.
SUPERIMPOSITION OF IMAGES
Comparison microscopes also allow you to superimpose images over each other and according to the degree you’ve specified. Superimposition is a technique occasionally used by forensic investigators to determine a likeness between two images. If similarities between both images have been established then they may be considered as evidence in the court.
But it doesn’t end there. Some comparison microscopes also allow you to superimpose images with color contrasting, ensuring visibility of images.
SAMPLE TYPE
Due to the sheer diversity of materials submitted as evidence in criminal cases, comparison microscopes were designed to handle as many kinds of samples as possible.
Key Similarities between Comparison Microscopes and Other Types of Microscopes
Now, just because comparison microscopes have quite a number of distinctive features doesn’t mean it won’t resemble other types of microscopes in any way.
Firstly, comparison microscopes look just like any other microscope, just as long as you don’t take too much note that it comes with two stages instead of one. Comparison microscopes are operated the same way you would any other type of microscope, only this time you have to perform the same procedure with each optical system. Last but not the least, comparison microscopes use various illumination systems and the quality of the images they produced are similarly affected by the degree of time and care that went to the preparation. Continue research on this page
