A microscope is a device that magnifies images of small objects, enabling humans to closely inspect and evaluate minuscule structures. Although there are many other kinds of microscopes, the optical microscopes is the most often used.
Table of Contents
Applications of Microscopes
In areas such as biology, medicine, materials science, and quality assurance, microscopes are essential. They make it possible for researchers to investigate the complex world of tissues, cells, and organisms.
16 types of Microscopes listed
- Basic/Simple Microscope
- Composite/Compound Microscope
- Phase Contrast Microscope
- Fluorescence Microscope
- Electron Microscope
- Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM) and Electron Microscopes for Transmission (TEM)
- Dim-Field Microscope
- Stereo microscope (dissecting microscope)
- Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM)
- AFM, or Atomic Force Microscope
- Digital Microscope
- Reversed Microscope
- Acoustic microscope
- X-ray microscope
- Microscope with Polarization
- Metallurgical Microscope
- Small Microscope
- USB Microscope
Microscopes have transformed our understanding of the microscopic world by revealing previously invisible details!
1. Basic/Simple Microscope:
A simple microscope is a kind of microscope that has only one lens for magnification. For magnification, it employs a single small-focal-length convex lens. Its magnification is typically around 10X.
The formula for its magnification power (m) is m=1+ D/F,
where D is the minimum distance for distinct vision.
F represents the focal length of a microscope’s lens.
Basic Microscope Working Principle:
At the closest distance of distinct vision, a virtual, erect, and enlarged image is generated when a sample is placed in the focus of a microscope’s convex lens. A simple microscope consists of a mirror for illumination, a convex lens for magnification, a stage, and a metallic stand with base.
Simple microscope applications include:
- Examining the morphology of fungi, algae, and insects
- Used to examine the composition and kind of soil
- Applied in electronic repair workshops to fix watches, cell phones, and other tiny gadgets and parts
- Jewelers use it to examine the quality of rubies, diamonds, and other precious stones.
- Used to examine engraved details, smaller letter scripts, etc.
2. Composite/Compound Microscope
A compound microscope is a type of microscope that uses visible light for illumination and a system of numerous lenses to magnify the object. It typically comprises of an objective lens and an ocular lens. It has a 1000X magnification capability. Its magnifying power is the product of the magnifying power of the objective lens and the ocular lens.
Compound Microscope Parts
- Illuminator (Light Source)
- Diaphragm (Iris)
- Condenser
- Condenser Focus Knob
- Rack Stop
- Stage
- Stage Control Knobs
- Nose Piece
- Objective Lens
- Tube (Head)
- Eyepiece (Ocular Lens)
- Diopter Adjustment
- Adjustment Knobs
a. Fine Adjustment Knob
b. Coarse Adjustment Knob - Arm
- Base
- Light Switch
- Brightness Adjustment
Functions
- Used in microbiology to study the morphology of microorganisms
- Used in histopathology to study tissue, cytopathic effects, tumor, etc.
- Used in cytology to study cellular structure of different types of cells
- Used by biologist to observe slides of cells, tissues or segments of biological components
In biological domains such as medicine, microbiology, life sciences, pathology, hematology, anatomy, molecular biology, etc., it is the most used microscope.
3. Phase Contrast Microscope
The phase-contrast microscope is a modified version of the bright-field microscopes that allows us to visualize living cells without affecting their viability.
Parts:
- Condenser Annulus
- Phase Plate
Functions:
- Examining live cells in their native state.
- Used to view protozoans, diatoms, planktons, cysts, helminths, and larvae in microbiology.
- Utilized to investigate cellular processes and subcellular structures
- Utilized for researching thin tissue slices.
It can be used for observing living cells in their natural state without staining or fixing. Transparent specimens and subcellular organelles can be clearly viewed with better contrast.
4. Fluorescence Microscope
A fluorescence microscope is an optical microscope that employs fluorescence or phosphorescence to magnify an object. A modified light microscope is what it is. This microscope is useful for studying living cells and cell organelles, as well as identifying specific proteins, antigens, and immunoglobulins.
Parts:
- Fluorophore (Fluorescent Dye)
- Light Source
- Excitation Filter
- Emission Filter
- Dichroic Mirror (Beam Splitter)
Functions
- Used for detecting eye corneal diseases and fungal cells in corneal scrapings
- Used in quality control of pharma products
- Used in optical 3-D scanning and imaging.
5. Electron Microscope
An electron microscope is a type of microscope that produces a highly magnified image of a specimen by using accelerated electron beams rather than light rays. This microscope uses electromagnets in place of glass lenses.
Parts
- Electron Gun (Electron Source)
- Electromagnetic Lenses
- Aperture System
- Sample Holder
- Vacuum System
- Imaging System
- A Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) uses focused beams of electrons to scan the surface of a sample, producing high-resolution, three-dimensional images of the sample’s surface topology and composition.
- An Electron Microscope for Transmission (TEM) transmits a beam of electrons through an ultra-thin specimen, generating highly detailed, two-dimensional images of the internal structure and composition at the atomic or molecular level.
6. Dim-Field Microscope
Dark-field microscopy (also known as dark-ground microscopy) is a technique used in both light and electron microscopy. It provides a way to visualize specimens by excluding the unscattered beam from the image.
- Used in microbiology to study microbial motion, including spirochetes and other thin bacteria.
- Applied to the study of organisms in capsules.
- Used to investigate interior organelles in cytology.
- Added to computer mice to enable them to operate on transparent materials
- It is used in conjunction with hyperspectral imaging to describe nanoparticles.
7. Dissecting Microscope (Stereo Microscope)
A dissecting microscope, also known as a stereo microscope, is a form of light microscope that produces a low magnification image by reflecting light off the surface of an object. Hence the name “dissecting microscope,” as it is mainly utilized for dissecting and observing dissected specimens.
- Used in dissection and microsurgery.
- Examining archaeological artifacts and geological samples.
- Employed in manufacturing and repairing nano-electronic appliances like watches, microchips, mobile phones, and circuit boards.
8. Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM)
A Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM) uses a probe to scan and interact with a specimen’s surface, producing detailed images of surface atoms and molecules.
- SPMs are used to study surfaces at an incredibly small scale—down to the nanometer level.
- They form images by physically probing the surface of a sample using a delicate probe.
Atomic Force Microscope (ATM) is a type of scanning probe microscope that uses the repulsive electronic force between the microscopes probe tip and surface of the specimen to scan the atoms at the surface of the specimen. It is also called a scanning force microscope.
9. Digital Microscope
Digital Microscope is a type of microscope that lacks an ocular lens and instead contains a digital camera and screen to display image digitally. This is a modern microscope which is a computerized system combining microscope with camera, monitor and computer software, and processor.
10. Reversed Microsoft
A reversed microscope (inverted microscope) has its light source and condenser above the specimen stage, allowing observation of samples from below, ideal for cell cultures and large specimens.
Functions
- Observing live cell cultures and organisms in situ.
- Examining large specimens and thick samples.
- Facilitating phase contrast and fluorescence microscopy.
11. Acoustic microscope
High-frequency sound waves are used by an acoustic microscopes to create images of a specimen. It is helpful for non-destructive testing and material analysis since it offers comprehensive information about the internal characteristics, mechanical qualities, and flaws in a material.
Functions
- Non-Destructive Imaging
- Image Formation
12. X-ray microscope
An X-ray beam is used by an X-ray microscope, a kind of optical microscope, to illuminate objects and create an enlarged image of them. Since an X-ray can pass through most items with ease, it can be used to take pictures of any object without the need for any further preparation or staining. Generally, X-rays with energies between 100 and 1,000 eV, or around 1 nm in wavelength, are employed. The wavelengths of X-rays used in modern X-ray microscopes range from 0.1 to 10 nm.
Parts
- X-ray Tube
- Collimator
- Monochromator
- Detection System
13. Polarizing Microscope
A polarizing microscopes is a type of light microscope in which specimens are examined using polarized light. Studying birefringent materials, like crystals, minerals, and fibers, can provide insights into their internal structure and optical characteristics.
Parts
- Polarizer
- Analyzer
- Accessory Plates
- Specialized Stage
Functions
- Used in geological studies to study rocks, minerals and soil components.
14. Metallurgical Microscope
The term “metallurgical microscope” refers to a particular kind of microscope that studies the structure and organization of metals by using reflected light. It is employed in metallography research.
Its design and equipment are akin to those of an optical microscope. The imaging mechanism of this microscope is based on reflected light rather than transmitted light, which is the only distinction.
Its use is restricted to observing opaque things like ceramics, rocks, alloys, and metallic items.
15. Pocket Microscope
A pocket microscope is a compact, carry-anywhere microscopes. It’s a basic microscope with an eyepiece, a mirror, an LED light source and battery for the LED, and a stage to store samples. Some models have a camera for digital picture recording.
This is for general purposes such as millimeter-scale object observation of jewelry, stones, electronics, timepieces, insects, and other objects.
It is not suitable for studying minute samples such as bacteria and other similar specimens because of its low magnification of only 100X.
16. USB Microscope
A digital microscopes that plugs into a USB port on a computer is called a USB microscope. It makes it possible to view specimens up close and to record and take pictures and films of them that can be seen on a computer screen.
USB microscopes are lightweight, easy to use, and appropriate for many uses, such as hobbyist pursuits, education, and quality assurance.
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ)
What is microscope in general terms ?
A microscope is a device that magnifies images of small objects, enabling humans to closely inspect and evaluate minuscule structures.
What are the applications of microscope in field of biology?
In areas such as biology, medicine, materials science, and quality assurance, microscopes are essential. They make it possible for researchers to investigate the complex world of tissues, cells, and organisms.
Which is the most often used microscope?
Although there are many other kinds of microscopes, the optical microscope is the most often used.
What are the various types of microscope ?
Basic/Simple Microscope, Composite/Compound Microscope,Phase Contrast Microscope, Fluorescence Microscope,Electron Microscope,Dim-Field Microscope, and so on.
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