Different types of microscopes and how to use them
Different types of microscopes and how to use them
Blog Article
There are a wide variety of microscopes available, but what are the most common models and how should we use them? A microscope is used to magnify objects (or parts of an object) that are too small to be seen by the naked eye. Each model has its own technology and offers different advantages. The type of microscope you need for your particular sample depends on many things, including the size and type of sample. In this article, we examine 5 different types of microscopes and their differences. So stay with us.
Types of microscopes
There are different types of microscopes with different applications. In this article, we will focus on the following 5 types:
Transmission and reflection optical compound microscope
Stereo microscope
Inverted or inverted optical transmission and reflection microscope
Digital microscope
Pocket microscope
We will also provide examples of how to use them.
- Transmission and reflection optical compound microscope
Compound microscopes use two lenses to create a two-dimensional image and usually offer higher magnification levels than stereo microscopes or other low-power models. Although compound microscopes come in two different versions, both are characterized by an eyepiece. Their primary magnification is through an objective lens and their secondary magnification is through an eyepiece, usually 10 times.
What differentiates these two versions is the light source. In transmitted light models, the secondary light illuminates the sample from below and thus the light is transmitted through the sample to the lens.
Optical transmission composite models can also increase or adjust the brightness through their condenser to create more contrast in the sample. These microscopes are usually used in the field of biology to inspect blood cells, parasites, bacteria and different types of tissue.
The reflective composite model is used when the sample is not transparent and requires light from above for reflection. Examples of applications of this model include metal fracture analysis, wafer inspection, and anything that light cannot pass through.
- Stereo microscopes
Despite the lower magnification capability, stereo models are defined by the ability to reconstruct three-dimensional images of objects through the eyepiece. Their function is very similar to the human eye, and as a result they are an excellent tool for examining samples where depth perception is important.
Stereo microscopes generally have a longer working distance than compound models, making them ideal for larger specimens. Therefore, they can be used to examine samples that do not require light to pass through or are too large to be examined with a compound microscope.
Stereo models are used in various industries to examine, manipulate and work on various objects. Because in addition to magnification, they provide the required working distance for these purposes.
- Inverted transmission or reflection light microscope
Unlike the models we have described so far, the inverted microscope is special in that it allows the user to place the sample on a flat surface with a lens underneath.
This model is also available in two types of light transmission and reflection, depending on the application needs. The inverted reflective optical model allows the flat side of an opaque object, such as a piece of metal, to be placed on the screen to prevent the sample from rolling or rocking back and forth during inspection for fractures and defects.
Although the transmitted and reflected light technology is practically the same, the transmitted light model samples are placed in a Petri dish instead of directly on the screen. Inverted transmission light microscopy is used in fields such as in vitro fertilization, live cell imaging, and neuroscience.
- Digital microscope
The characteristic of a digital microscope is that it does not have an eyepiece. In this model, instead of an eyepiece, a small sensor is used in the camera, which provides much more magnification. Instead of viewing the sample through the eyepiece, the digital microscope is connected to a computer or monitor with a USB or HDMI cable.
- Pocket microscope
Pocket microscopes, sometimes called USB microscopes, do not have eyepieces like digital models, but are significantly smaller, more compact, and more portable. Although pocket-sized models are more affordable than other types, they are poor in terms of image quality, light, and working distance. Also, in terms of quality, they are usually weaker than laboratory microscopes.
Report this page