American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Technologist in Cytogenetics certification (ASCP CG) Practice Test

What does the numerical aperture of a lens indicate?

1. Its weight capacity

2. Its light gathering capacity

3. The level of magnification achievable

4. The compatibility with oil immersion

The correct answer is: Its light gathering capacity

The numerical aperture (NA) of a lens is a crucial characteristic that indicates its light gathering capacity. It quantifies how much light can enter the lens and is influenced by the refractive index of the medium in which the lens operates (such as air or immersion oil) and the angle of light that can enter the lens from the specimen. A higher numerical aperture means that the lens can capture more light, which can result in brighter images and greater resolution when viewing specimens under a microscope. This feature is particularly important in microscopy, as it directly impacts image clarity and the ability to observe fine details in a sample. With lenses that have a high NA, one can achieve better resolution, allowing for the visualization of smaller structures within cells or tissues. The other options do not accurately describe the significance of numerical aperture. Weight capacity, level of magnification achievable, and compatibility with oil immersion do not inherently refer to how effectively a lens can gather light, which is the defining factor of numerical aperture. Thus, focusing on the light-gathering capability highlights the importance of NA in microscopy and optical systems.