Types Of Microscopes
What are the different types of microscopes? The word ‘microscope’ came from two base words – ‘micro’ and ‘scope’. These base words mean ‘small’ and ‘magnify’ respectively. Microscopes are devices that are used to magnify the smallest of particles. These particles include molecules, atoms, and the like. This is why there are many types of microscopes that are used. Each of these types is meant for a certain reason and for a certain field. To be able to know which is which, read on and get to know the many different types of microscopes.
The compound light microscopes are types of microscopes that are used mainly in forensic labs. These are the one that are best used to study drug structures. The compound light microscope is composed of two eyepieces that employ the use of light to be able to have an enlarged view of the subject that is being studied or viewed. Each of the eye pieces can magnify somewhere around 10x to 15x. However, if these eyepieces are combined with 3 or maybe even 4 objective ones, the magnification value can get up to 1000x. Aside from forensic labs, these types of microscopes are also used in botany as it is very effective in magnifying plant cells, parasites, bacteria, parasites and other human or animal cells.
The stereo microscope is also called the dissecting microscope. This is because these types of microscopes, as the name implies, it is best used in viewing objects that have been dissected. These are the ones used in microsurgery as well. Also, they are used in viewing circuit boards, making watches, and are used in observing plant photosynthesis. The stereo microscope is composed of a couple of optical paths. These are placed in different angles, therefore giving a three dimensional view. However, the magnifying power of the stereo microscopes is lower than that of the compound light. The magnifying power of these types of microscopes is generally lower than 100x.
The digital types of microscopes are those that do not have eyepieces. Instead, there is a small monitor that shows the magnified subject. The best part about these types of microscopes is that it is easy to keep the data of the subject you are looking at. This is because the digital microscope gives you the ability to save the data and even email it, if you need to.
The electron microscopes are types of microscopes that are used mostly in chemistry, biology, metallurgy, and gemology, among others. These are microscopes that allow magnifying of subjects at a nanometer size. This is why this type is the one mostly used in nanotechnology as well. There are two types of the electron microscopes. These two types are the transmission electron microscope and the scanning electron microscope. The main difference of the two is that the scanning electron microscope is less powerful compared to the transmission electron microscopes. However, these scanning electron microscopes are known to be able to produce images that are sharp and of high resolution. They are also known to provide 3D black and white images.
