The diameter of the 40x field of view (FOV) is 0.55 mm.
Understanding Field of View in Microscopy
The field of view (FOV) in microscopy refers to the circular area visible when looking through the microscope's eyepiece. Knowing the diameter of the FOV at different objective magnifications is crucial for various microscopic measurements and estimations.
Microscopists frequently use FOV measurements to:
- Estimate the size of cells, organisms, or other structures viewed under the microscope.
- Determine the concentration of particles in a given area.
- Calibrate ocular micrometers for precise measurements.
The relationship between objective magnification and the diameter of the field of view is inversely proportional: as the magnification increases, the diameter of the visible field decreases. This means that at higher magnifications, you see a smaller, more detailed area of the specimen.
Field of View Diameters at Various Magnifications
The table below outlines the typical diameters of the field of view for common objective magnifications used in microscopy:
| Objective Magnification | Diameter of Field of View (mm) |
|---|---|
| 4x | 5.5 |
| 10x | 2.2 |
| 20x | 1.1 |
| 40x | 0.55 |
As observed in the table, the 40x objective provides a significantly smaller field of view (0.55 mm) compared to lower magnifications, allowing for detailed observation of microscopic features. This information is vital for accurate interpretation and quantitative analysis of microscopic images.
