Scanning probe microscopes produce high-detail 3D surface images and can measure physical properties of materials. The first, the scanning tunneling microscope (STM), was invented in the 1980s. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) can be used on all materials and has variations such as lateral force microscopy (LFM) and conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM). Other techniques include […]
Choosing the best inverted microscope depends on size, camera, focus, and illumination. Research microscopes are more powerful than routine ones. Understanding your needs is important, as is testing the microscope before purchasing. There are a few considerations when choosing the best inverted microscope: size, camera, focus, and illumination. Inverted microscopes come in routine or research […]
Choosing the best stereo microscope depends on features, needs, and budget. Magnification, modularity, and lighting are important factors to consider, as well as the field of investigation and ergonomic design. Prices range from under $100 to over $14,000. Choosing the best stereo microscope, also called a stereo microscope, dissecting microscope or inspection microscope, is a […]
Confocal microscopes use a pinhole to reject out-of-focus light, allowing for high resolution fluorescent images. Moving mirrors scan light across a sample, creating optical slices that can be combined to create a 3D image. They are commonly used in life science labs but require a dedicated dark room. A confocal microscope is a special type […]
A scanning electron microscope (SEM) uses an electron beam and detectors to view small areas. The beam is directed at a sample, and the resulting electrons are detected through backscattering, secondary, or X-ray imaging. SEMs use a raster pattern to produce 3D images and are commonly used in forensic science. An SEM microscope is a […]
Choosing the best microscope resolution can be difficult, but three guidelines can help: choose a resolution that won’t harm the specimen, choose the resolution with the most desired subject in view, and choose the resolution that allows for a clear view. Start at the lowest resolution and work up. Sometimes it can be difficult to […]
The phase contrast microscope enhances live specimens by using light waves to distinguish between transparent and colorless structures, eliminating the need to stain and kill samples. It was invented by Fritz Zerinke in 1930 and has been instrumental in studying active cellular processes. A phase contrast microscope is a scientific instrument specifically designed to enhance […]
When buying a monocular microscope, choose a model suited to its purpose with high-quality optics and an affordable price. Look for well-engineered parts, a reliable warranty, and a company with professional-grade optics. Consider who will use it and what for, and look for 4x, 10x, and 40x magnification settings. Choose a model with an inclined […]
A digital microscope can be either a set with an optical microscope and a camera or an integrated unit. It allows the view seen through the microscope to be output as a digital image. It is useful for saving and sharing images, making some things more salient, and sharing the view with multiple people. The […]
The scanning electron microscope uses high-energy electron beams to create accurate, three-dimensional images of small specimens, such as viruses. Proper sample preparation is crucial, and images are always in black and white. The scanning electron microscope is a piece of equipment that uses high-energy electron beams to generate information about a microscopy sample. The generated […]
Microscopes have common parts such as a stage, objectives, eyepiece lens, and adjustment knobs. They require powerful light, which can be achieved through lamps or mirrors. The condenser lens and diaphragm help focus and adjust light for sharper images. The parts of a microscope can vary from microscope to microscope. However, there are some common […]
A scanning acoustic microscope uses sound waves to generate detailed images of objects, providing data about their properties. It can examine things on a level not visible to the human eye and is used for imaging single cells. The device works by aiming a focused sound beam at an object and recording how the sound […]
Inverted microscopes have the light source coming from above and are useful for heavy objects and gravity-affected samples. They have been redesigned for specific uses and come in routine and research types. Research microscopes are expensive but allow for fine focusing and can accommodate video cameras. There are two basic types of microscopes. The one […]
Electron microscopes use electrons instead of photons for imaging, providing much greater magnification due to their smaller wavelength. There are four types, with the transmission and scanning electron microscopes being the most common. They offer high resolution and can observe individual atoms on a surface, but are expensive to purchase and maintain. Samples must be […]
Computer microscopes interface with a computer and transfer images. The QX3 was the first popular computer microscope developed by Intel, and the QX5 is its successor. The QX5 offers three magnification levels and can take video and still photos. Other computer microscopes are comparable in price and resolution. Higher quality digital microscopes can achieve up […]
A phase contrast microscope increases the contrast of objects on the stage, making them highly visible without the need for dyeing. It allows observers to see transparent structures of living cells and organisms without killing them. Frederik Zernike won the Nobel Prize for inventing this technique, which is mostly used in research laboratories due to […]
A field microscope is a portable, small, and lightweight compound light microscope with a long focal length objective lens. It can be configured for brightfield, darkfield, and phase contrast microscopy and can be monocular or binocular. Field microscopes are used by professionals in various fields and vary in price. A field microscope is a small […]
A compound microscope uses lenses to magnify samples, with objectives, projector lens, and eyepieces responsible for magnification. Illumination and focus are provided by the light source, iris diaphragm, and condenser. The coarse and fine adjustment knobs focus the image, while the stage, arm, and slide base provide support. The light source, iris diaphragm, and condenser […]
A fluorescence microscope uses irradiation and filtration to create readable images of fluorescent materials. It is used in cellular and genetic research, and can be used to study DNA, RNA, cells, microorganisms, and antibodies. A fluorescence microscope is a device used to examine the amount and type of fluorescence emitted by a sample. Unlike a […]
A digital microscope can be an optical microscope with an attached camera or an integrated camera, capable of transmitting the view as a digital image. A digital microscope camera offers advantages such as archiving, sharing, and recording images. Monocular and trinocular microscopes can be used to connect a digital microscope camera. The first digital microscope […]
