Final answer:
To improve the quality of a microscopic image, focus on magnification, resolution, and numerical aperture. These elements work together to enlarge the image and ensure that fine details are clear and distinct. Adjustments in illumination may be required for higher magnification lenses.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are several factors that determine the quality of a microscopic image, which include illumination, magnification, and resolution. Magnification refers to the degree of enlargement of an object compared to its actual size. The higher the magnification, the larger the image will appear. However, magnification alone is not enough to see details clearly; the resolving power, or resolution, of a microscope is equally important. Resolution is the ability of a microscope to distinguish two adjacent structures as separate entities, enabling us to see more clarity and detail in the image.
Another factor that affects resolution is the numerical aperture (NA) of the lens, which relates to its light-gathering ability. A higher NA means better resolution since the lens can gather more light and thus resolve finer details. Normal optical microscopes can magnify up to about 400 times, and up to 1500 times, with the use of oil immersion lenses or complex objective lens systems to further enhance resolution and reduce aberrations. When utilizing higher magnification lenses, adjustments in illumination, such as varying the light intensity or adjusting the condenser, may be necessary to maintain image brightness and clarity.