======Laser Microscope======


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**Alternative titles:** Viewing Microbes with a Laser and Water Droplet
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Fill a syringe with pond water or another sample containing microorganisms.  
  - Place the syringe on a stand so that a droplet of water forms at the needle tip.  
  - Set up a white screen about 1 meter away.  
  - Position a laser (a laser point is sufficient) about 2 feet away from the droplet.  
  - Align the laser beam so it passes through the water droplet, projecting an enlarged spot on the screen.  
  - Gently adjust the syringe piston to maintain a stable droplet size.  
  - Darken the room and observe small moving shapes within the light, which show microbes and particles in the water.



====Links==== 
Laser Microscope Made With a Drop of Water - The Action Lab: 
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Laser Microscope - The Sci Guys: 
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📄 Laser Microscope Experiment - element 14: [[https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/project14/provingscience/b/blog/posts/laser-microscope-experiment]]\\

====Variations====
  * Use different light sources (red, green or blue lasers) to test visibility of microbes. 
  * Prepare a hay infusion by soaking hay in water for several days to cultivate microorganisms for observation.  
  * Compare results with filtered water to demonstrate water purity.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Never look directly into the laser beam or point it at eyes.  
  * Handle syringes with care; avoid accidental pricks from the needle.  
  * Perform the experiment on a stable surface to prevent spills.  
  * Wash hands after handling pond water or other biological samples.  
  * Keep laser devices out of reach of young children.  




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why does the water droplet act like a convex lens?  
  * How does the laser light interact with microorganisms to make them visible?  
  * Would a microscope using visible white light show clearer details than the laser method? Why?  
  * How might the wavelength (color) of the laser affect what you see?  
  * What are some limitations of this laser microscope compared to standard optical microscopes?