Tiny circular coverslips

[ray_parkhurst]

To take a picture of a subject without coverslip... which is obviously necessary for better image quality..

Ahh, so the idea is to have a consistent / correct thickness coverslip perform its proper function, then shoot specimens without coverslip? Excellent, thanks!

[PeteM]

Sandblasters (with the proper grit) can be used to etch glass. It might be possible to place a 5mm dot as a mask over a regular coverslip, attach the slip to a backing, and blast away. Might even use two dots - one for a clear space and one added on top after a quick blast for a slightly frosted outer ring for better adhesion of the adhesive?

[Macrero]

Hello,

I just looked for these coverslips fitting these objectives needing them, since reading this forum's posts about them.
Found some made of glass with many different diameters. (mentioned 4 times, no other material mentioned) Thickness still uncertain and to be measured/sorted if one desires...

"100pcs/box Dia 4 5 6 8 10 12 13 14 15 16~35 Mm Glass Microscope Cover Slide Slips For Lab Medical Glass Round Blank Slides - Microscopes - AliExpress"

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001937435260.html

Maybe it is useful.

J-C

Those are more like a #1 (0.13-0.16mm) coverslips. It would be a lottery to find a 0.17mm one among the bunch. The quality is questionable, to say the least too.

Ahh, so the idea is to have a consistent / correct thickness coverslip perform its proper function, then shoot specimens without coverslip? Excellent, thanks!

You actually shoot with coverslip, but placed on the objective instead of on the specimen, which makes it more flexible to use, especially with "3D" subjects.

Edit: after re-reading your post, I think that's exactly what you're saying...

A friend and I are experimenting with CO2 laser cutting. The first tests were satisfactory, but the machine seems to be too powerful for such a delicate and small subject and the cut is not perfect. I will try to find a workshop with a more sophisticated cutter.

[ray_parkhurst]

Sandblasters (with the proper grit) can be used to etch glass. It might be possible to place a 5mm dot as a mask over a regular coverslip, attach the slip to a backing, and blast away. Might even use two dots - one for a clear space and one added on top after a quick blast for a slightly frosted outer ring for better adhesion of the adhesive?

Excellent suggestion!