Trinocular microscopes are a tremendous asset in the scientific research, educational, and forensic field today. Microscopes have been in existence for over 400 years, but the past century has seen tremendous leaps in the technology involved. In the 20th century, a second viewing lens was added to create the binocular microscope, and then a third was added to allow multiple viewers or mount a camera or video recording device, called a trinocular microscope. Trinocular microscopes are available for optical, acoustic, or electron microscopes.

Optical microscopes have a variety of functions and constructions. Besides being classified by the number of viewing objectives, they can also be classified by the number of lenses pointing at an object. A simple binocular or compound microscope has one lens directed at the object, with compound allowing for change in viewing magnification. A stereo microscope provides a second lens with the added benefit of viewing the object in 3 dimensions. Trinocular microscopes are typically a compound or stereo microscope with the added eyepiece.

A third eyepiece is a beneficial addition to any microscope. The third objective on many of these trinocular microscopes is a built in Cialis web cam or video recorder. This attachment and the files it saves is good for further study, shared study with others, teaching a class, or for observations over a period of time, be it time-lapse imagery or video. This third eyepiece is at times another traditional eyepiece to allow for multiple viewers. Study partners can work together with ease. A teacher can look at an image with the student at the same time. Recording images allows for in-depth continued study, use as a lecture aid, or use as information or evidence in forensics and criminal casework. With a photo lens, a researcher can share an interesting specimen with colleagues around the world via e-mail or video chat at the touch of a button.

Optical microscopy has been addressed. Acoustic microscopy utilizes high frequency ultrasound waves to map and detail objects from within, doing so without any damage to the object or specimen. With this technology, defects of vital components for electronics or machinery can be pinpointed or detected before use that may damage systems or endanger safety. The third ocular, as with optical microscopy, would be where instant imaging and recording would take place.

Whereas the best optical microscope can reach up to 2000x magnification with diminished resolution and an acoustical microscope makes an internal image, an electron microscope can reach magnification up to 1,000,000x. An electron microscope uses a particle beam of electrons and pieces together an image with light waves in the x-ray spectrum. These are much shorter wavelengths which can take a much tighter, higher resolution image. Electron microscopy and the recorded images they produce are useful for study of microorganisms and large molecules scientifically, evaluation of biopsies medically, study crystals geologically, metals and semiconductor device fabrication industrially.

Microscopes are a tremendous tool useful in many fields of study and industry. Trinocular microscopes are an advantageous tool when traditional viewing and study must be supplemented with recording technology. The advances in microscopy that allow for multiple viewers and recording make testing and research an enterprise that can be undertaken with greater detail and attention.

Author Bio: At Premier Microscope, we want your search for the right microscope to be easy. We have created a comprehensive site of digital microscopes, stereo microscopes, compound light microscopes and many more for all levels of scientific interest.

Category: Technology/Gadgets and Gizmos
Keywords: trinocular compound microscope, trinocular microscopes, trinocular stereo microscope, swift trinocular microscope