Microscopes are mechanical devices used for viewing objects and
materials so minute in size that they are undetectable by the naked
eye. The process conducted with such an instrument, called
Microscopy, uses the combined schools of optical science and light
reflection, controlled and manipulated through lenses, to study
small objects at close range.The basic microscope consists of
several complex and interrelated parts: a cylinder that provides a
necessary space of air between the ocular lens (eye piece) situated
at the top and the objective lens fixed at the bottom, hovering
close to a stage containing an optical assembly on a rotating arm
and a centered hole through which a light shines from a solid
U-shaped stand beneath. Magnifying values for the ocular range
through X5, X10, to X20, while the values for the objective lens
has a broader span: X5, X10, X20, X40, X80, and X100. These values
provide the observer with a spectrum of possible distance
orientations and degrees of sharpness as are necessary for viewing
and analysis.Several different kinds of microscopes exist, each
having particular features:Optical Microscope: The first ever
created. The optical microscope has one or two lenses that work to
enlarge and enhance images placed between the lower-most lens and
the light source.Simple Optical Microscope—uses one lens, the
convex lens, in the magnifying process. This kind of microscope was
used by Anton Van Leeuwenhoek during the late-sixteen and
early-seventeenth centuries, around the time that the microscope
was invented.Compound Optical Microscope—has two lenses, one for
the eyepiece to serve the ocular perspective and one of short focal
length for objective perspective. Multiple lenses work to minimize
both chromatic and spherical aberrations so that the view is
unobstructed and uncorrupted.Stereo Microscope: This is also known
as the Dissecting Microscope, and uses two separate optical shafts
(for both eyes) to create a three-dimensional image of the object
through two slightly different viewpoints. This kind of microscope
conducts microsurgery, dissection, watch-making, small circuit
board manufacturing, etc.Inverted Microscope: This kind of
microscope views objects from an inverted position than that of
regular microscopes. The inverted microscope specializes in the
study of cell cultures in liquid.Petrographic Microscope: This kind
of microscope features a polarizing filter, a rotating stage, and
gypsum plate. Petrographic Microscopes specialize in the study of
inorganic substances whose properties tend to alter through
shifting perspective.Pocket Microscope: This kind of microscope
consists of a single shaft with an eye piece at one end and an
adjustable objective lens at the other. This old-style microscope
has a case for easy carry.Electron Microscopes: This kind of
microscope employs electron waves running parallel to a magnetic
field providing higher resolution. Two Electron Microscopes are the
Scanning Electron Microscope and the Transmission Electron
Microscope.Scanning Probe Microscope: This kind of microscope
measures interaction between a physical probe and a sample to form
a micrograph. Only surface data can be collected and analyzed from
the sample. Types of Scanning Probe Microscopes include the Atomic
Force Microscope, the Scanning Tunneling Microscope, the Electric
Force Microscope, and the Magnetic Force Microscope.Science
wouldn’t be what it is today without the microscope, as this device
is the primary instrument by which the world and all of its
elements are measured and assessed. It is with the microscope that
we take a look inside of ourselves so we can learn and understand
who we are and how we work.
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scanning tunnelling microscopeLinksPolarizing MicroscopeDate Published: Jan 07, 2011 - 6:29 pm
* What is an electron microscope?Invented by a German physicist
named Ernst Ruska, electron microscopes are mostly used in
archaeology, medicine, and geology to look at surfaces or layers of
objecs. Rather than using light, electron microscopes use electrons
to produce images. They have high resolution and can magnify in
small detail.* What is a compound microscope?Used mostly in
biology, compound microscopes have two or more double convex
lenses. They produce a 2-D slice image of an object, yet can attain
a high enough magnification to see a hair strand. Unfortunately,
they do not have excellent resolution, so the image may be blurred.
On the other hand, stereoscopic microscopes, as the name implies,
provide a 3-D picture of bisected items, like muscle tissue or an
organ.Compound microscopes are the simplest type of microscope and
are found in many classrooms. Compound microscopes are operated
entirely by hand and use ordinary ambient light from the sun or
light bulb. The specimen is mounted between two glass slides, and
the microscope system uses a simple series of magnifying lenses and
mirrors to bring the image to the eyepiece, much like a telescope.*
What is a stereo microscope?While a compound microscope provides a
3-D picture, a stereo microscope provides a 3-D picture of bisected
items such as muscle tissue or organs. A stereo microscope is a
lower-powered microscope with low magnification. Although you
cannot make out separate cells, it does allow for closer viewing of
the non-microscopic world.This microscope makes tiny objects
gigantic and is sometimes called a dissecting microscope.
Inexpensive models of stereo microscopes are available for schools
and students. The stereo microscope has a zoom as well as improved
optics and lighting and can be used for professional purposes.*
What is a confocal microscope?A confocal microscope is a step down
from those above. It uses a laser beam to illuminate a specimen.
Then, the image is digitally enhanced and viewed on a computer
monitor. The specimen is often dyed a bright color for a more
contrasting image. Unlike compound microscopes, confocal
microscopes are controlled automatically with motorized mirrors
that help with auto-focus.* What is a digital microscope?Made up of
a digital camera unit and a controller, a digital microscope is
fairly new to microscopy. It utilizes USB technology to produce
live images viewable on a computer monitor. A high pixel color CCD
and light are built into the camera unit. It makes use of inverted
lens design and has a rotatable lamp. The controller has various
functions such as display, record, measurement, etc. The digital
microscope allows for quick observation, analysis and data
processing without much preparation.
metallurgical microscope |
microscope inventionLinksPolarizing MicroscopeDate Published: Jan 07, 2011 - 6:29 pm