Stereo

A stereo microscope is an optical microscope that uses reflected light from the surface of the specimen. The magnification of the microscope takes place at low power and hence, it is suitable for magnifying opaque objects. It is suitable for thick and solid samples because it uses light reflected from the sample.

Stereo microscopes have two separate objectives and optical pathways. Due to this it has slightly different angling views which leads to a three-dimensional view. Most modern stereo microscopes have light sources above and below the specimen stage. Illumination from the top shines down on the specimen and reflects light off it. The bottom lighting transmits light up through the stage to show translucent specimens. Stereo microscopes have two major systems of magnification. The primary magnification system is a pair of objective lenses with a set degree of magnification, and the other is zoom or pancratic magnification, which are capable of a continuously variable degree of magnification across a set range.