Can Alternating Magnetic Fields Damage Microscope Lenses?

[restfull]

I am trying to get a close look at magnetic nanoparticles under a relatively strong microscope (600 times plus). I am trying to observe their behaviour when an alternating magnetic field is applied.

The problem is the alternating magnetic field heats up all metal in its surroundings, including the microscope, which could damage the lens.

Any clever solutions to this problem?

Erik

 

[Dadface]

This seems a tricky one but two thoughts come to mind.

1.Confine the field to the nanoparticles perhaps by the use of Helmholtz coils and laminated soft iron shielding.

2.Knock up some sort of cooling system for the microscope perhaps by the use of cooling fins or by wrapping around it some thin good conducting pipework carrying cold water.At a push you could possibly keep the microscope cold enough by wrapping around it a polythene bag containing ice.

 

[berkeman]

I agree with the shield idea. Get a steel plate with a hole in it just big enough to see through, and place it between the lens and the sample. You may still need a fan blowing sideways to keep the steel plate cool.

 

[berkeman]

BTW, a better shield would be a plate with the ends bent down, to form a 5-sided box that encloses the sample and generating coil...

 

[Danger]

Since Restfull asked about clever solutions, rather than practical ones... are there any plastic-bodied microscopes available?

 

[Gokul43201]

One simple trick: reverse wind the ends of the solenoid to reduce external fields.

 

[Lancelot59]

Is it possible to stick a metal core in the solenoid? That technique is used in transformers to concentrate magnetic fields.