How Modern Microscopes Are Used in the Laboratory

The lab microscope is essential to every scientist, and is used everywhere today from medical labs to schools. Microscopes have been in use since the mid seventeenth century, and were used by Anton Van Leeuwenhoek in his observations of some of the first microorganisms. Those early microscopes had only a single lens and were extremely simple, allowing only the briefest glimpse into the fascinating world of the microcosm.
Today lab microscopes can range from a simple compound microscope with two lenses, to more complex, digital microscopes that come with cameras, motion recorders and laser scanners. Many labs have multiple microscopes, each used for a set purpose, as some work better than others in certain situations.
There are two primary categories of lab microscopes, light microscopes and electron microscopes, though there are many variations in each. A light microscope uses rays of light, magnified and focused through a series of lenses. A common example is the compound light microscope, used to examine thinly sliced sections. With this lab microscope the specimen is lit from beneath, with light passing through clear sections but not the opaque ones. Many times the sample may be dyed to allow certain cellular structures to better absorb light.
One popular light microscope is the biological microscope , used in medical labs as well as clinical laboratories and schools. These are simple microscopes used most often in the studies of viruses, pathogens and other changes in cell tissues as well as bacteria. However, for more complex observations at a smaller level, a different type of lab microscope can be used.
An electron microscope uses an electronically magnified image which allows for a more detailed image of the specimen. By using a particle beam the electron microscope illuminates the object for easier viewing. Many of these microscopes have superior magnification due to the simple fact that electrons have shorter wave lengths than light, allowing for a magnification of almost 1,000,000x rather than the 1000x magnification of light.
Electron microscopes come in several varieties, such as the transmission electron microscope, which, with a high voltage electron beam emitted by an electron gun, can get a magnification of over 50 million times. It is primarily is used in nano-technologies. However, electron microscopes are expensive to operate, requiring high voltages and a water supply for cooling the lenses and pumps. Since vibrations and magnetic fields can interfere with their readings, these microscopes must be carefully housed in stable buildings or underground.
Lab microscopes can even be hooked up to computers which can be useful in enhancing an image. Some come with cameras, 3D functions and LCD monitors to allow you to see your specimen with greater ease. With integrated software you can do more than simply make observations, you can track data, measure the dimensions and shapes of your specimen, and even print favorite images.
Lab microscopes have come a long way since then, growing in complexity as our understanding of the world increases. We are now able to study not just cells, but proteins, electrons, particles and viruses. We are even able to, with the atomic force microscope, now see microorganisms with true, three dimensional surface profiles without having to treat the specimen with either metal or carbon coatings that would damage or change the sample and its readings.
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