ISO/TC 172/SC 5/WG 9 - Optical performance of microscope components

This document specifies procedures for the measurement of illumination brightness, temporal stability and uniformity for incident light fluorescence microscopy. The measurement for uniformity is defined in image planes or intermediate image planes only, when these planes are suitable for detection by electronic imaging devices. This document defines how illumination brightness, temporal stability and uniformity are measured, and how this information is provided to the user. NOTE The scope is intentionally limited to electronic imaging devices and (intermediate) image planes. The visual observation by means of eyepieces would require a different measurement procedure and hence result in ambiguities in the description of measurement procedures. Nevertheless, this document will give useful estimates for the uniformity with visual observation as in this case an eyepiece is used to observe an intermediate image plane (which is under the scope of this document).

This document specifies measurands and measurement procedures of colour properties for bright field microscopy with transmitted light illumination. These measurements are defined in image planes or intermediate image planes. This document also specifies how the information is provided to the user.

ISO 10936-1:2017 specifies requirements and refers to test methods for operation microscopes used for observation during surgical operation and treatment of patients. It does not apply to accessories, e.g. photographic cameras. NOTE Specific requirements with regard to optical radiation hazards from operation microscopes used in ocular surgery are given in ISO 10936‑2.

ISO 9344:2016 specifies dimensions and permissible material defects and processing faults for graticules with diameters of 19 mm, 21 mm and 26 mm to be used in microscope eyepieces for the purposes of measurement, assessment and comparison.

ISO 19056-1:2015 specifies procedures for the measurement of image brightness and uniformity for bright field light microscopy. These measurements for image brightness and uniformity are defined in image planes or intermediate image planes only, when these planes are suitable for detection by electronic imaging devices. ISO 19056-1:2015 defines how image brightness and uniformity are measured and how this information is provided to the user. NOTE The scope is intentionally limited to electronic imaging devices and (intermediate) image planes. The visual observation by means of eyepieces would require a different measurement procedure and hence result in unambiguities in the description of measurement procedures. Nevertheless, this part of ISO 19056 will give useful estimates for the image brightness with visual observation as in this case, an eyepiece is used to observe an intermediate image plane (which is under the scope of this part of ISO 19056).

ISO 19055:2015 specifies the minimum requirements regarding image quality and viewing ergonomics for binocular tubes for compound microscopes when used with eyepieces as specified by the manufacturer. ISO 19055:2015 makes a distinction between binocular tubes with and without dioptre adjustment.

ISO 19012-3:2015 specifies the relation of spectral characteristics between optical design and the description to microscope users for the spectral transmittance of objectives, as the guideline. NOTE This part of ISO 19012 does not apply to objectives exclusively used on stereomicroscopes.

ISO 19012-1:2013 specifies the use of the marking "Plan" on microscope objectives, and defines the diameter of the sharp region of the primary image of a flat object surface. ISO 19012-1:2013 applies to visual observation using the combination of objective lens, tube lens and eyepiece, as specified by the manufacturer. This marking is consistent with ISO 8578.

ISO 19012-2:2013 specifies classes of chromatic correction and defines minimum requirements regarding chromatic correction. The defined marking on the component enables the operator to correctly use the microscope. The standard application for visual observation refers to the combination of objective and tube lens as specified by the manufacturer. The specifications regarding chromatic correction only refer to axial chromatic aberration.

ISO 19012-1:2011 specifies the use of the marking "Plan" on microscope objectives, and defines the diameter of the sharp region of the primary image of a flat object surface. ISO 19012-1:2011 applies to visual observation using the combination of objective lens, tube lens and eyepiece, as specified by the manufacturer.

ISO 19012-2:2009 specifies classes of chromatic correction and defines minimum requirements regarding chromatic correction. The defined marking on the component enables the operator to correctly use the microscope. The standard application for visual observation refers to the combination of objective and tube lens as specified by the manufacturer. The specifications regarding chromatic correction only refer to axial chromatic aberration.

ISO 19012-1:2007 specifies the use of the marking, "Plan" on microscope objectives, and defines the diameter of the sharp region of the primary image of a flat object surface. ISO 19012-1:2007 applies to visual observation using the combination of objective lens, tube lens and eyepiece as specified by the manufacturer.