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 most people are familiar with looks at the specimen with the light source coming from below and is called an upright microscope. An inverted microscope instead looks at the sample with the light source coming from above.
Inverted microscopes were first invented in 1850 by J. Lawrence Smith of Tulane University and debuted at the London World’s Fair in 1852. In the early 20th century, they began to be used for the observation of living cells, particularly for aquatic life. It was also used for the analysis of heavy metals such as iron and steel prior to World War II.
An inverted microscope is very useful when looking at heavy objects or those that are strongly affected by gravity. Samples of material such as metal can be large and heavy. They require the large staging areas allowed by inverted microscopes.
Materials heavily affected by gravity include living cells and aquatic life that tend to clump and collect at the bottom of sample containers. An inverted microscope looks at the sample from below, making it easier to see organisms with ease. It also allows users to view specimens in a more natural environment than a standard glass slide. Petri dishes allow for more movement for samples and are commonly used with inverted microscopes.
This type of microscope has been redesigned and improved to suit particular uses. There are stages made especially for processes such as incubation and in vitro fertilization. The nosepieces have been made larger and more rotatable, making it easier for scientists to identify and rotate objects. They were also made heavier and sturdier, allowing for less vibration and easier observation.
There are two types of inverted microscopes. A routine inverted microscope is small and is available in low and medium power settings. These can be used in homes and small workshops in schools. They are limited in what they can observe as they usually do not allow fine focusing and have relatively low power magnification.
A research inverted microscope comes in high power settings and can allow for very fine focusing. The main disadvantage is that they are extremely expensive and are usually only used by universities and medical institutions. They are usually able to accommodate video cameras and televisions to assist with research documentation. Improvements to the inverted microscope during the 20th and 21st centuries have allowed it to be an integral part of advanced scientific research.
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