One Article Tells You How to Maintain a Microscope!
Created on 09.03
I. Daily Cleaning: A Must After Each Use
Follow the principle of "from exterior to interior, from dust removal to stain removal," and use specialized tools for different components:
1. Optical Components (Eyepieces, Objectives, Condensers, etc.)
- Remove loose dust with dry, dedicated lens paper (avoid regular tissues, as fibers may scratch lens coatings). For fingerprints or oil stains, dampen lens paper with a specialized lens cleaner (or a 7:3 mixture of anhydrous ethanol and ether), and wipe in a spiral motion from the center of the lens to the edges. Use each piece of lens paper only once.
- Do not disassemble objectives. If dust enters the interior, contact professional maintenance personnel. After cleaning the metal parts of the reflector, apply specialized anti-rust oil (never apply to optical-coated surfaces).
2. Mechanical Components (Stage, Focus Knobs, etc.)
- Wipe the stage with a lint-free cloth dampened with a neutral cleaner. For stubborn stains, soften them first before wiping—never scrape with a blade.
- Use an air blower to remove dust from the gaps of knobs, apply specialized light lubricating oil to the knob shafts, and clean the objective turret's positioning slots with a cotton swab.
3. External Body
Wipe dust with a slightly damp lint-free cloth. Remove label residues with a small amount of alcohol, and prevent liquid from seeping into the interior of the device.
II. Regular Maintenance: Prevent Malfunctions on a Schedule
Develop a plan based on usage frequency; it is recommended to conduct "monthly minor maintenance, quarterly major maintenance, and annual professional calibration":
1. Monthly Minor Maintenance
- Light Source: Check brightness uniformity, replace bulbs with the same model (LEDs last approximately 10,000 hours, halogen lamps about 2,000 hours), tighten connecting wires, and remove oxidation.
- Focus System: Test smooth operation, clean guide rails and reapply lubricating oil, and level the stage.
2. Quarterly Major Maintenance
- Mechanical Parts: Use a standard micrometer to check stage accuracy (adjust if error exceeds 0.1mm), and calibrate the coaxiality of the objective turret.
- Optical Parts: Calibrate objectives with a resolution test chart, check illumination uniformity, and adjust the condenser.
3. Annual Professional Calibration
Microscopes for precision applications (medical, semiconductor inspection) require third-party calibration: optical axis alignment, magnification (error within ±5%), and electrical safety (compliance with standards such as CE/UL).
III. Specialized Protection for Specific Models: Targeted Maintenance
1. Electron Microscopes (SEM/TEM)
- Vacuum System: Maintain vacuum after use, regularly replace vacuum pump oil, and clean vacuum pipes every six months.
- Anti-Electricity & Anti-Magnetism: Ensure grounding resistance ≤4Ω, keep away from strong magnetic fields, and preheat for 30 minutes before startup.
2. Fluorescence Microscopes
- Filters: Avoid strong light, clean only with dry lens paper, and replace filter sets if stained.
- Light Source: Record usage time for mercury lamps (300-500 hours), allow a 1-hour interval between switching on and off, and clean the heat dissipation holes of LEDs.
3. Oil-Immersion Microscopes
- Within 10 minutes after use, wipe oil-immersion objectives with lens paper dampened with specialized cleaner. For dried oil stains, soften them first before wiping. Cover with a dedicated dust cap when storing.
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