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Effects of microscope objectives on magnetic field exposures.
N G Publicover1, C G Marsh, C A Vincze
1Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, USA. nelson@unr.edu
Bioelectromagnetics
|August 24, 1999
Summary
Microscope objectives can distort magnetic fields by up to 23% due to metallic components. Reconstructing objectives with non-metallic parts eliminates these magnetic field distortions.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
- Microscopy
Background:
- Magnetic fields are crucial in various biological and scientific applications.
- Microscope objectives are essential tools in scientific research, but their magnetic properties are often overlooked.
- Understanding magnetic field interactions is vital for accurate experimental outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify magnetic field distortions caused by standard microscope objectives.
- To identify specific objective components responsible for these distortions.
- To propose modifications for creating magnetically neutral objectives.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of magnetic field intensity using a Helmholtz coil-based exposure system.
- Analysis of magnetic field distortions across a range of objective magnifications (1x to 100x).
- Identification of distorting components through material analysis and magnetic field mapping.
Main Results:
- Microscope objectives distorted applied magnetic fields by up to 23% in the image plane.
- Nickel-chrome plating, steel springs, and steel screws were identified as primary sources of distortion.
- Distortions included both magnitude alterations and the creation of spatial magnetic field gradients.
Conclusions:
- Metallic components in microscope objectives significantly impact magnetic field intensity and homogeneity.
- These distortions may influence biological responses in experiments.
- Modifying objectives by replacing metallic parts with non-metallic alternatives can yield magnetically neutral components.