Microscopes

Description

Microscopes are instruments, which are used for viewing or investigating small objects that are not visible to the naked eye. Microscopes consist of mirror, objective, condenser, eyepiece, and stage. The specimen to be viewed by the microscope is usually supported by a slide which is placed over a stage. The objective, mirror and condenser are responsible for magnifying the image of the specimen which is viewed by the eyepiece. Microscopes are commonly available in three configurations namely benchtop, student and research. Some of the important specifications to be considered while purchasing microscopes are magnification power, resolution, dimensions, illumination, and objective sizes.

Types

Basically the microscopes are classified into:

• Simple microscopes
• Compound microscopes

The other common types of microscopes are:

• Optical microscopes
  • Digital microscopes
  • Stereo microscopes
  • Phase contrast microscopes

• Electron Microscopes
  • Scanning electron microscopes (SEM)
  • Transmission electron microscopes (TEM)
  • Scanning Tunneling Microscopes (STM)

• Scanning probe microscopes
  • Atomic force microscopes
  • Electrostatic force microscopes
  • Force modulation microscopes
  • Piezo Force Microscopes
  • Magnetic force microscopes
  • Scanning SQUID microscope

• Acoustic or ultrasonic microscopes
• Ultraviolet or Fluorescent microscopes
• Inverted microscopes
• Reflecting microscopes
• X-ray microscopes
• Interference microscopes

Applications

Some of the broad range of industrial and scientific applications of microscopes is given below:

• Used for manufacturing inspection, semiconductor processing, metallurgical analysis and quality control applications
• Biological microscopes are used for studying the micro organisms and its vital processes; they are also used for cell research, medical imaging, forensic medicine, and high resolution molecular studies in biological laboratory applications
• Used for some specialty applications including gemology and metallurgy
• Ideal for professional laboratories and schools
• Stereo microscopes are ideal for precision part testing and component assembly in factories