free working distance (FWD)

The distance between the objective surface and the closest part of the coverslip surface when the sample is in focus. In non-coverslip corrected objectives, it is the distance from the objective surface to the closest part of the object surface.

See also: working distance, focal length, coverslip correction

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Working Distance and Parfocal Length

The distance between the objective front lens or the nosepiece and the specimen.