Stereo Microscope for Measuring

These images of industrial foam were captured using the Meiji EMZ-5 stereo microscope with light shining up through the foam from beneath the stage. The Meiji PBH stand allowed us to utilize the bottom light only to back-light the foam.


This coarser foam was captured using the Moticam MC2000 camera. The camera was placed over the eyepiece, which had a measuring reticle installed in it. This reticle was used in order to capture each image with the ruler imposed on it. Although the software that is included with the camera will make measurements, we wanted to have the ruler automatically placed upon each captured image.

Microscope Beamsplitter

A microscope beamsplitter is a device on a trinocular microscope (a microscope with a camera port) that will direct light up the trinocular tube to the camera. There are several types of microscope beamsplitters. One type will darken one eyetube completely while directing that light to the camera. Another type will send 80% off the light up to the camera and only 20% to the eyepieces. And finally, some beamsplitters will make both eyepieces go dark and allow for full light up to the camera.

To engage a microscope beamsplitter simply pull the silver knob on the side of the microscope out. When finished capturing images, push the beamsplitter back in to redirect all light to the microscope eyepieces.

The microscope shown above is the Meiji Stereo EMZ-5TR on a PBH stand.