What is a Research Smartphone Microscope?
The research smartphone microscope, as the name suggests, is an upgraded version of the smartphone microscope (upright). It is a combination of smartphone microscope (upright) + universal module. If you don't have an objective lens at home, remember to register for the super objective lens.
Basic Structure of Research Smartphone Microscope
The overall usage height of the research smartphone microscope has increased, allowing us to use either a 'high-magnification stage' or 'low-magnification stage' for observation according to personal needs.
Lower magnification provides a larger field of view; higher magnification provides a smaller field of view. If the high-magnification stage is placed lower, the magnification will also increase.
Universal Module & Super Objective Lens
The area marked in blue is the universal module. When upgrading from smartphone microscope (upright) to research smartphone microscope, please remember to register for the universal module.
The universal module has a wide range of functions. When converting a smartphone microscope into a fluorescence smartphone microscope, the universal module will also be needed.
The area marked in red is the super objective lens. If you don't have a commercial objective lens at home (i.e., objective lenses sold with general microscopes on the market), please remember to register for the super objective lens.
If the size of your commercial objective lens at home matches the universal module, you can directly screw the commercial objective lens onto the universal module. If the sizes don't match, that's fine too—just place it from top to bottom, or find a way to secure it.
A Stable Phone Camera Lens is Essential for Good Photos
When using a smartphone microscope, one of the greatest pleasures may be that we can photograph the observed objects with our own phone and save these photos. It's important to note whether the phone's camera lens and eyepiece are completely flush during observation. You may consider temporarily removing the phone case or protective cover.
If your phone has more than one camera lens, you can turn on the white light source below to assist with alignment when focusing. If your phone model is larger, you can use additional accessories to secure the phone. (Or you can do like me and just use masking tape, haha)
Squash the Black Sponge! Squash It Boldly!
Whether using a 'low-magnification stage' or 'high-magnification stage', when searching for the focal length during observation, don't be afraid to compress the sponge. Only by squashing the sponge can you find the correct focal length and get a clear image on your phone!
Adjust the Light Source to the Optimal Position
When the light source is placed below the stage, we can observe using 'transmitted light' and 'oblique illumination'.
'Transmitted light' means placing the light source directly below the objective lens, allowing the light to shine straight through.
'Oblique illumination' means slightly offsetting the light source from directly below the objective lens. You only need to move it a little bit, and you'll see unexpected images!
Super Objective Lens Can Be Replaced with Commercial Objective Lens
During observation, if you want to observe at higher magnification, you can switch to objective lenses of other magnifications, such as 20x, 40x, 60x, etc. As long as you secure a commercial objective lens of the same specifications onto the universal module by screwing it in, you can observe at different magnifications.
Appearance with 40x Commercial Objective Lens Installed
Appearance with Super Objective Lens Installed
Actual Observation View
