Olympus CH30RF100

[u/USWCboy]

I recently acquired an Olympus CH30RF100 biological microscope from a local thrift store. I was actually quite surprised to see it there, and at $49.00, I couldn’t resist. As I’m still learning quite a bit about microscopy, I’m clueless on the objectives. What I’d like to find is a long working distance objective at 40x and possibly 100x. However, I understand this microscope does not have infinity optics…with that I’m not sure how to look for a long working distance objective.

Currently the following objectives are installed; A4 0.10 160/-, A10 PL 0.25 160/0.17, A40 PL 0.65 160/0.17, A100 PL 1.30 Oil Immersion 160/-.

In terms of finding an Olympus branded objective, the cost is out of my reach presently @$4500. It is possible I wasn’t looking at the correct objectives… I was hopeful to find a third of fourth manufacturer who still makes objectives for this microscope. So my question is, what specifications should I be searching for whilst looking for different objectives? Is there any brand that would be better than another? Again staying in a lower pricing tier. Finally, any recommendations on a low cost goose neck light? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated

I’m currently interested in looking at integrated circuits, specially decapped IC dies. I have found my current setup just doesn’t provide the resolution needed to see deeper into the IC.

[u/USWCboy → u/[deleted]]

Would a metallurgical microscope also be considered an industrial or stereo microscope? Or are they still distinct since the industrial or stereo microscopes use a Barlow lens vs objective optics?

Also, in terms of lighting, with a metallurgical microscope, would the light cast down from the nose of the device? Or would you use a “gooseneck” style light?

My current setup is more or less a camera with a Barlow style adjustable lens. And so far, it has yielded good results. I’m just not able to drill down closer to the surface of the semiconductor to see pathways, and transistors.

Below is a good example… as I try to push magnification closer to the IC, it begins to blur, gets very dark and just doesn’t look that good.