Students characterize animal hairs, naturally occurring fibers, and man-made fibers. Methods for collection, screening, mounting and detailed characterization of hairs and fibers are covered, but the emphasis is on microscopy. Chamot Microscopy Facility Activities of the Chamot Microscopy Facility - Modules Module 1 Physical Optics and Proper Use of the Microscope covers the optics of the microscope, setting up the microscope properly and the critical use of the microscope. It begins with the geometrical optics applicable to light microscopy, including the topics of reflection, refraction, refractive index, dispersion, lenses, and lens aberrations. Next the parts of the microscope are reviewed, explaining the image formation and Kohler illumination.
Students then study how resolution and image contrast are affected by microscopical adjustments.
Calibration of the eyepiece micrometer and measurement of specimen dimensions is also covered. Module 1 is needed as a prerequisite to any of the other modules. Module 1A Particle Collection, Isolation, Manipulation, Testing and Mounting covers methods used to collect particles, to isolate individual particles, manipulate them, perform a variety of preliminary tests, and mount them on microscope slides. Module 1 is prerequisite. Module 2 Crystal Morphology under the Microscope is devoted to the study of crystal morphology as it appears under the microscope and as it is affected by microscopical procedures.