Fluorescence microscopy
I was able to make a satisfactory super-stage lamp for use with IR and UV LEDs.
The most difficult part was the goose-neck lamp stand. I procured one from a thrift store which had a strong spring clamp on base.
The materials used were:
3 LEDs of UV/IR type (Jameco)
1k ohm resistor
2pole, 6 position rotary switch and knob (a bit of overkill but all that was available)
Power jack (tip & shank type)
Machine tooled or dip socket to accept LED leads.
Small scrap piece of prototype thru-the-hole printed circuit board (pcb)
Spacers
2, 6-32 machine screws and 4 nuts
Plastic box 3"h x 3"w x 1.7"d
Plastic pill bottle 3.5" tall x 1.8" diam.
Metal sample can 2.8" tall and fits snuggly into plastic bottle
4 wires carry power from the rotary switch and power input jack to the lamp socket.
3 wires are soldered to the rotary's perimeter contacts and a 4th to the ground of the power jack. The resistor is connected between the positive side of the jack and the center pole of the rotary switch. The socket is soldered to the pcb with one wire for the emitter side and separate wires for the anodes of the LEDs.
The opposite wire ends are soldered to the LED socket after being fished through the goose neck, the side of the plastic bottle and metal can's bottom.
The pcb is drilled for 2, 6-32 machine screws which are pushed through the pcb, spacers, and a nut before being pushed down into the can and through waiting holes and nuts there.
The nut which formerly held the reflector on is used to keep the plastic bottle on the goose neck.
The rotary switch and power jack are attached to a plastic box.
The can's lid is given a 3/32" hole in its center to create a small beam.
A wall wart or battery can supply the 9v needed.
It satisfies my petrologic needs and required angle of beam. The aluminum can reflects the UV quite well but I did add a couple of small mirrors in the inside of the lid.
Hope others find this useful.
Geo1
PICTURES HERE:
Last edited by geo1; 03-31-2008 at 03:06 AM.
|