Principle Construction, Working and Angular Magnification of Compound Microscope

Principle: The principle of the compound microscope is based on the magnification of an image by using two lenses.

Construction: A compound microscope consists of two convergent lenses (i.e. objective lens $O$ and eye-piece lens $e$) placed coaxially in a double tube system. The objective lens is an achromatic convergent lens system of short focal length and short aperture. The other eye-piece lens $e$ is also an achromatic convergent lens system of large focal length and large aperture. The observation is taken through the eye-piece lens by the observer. The eye-piece lens is fitted outer side of a movable tube and the inner side connects with a non-movable tube in which the objective lens is fitted on another side of the non-movable tube. The separation between the objective or eye-piece lens can be changed by an arrangement, this is known as rack and pinion arrangement.

Working: Suppose a small object $ab$ is placed slightly away from the first focus $f_{\circ}$ of the objective lens which forms a real, inverted, and magnified image $a_{1}b_{1}$. Now adjust the eye-piece lens by moving like this, that the image $a_{1}b_{1}$ lies in between the optical center and the second focal length $f_{e}$ of the eye-piece lens. This image $a_{1}b_{1}$ works as an object for the eye-piece lens which forms a magnified, virtual, and final image $a_{2}b_{2}$. The final image $a_{2}b_{2}$ is generally formed at the least distance $D$ of distinct vision, although it can be formed anywhere between this position and infinity.
Ray Diagram of Compound Microscope

Angular Magnification Or Magnifying Power($M$):

The angular magnification or magnifying power can be defined as the ratio of the angle subtended by the image at the eye ($\beta$) to the angle subtended by the object at the eye when placed at least distance of distinct vision ($\alpha$)

$M= \frac{Angle \: subtended \: by \: the \: image \: at \: the \: eye \: (\beta)}{Angle \: subtended \: by \: the \: object \: at \: the \: eye \: when \\ placed \: at \: least \: distance \: of \: distinct \: vision \: (\alpha)}$

$M=\frac{\beta}{\alpha} \approx \frac{tan \beta}{tan \alpha} \quad (1)$

From figure

$tan \beta = \frac{a_{2}b_{2}}{a_{2} e} $

$tan \alpha = \frac{a_{2}a_{3}}{a_{2}e}$

Now subtitute these values in equation $(1)$, then

$M=\frac{\frac{a_{2}b_{2}}{a_{2} e}}{\frac{a_{2}a_{3}}{a_{2}e}}$

$M=\frac{a_{2}b_{2}}{a_{2}a_{3}}$

Here $a_{2}a_{3} = ab$

So the above equation can be written as

$M=\frac{a_{2}b_{2}}{ab}$

$M=\frac{a_{2}b_{2}}{ab} \frac{a_{1}b_{1}}{a_{1}b_{1}}$

$M=\frac{a_{2}b_{2}}{a_{1}b_{1}} \frac{a_{1}b_{1}}{ab}$

Here $m_{e}=\frac{a_{2}b_{2}}{a_{1}b_{1}}$ and $m_{\circ}= \frac{a_{1}b_{1}}{ab}$

Now substitute the values of $m_{e}$ and $m_{\circ}$ in the above equation

$M=m_{e} \times m_{\circ} \qquad(1)$

Where
$m_{e} \rightarrow$ The linear magnification produced by eye-piece lens system
$m_{\circ} \rightarrow$ The linear magnification produced by the object lens system

So now again from the figure

The linear magnification produced by object lens system $m_{\circ} = -\frac{v_{\circ}}{u_{\circ}}$

The linear magnification produced by eye-piece lens system $m_{e} = \frac{D}{u_{e}}$

Substitute the value of $m_{\circ}$ and $m_{e}$ in equation $(1)$

$M= -\frac{v_{\circ}}{u_{\circ}} \left( \frac{D}{u_{e}} \right) \qquad(2)$

Adjustment of a Compound Microscope:

1.) Adjustment for Clear Vision: In this final image an object is formed at least a distance of distinct vision $D$. For this configuration,

On substitution $u=-u_{e}$, $v=-D$ and $f=f_{e}$ in the lens formula for eyepiece lens

$\frac{1}{-D}+\frac{1}{u_{e}}=\frac{1}{f_{e}}$

$\frac{1}{u_{e}}=\frac{1}{f_{e}} + \frac{1}{D}$

$\frac{D}{u_{e}}= \left( \frac{D}{f_{e}} + 1 \right)$

Now substitute the value of $\frac{D}{u_{e}}$ in equation $(2)$

$M= -\frac{v_{\circ}}{u_{\circ}} \left(1+ \frac{D}{f_{e}} \right) $

The length of the microscope tube in this setup

$L=$ Distance between the object and the eye-piece lenses

$L= v_{\circ} + |u_{e}|$

2.) Adjustment for Relaxed Eye: In this configuration, the final image of an object is formed in a relaxed eye position i.e. at $\infty$. In this setup, the eye-piece lens system is moved back until the image of object $ab$, formed by object lens,i.e., $a_{1}b_{1}$ fall at (coincide with)second focus $f'_{e}$ of the eye-piece lens system. Mathematically this situation comes when $u_{e} = f_{e}$

Thus, the magnifying power in this position,

$M=-\frac{v_{\circ}}{u_{\circ}} \left( \frac{D}{f_{e}} \right)$

For this set the length of the microscope tube,

$L=v_{\circ}+f_{e}$

Applications of Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology has found wide-ranging applications in many fields. There are some important applications discussed below.

1) Electronics: Nanosized electronic components show unique properties which are different from the larger semiconductor components. The semiconductor devices are based on the concept of charge transport only, whereas the nanosized components work on the concept of charge as well as spin transport of electrons. This has been used in devices like spin FET, Spin LED, etc. These devices have increased the data storage capacities of hard disks and have led to small and faster microprocessors.

2) Energy: Attempts are being made to increase the efficiency of solar cells by using nanotechnology. Another important area of research is the use of hydrogen as a fuel. The main problem with hydrogen is that it is highly combustible and hence cannot be stored easily. Efforts are being made to use carbon nanotubes to trap and store hydrogen. Nanoparticles are also being used to increase the energy density of rechargeable batteries, which are used in laptops and mobile phones.

3) Automobiles: Nanotube composites have better mechanical strength compared to steel, but are costly at present. Efforts are being made to develop cheaper nanotube composites that can replace steel, which is used to construct the body structure of automobiles. The use of nanoparticles in paints provides thin and smooth coatings. Nanoparticles are being used to develop lightweight and less rubber-consuming tyres for automobiles, which will increase the mileage of the automobiles. The use of carbon nanotubes for storing hydrogen is being explored so that automobiles can be run on hydrogen as a fuel. Nanomaterial catalysts can be used to convert harmful emissions from automobiles to less harmful gases.

4) Space and defence: Aerogels are porous materials with nanosized pores. They have very low density and are poor conductors of heat. They can be used in spacecraft, lightweight suits and jackets. Polymer composites using silica fibres and nanoparticles have larger mechanical strength and low temperature coefficient of expansion. They can be used in spacecraft which have to withstand high temperature and stress conditions during launching and re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere. Satellites and spacecraft use solar energy. The efficiency of solar cells can be increased using nanoparticles. The use of nanoparticles will also make the solar cells smaller in size and lightweight.

5) Medical: Nanoparticles can be used for the detection and treatment of cancers and tumours. The nanoparticles are injected into the body and guided towards a specific part. Drugs can be encapsulated in nanocapsules and guided towards any specific part where the drug can be delivered in a controlled manner by opening the capsule at a desired rate using magnetic fields or infrared light. This targeted drug delivery does not affect healthy organs. Nanotechnology-based tests are being developed for the fast detection of viruses and antibodies.

6) Environmental: Nanoparticle-based sensors are capable of detecting water and air pollution due to toxic ions and pesticides with a very high sensitivity. Nanomaterial catalysts can be used to convert harmful emissions from industries and automobiles to less harmful gases. Nanotubes can be used to store hydrogen fuel, which, when used in automobiles, will reduce harmful emissions.

7) Textiles: The use of nanotechnology in the textile industry has led to the development of water-repellent and wrinkle-free clothes.

8) Cosmetics: Zinc oxide and titanium oxide nanoparticles are used in sunscreen lotions, which protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation. These nanoparticles absorb ultraviolet radiation. Nanoparticle-based dyes and colours are harmless to the skin and hence are used in hair creams, gels and hair dyes.

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