Hi Kevin - 1) I can only imagine that LEDs would produce vastly less heat than halogen lamps. In general, they are small, efficient, long-lasting and don't produce a lot of heat. Here's a start for more information http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light-emitting_diode . Also, a quick search got me this page http://www.tedpella.com/mscope_html/2282.htm which has what appears to be all the options you mentioned. I'm sure other manufacturers have similar models.
2) We are generally satisfied with our older model Olympus . If you will be looking at drops smaller than 1μl total volume (e.g. from a mosquito or other sub-μl liquid handler) I'd recommend at least a 2x objective lens. Some models (like the one linked above) have an option to direct the light to a camera mount instead of the eyepieces--get one of these if possible! Trying to hold a camera (or smartphone) steady in front of one of the eyepieces gets old after a while. Jared -- Jared Sampson Xiangpeng Kong Lab NYU Langone Medical Center New York, NY 10016 212-263-7898 On Jan 23, 2011, at 8:35 PM, Kevin Corbett wrote: > Hi everyone, > > I'm looking to buy a new stereo microscope for looking at crystal > trays, and was wondering if anyone could help me answer a few questions: > > 1) Does anyone have experience with LED illumination in the microscope base? > I'm worried that there might be excessive heating of the base, as this is a > huge problem with integrated halogen lamps. Also, can these stands with LED's > accommodate polarizers? > > 2) Any really good (or really bad) experiences with specific > manufacturer/models? > > Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks very much, > > Kevin > > Kevin Corbett, Ph.D. > Stephen C. Harrison Lab > Harvard University Medical School > corbett (at) crystal.harvard.edu > (617)-432-5605 ------------------------------------------------------------ This email message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain information that is proprietary, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. If you have received this email in error please notify the sender by return email and delete the original message. Please note, the recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The organization accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email. =================================
