The world, as seen by the naked eye, is an interesting place in and of itself. It was a place of many unexplained phenomena that pre-contemporary people attributed to sorcery or magic. The invention of one simple tool, namely the magnifying lens — so taken for granted by today's standards — is what unlocked a whole new dimension of reality that changed humanity's understanding of nature and oneself. Eventually, man's mythical universe was replaced by the evolving methods of science and aided by its equally evolving instrument of choice — the microscope. Today, microscopes are notoriously used across many modern human industries. Because they are the primary gateway to understanding minute structures from cells to minerals, they remain a critical tool in scientific research, material science, biophysics, medicine, circuitry, engineering, and forensics, among others. The most basic of man’s microscopy arsenal is the light microscope.
A light microscope is an optical instrument used to view objects too small to with the naked eye. It is so-called because it employs the use of white or visible light to illuminate the object of interest so it can be magnified and viewed through one or a series of lenses. Microscopy, then, can be referred to as the technical field of utilizing a microscope to visualize the fine details of samples and objects too minute to see with the unaided eye. Microscopists use a combination of material knowledge, sample preparation, and an intimate understanding of the microscope to investigate a wide range of materials from complex biological specimens to inanimate objects in order to understand their structure, behavior, and potential applications.
Light microscopy has wide-ranging utility in scientific investigations. Many jobs in the sciences and engineering fields use a microscope as part of their work process.
A microscope is a microbiologist's weapon of choice. They regularly use light microscopes to study microscopic organisms such as bacteria and fungal colonies. Along with more sophisticated electron microscopes and computer imaging software, they uncover the mysteries of life beyond what the human eye can see. A biochemist and biophysicist’s speciality is investigating processes that occur within living systems. They work with bio components such as enzymes on the daily to understand how their interaction answers some practical questions. For this task, optical or light microscopes are used alongside powerful electron microscopes and computer programs. Biological technicians whose tasks include preparing biological samples such as blood and bacteria cultures for laboratory analysis are required to have in-depth know-how of microscope usage.
Scientists working in law enforcement are tasked to analyze diverse samples of crime scene evidence. These samples can range from the smallest clothing fibers to DNA in hair follicles. Results from these analyses are critical in solving thousands of cases per year.
Jewelers and gemologists use microscopes to determine the value of a gem, to examine their fine details, and to ensure the pieces are properly polished. Identifying the kind of gemstone and determining its quality is central to the work of a gemologist or gem appraiser. In such a job, a microscope becomes the primary tool for verification.
Researchers in the fields of geoscience and environmental science employ light microscopy across a wide range of applications. For instance, investigating pollutants in a water source requires looking at the microbiota present in its samples. Geoscientists work closely with minerals. Only in examining the details can they be accurately identified and attributed.
Given microscopes’ vital role in science, students are taught how to use a light microscope in the classroom. Early exposure to such a tool and acquiring the skill of manipulating a microscope:
Learning light microscopy and what it entails opens students’ perspectives to a whole new world of possibilities both academic and practical.
Bright Field Microscope (Best for Students) Most microscopes used in classrooms are bright field microscopes. Bright field microscopy is the simplest form of optical microscopy illumination techniques. The term is derived from the fact that the specimen appears darker in contrast to the bright background. Light from the illuminator is collected by the condenser and focused at the specimen mounted on the space. The light that passes through the specimen then goes through the objective lenses and ultimately through the eyepiece. The specimen can either be stained or colorless. The pigmentation creates contrast which allows the viewer to see the image of the object being observed. This conventional technique is most suitable for observing the natural colors of the specimen. However, it’s not easy to see cell organelles using this technique. Phase-Contrast microscope For the purpose of viewing structures (e.g., organelles) within microscopic living cells, a phase-contrast microscope is used. This contrast-enhancing optical technique makes use of the minute differences in phase to create high-contrast images of an unstained specimen. Phase-contrast microscopy employs special phase-contrast objectives and condensers to take advantage of refractive index variations. As a result, the viewed image of the specimen appears brighter or darker than its background. Ultraviolet Microscope An ultraviolet microscope uses UV light to view specimens at a resolution that isn't possible with the common brightfield microscope. It utilizes UV optics, light sources, as well as cameras. Because of the shorter wavelengths of UV light (180-400 nm), the image produced is clearer and more distinct at a magnification approximately double what is achieved by using only visible light (400-700 nm). Fluorescence microscope Considered one of the most versatile techniques of optical imaging, fluorescence microscopy uses a fluorescent substance (e.g., fluorochromes or fluorophores) to tag or label a specimen of interest. A fluorescent microscope uses a high-intensity illuminator which then excites the fluorophores in the sites of interest. As a result, the excited regions in turn emit light of a longer wavelength which makes it visible for observation. Filters help produce the final image. Because it's more costly to conduct, fluorescence microscopy is usually reserved to important studies such as examining substances in low concentration. Practical applications of fluorescence microscopy include studies of porosity in ceramics, studies of semiconductors, and studies of nerve cells. Confocal microscope Confocal microscopy is regarded as a superior imaging technique that produces high-resolution, high-contrast images. It uses fluorescence by focusing a laser over the specimen and collecting data from the emissions to reconstruct a final image. A common issue in viewing biological specimens via conventional light microscopy is glare captured from multiple focal planes producing light noise that can distort the image, especially if the specimen is thicker than the plane of focus. In confocal microscopy, spatial filtering is used to eliminate this glare by focusing light on a single point within a defined focal plane. This produces impressively sharp images.
A good quality microscope is not cheap. Proper care and maintenance ensures your device performs at its best. Here are important tips on how to handle your light microscope.
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