Optical Microscopy: Part 1 Report Outline

1. Apparatus:
   • Include a block diagram of your microscope, including all optical elements and relevant distances. It is not necessary to document the details of the mechanical construction.
   • Describe your design calculations and considerations.
   • Why not put in a nice snapshot of your ‘scope? (optional, but certainly a cherished memory in the making)
2. Magnification
   1. Procedure
      • Document the samples you used and how you captured images (camera settings, software used, etc…)
   2. Data
      • Include example images.
   3. Analysis and Results
      • In a table, report the expected and estimated magnifications and fields of view you measured for the three objectives. Report the length and width of the FOV in sample distance units, not in area units (i.e., not in distance units squared). Expected magnification is what is written on the objective. Estimated magnification is the mean of your measurements.
      • Document the method you used to find magnification.
      • List the error sources that contributed significantly to systematic error and uncertainty in your measurement. To the degree possible, quantify the type and magnitude of the combined uncertainty of the estimate of magnification.
   4. Discussion (optional for magnification measurement)
   • Explain any challenges you faced in the magnification measurement.
3. Particle diameter measurement
   1. Procedure
      • Document the samples you used and how you captured images (camera settings, software used, etc…)
   2. Data
      • Include example images.
   3. Analysis and Results
      • Report the average size of the microspheres in each sample and a measure of variation.
      • Describe how you measured the microspheres.
      • List the error sources that contributed significantly to systematic error and uncertainty in your measurement. To the degree possible, quantify the type and magnitude of the combined uncertainty.
   4. Discussion
      • Explain any challenges you faced measuring the size of silica microspheres.
      • How did your measurements differ from the manufacturer's specified values? What factors contributed to the difference?