Our PM230 line of stereo microscopes takes advantage of the common-main-objective (CMO) optical design. Different from the more traditional models which use the Greenough design characterized by tilted objective lenses, CMO microscopes use a single objective lens which focuses light into two parallel optical paths. This results in some major advantages which include the removal of keystone distortion, and the ability to introduce intermediary optical systems without loss of image integrity. The modular design of the PM series allows for multiple configurations in which components can be added or replaced.
Standard Viewing Head
The standard viewing head keeps things simple. Elongated ocular tubes are mounted at a 20° angle, and allow viewing from a comfortable distance. Alignment with the eyes is done by using a sliding interpupillary adjuster. The tubes lack integrated diopters, so dioptric adjustments can be made by using focusable eyepieces when needed.
Optics
The zoom module provides a large 10:1 zoom range covering magnifications from 0.8X-8X. When used with the standard 1X objective and 10X eyepieces, the microscope produces images with stunning clarity at 8X-80X total magnification.
| Magnifications and Working-Distances | |
| Objective | |
| Eyepiece | Standard (78mm WD) |
| 10X | 8X-80X |
Infinity Optics
This microscope uses an infinity-corrected optical system which allows for a modular design in which accessories can be added without affecting magnification or image quality. Such accessories include photo ports and coaxial illumination systems.
Keystoning
By using a single objective lens and parallel optical paths, the CMO design avoids a type of distortion seen in other stereo microscopes called the keystone effect. Tilted objective lenses cause the independent images to be distorted in a manner where one side is larger than the other. This also causes gradual changes in focus and reduced depth-of-field. CMO microscopes do not suffer from this distortion, allowing for improved resolution and depth.
Dedicated Photo Port
This model includes an inline photo-port module which can be installed between the viewing head and zoom module. This adds a dedicated port for attaching a camera, avoiding the need to use one of the ocular tubes. The side-arm-style port uses a C-mount interface with 0.5X built-in reduction, making it suitable for cameras with 1/2” format sensors. When the port is switched open, it shares light with the viewing head, allowing use of all ports simultaneously. Closing the port allows all light to be passed through to the eyepieces for maximum brightness.
Support and Illumination
The dual-illumination stand provides a turnkey solution for biological and industrial applications. LEDs are used for the overhead and sub-stage light-sources, providing bright, low-heat illumination. Reflected and transmitted illumination allows for a wide gamut of specimens to be viewed. The track-style stand uses rack-and-pinion movement and large control-knobs for coarse adjusting focus. The stage uses extra-large 140mm circular plates for placing specimens. A transparent glass plate is included for use with the sub-stage transmitted illumination, allowing for a range of biological or other translucent specimens. A reversible black-white plate can be used when transmitted light is not needed, providing two options for enhancing specimen-contrast.
Specifications
| Microscope Head | |
| Head Type | Trinocular, 20° incline, 360° rotatable |
| Optical System | CMO stereoscopic |
| Interpupillary Adjustment | Sliding, 48mm-75mm |
| Ocular-port Diameter | 30mm |
| Dioptric Adjustment | none (use focusable eyepieces) |
| Eyepieces | 10X |
| Photo Port | 0.5X C-mount |
| Objective Lens | 1X |
| Zoom Module | 0.8X-8X continuous zoom |
| Objective Numerical Aperture | NA 0.105 @ 8X |
| Objective Resolution | 315 lp/mm @ 8X |
| Native Field-of-View (10X Eyepieces) | 2.75mm-27.5mm |
| Native Working Distance | 78mm |
| Stand | |
| Stand Type | Track stand with integrated top and bottom illumination |
| Reflected Illumination | 3W LED |
| Transmitted Illumination | 8W LED |
| Stage Illumination Plate Diameter | 140mm |
| Power | 100-240VAC 50Hz/60Hz auto-switching wide-band |
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