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 mean and all actual measured magnifications for the three objectives.
      • Document the method you used to find magnification.
      • Report the length and width of the FOV in sample distance units, not its area.
      • List the error sources, both systematic and random, that contributed significantly to the uncertainty in your measurement. To the degree possible, quantify the type and magnitude of the uncertainty.
   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, both systematic and random, that contributed significantly to the uncertainty in your measurement. To the degree possible, quantify the type and magnitude of the 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 may have contributed to the difference?