Microscope Objective Lenses

A microscope objective lens produces a real, magnified image of an object placed within its field of view. The image is then further magnified by the ocular lens (eyepiece) before being observed. At Avantier, we offer in-stock microscope objective lenses, readily available for immediate use in a variety of applications. For unique or specialized requirements, we offer custom solutions for multiple objective lenses.

Avantier, a premier manufacturer of high performance microscope objective lenses, produces a wide range of quality microscope objectives for diverse applications, including research, industry, forensics, and medical diagnostics. We carry many types of objectives in stock, including apochromatic, achromatic, and semi-apochromatic. We can also produce custom objectives tailored to perform optimally within your specific spectral range, ensuring the highest level of imaging precision for your application.

Significance of the Microscope Objective Lens

While a microscope comprises numerous parts, the objective lens arguably serves as its cornerstone. The resolving power, total magnification, and ultimate image quality of a microscope hinge largely on the chosen objective lens.

Objectives are designed to magnify an object by a specific factor, ranging from 4x (a scanning objective) to 40x (a high-power objective), and even up to 100x for an oil immersion lens. To maximize flexibility, microscopes are often equipped with up to four objectives mounted on a rotating nosepiece or turret. In the case of an infinity-corrected objective lens, the magnification is calculated by dividing the reference focal length by the objective’s focal length.

The microscope’s total magnification can be calculated by multiplying the magnification power of the eyepiece by that of the objective lens. For example, viewing an object through a 10x eyepiece and a 4x objective results in a 40x magnified image.

Types of Objectives

Based on aberration correction

Achromatic objective lenses are the most economical objectives to produce and are designed with corrections for chromatic aberration in two wavelengths (blue and red) and spherical aberration in one (green). They typically consist of two lens doublets and a front lens. These lenses provide the best images when light is passed through a green interference filter.
Plan achromat lenses are achromatic lenses with corrections for flat-field aberration.
Semi-apochromat lenses, on the other hand, include several extra optical components and correct for a greater number of spherical aberrations. This enables semi-apochromat objectives to be manufactured with higher numerical aperture NA.
Apochromatic Lenses are the most sophisticated microscope objective lenses available and include the most aberration corrections. Their high resolving power means they are a good choice for research applications in which color photomicrography is required, and can be designed with a higher numerical aperture.

Based on system

Reflective Objective Lenses are microscope objective lenses that include two or more mirrors. This type of objective typically boasts a long working distance and zero chromatic aberration, and is useful for FTIR spectroscopy applications.
Refractive Objective Lenses are microscope lenses made of transparent materials like glass. They use refraction, not reflection, to focus light onto the specimen. These lenses consist of multiple lens elements that correct for optical aberrations and ensure high-quality imaging.

Based on immersion medium

Oil-immersion Objective Lenses – while most lenses are designed to work with air between the objective and cover glass, a higher numerical aperture can sometimes be achieved with other substances such as special oil with a specific refractive index.
Water immersion Objective Lenses use water as the immersion medium between the objective and cover glass. This allows for a higher numerical aperture, improving resolution and image quality in microscopy applications.
Air immersion Objective Lenses are designed to work with air as the medium between the objective and cover glass. They are commonly used in standard microscopy setups and provide good resolution and image clarity.
Glycerol immersion objective lenses utilize glycerol, a viscous liquid, as the immersion medium. Glycerol has a refractive index close to that of glass, enabling improved light collection and resolution. It is commonly used in specialized microscopy techniques where high-resolution imaging is required.

Custom Microscope Objectives Solutions – UV, NUV, VISIBLE & NIR REGION

Avantier continues to redefine precision microscopy with its cutting-edge NIR, NUV, and UV infinity corrected objectives. Engineered for accuracy and clarity, these objectives elevate research and analysis across near-infrared (NIR), near-ultraviolet (NUV), and ultraviolet (UV) spectra. With advanced optical coatings, aberration correction, and infinity-corrected designs, researchers can explore samples with unmatched clarity and fidelity. These objectives are pivotal for applications ranging from material science to life sciences, enabling scientists to delve deeper into the microscopic world with confidence. Avantier offers a wide variety of microscopes, each equipped with multiple objective lenses that can be rotated to view specimens at varying magnification powers. Demonstrating its commitment to excellence, Avantier delivers tools that empower scientific discovery and innovation.

If you’re interested in acquiring in-stock microscope objective lenses, please visit our ‘Stock – Microscope Objective‘ page. For custom solutions, don’t hesitate to contact us.