Discover the 12 types of microscopes and their functions
When talking about microscopes , a variety of types and models available can come to mind. However, each has a specific function. If you need to buy a microscope, but are not sure which one best suits your needs, it is important to know all types of microscopes , as well as the function that each one plays and which will be most useful for the purpose you want.
1. Optical Microscope:
This type of microscope uses a light present on the table (part that is at the bottom of the equipment) to illuminate the structures. This illumination reaches the upper lens, the eyepiece and generates the enlarged image of the observed object.
2. Biological microscope:
The biological microscopes are very popular in schools, universities, hospitals, clinics and veterinary analysis. The reason is its preparation to examine organisms such as skin cells, dirt particles, blood cells, bacteria and others. However, the microscope slide is not suitable for analyzing larger objects.
3. Phase contrast microscope:
The purpose of the phase contrast microscope is basically to make it possible to evaluate transparent organisms, which would be difficult to see under a standard optical microscope. Due to the lack of coloring of these organisms, important nuances would no longer be evaluated, since the refraction of light would make them almost invisible.
4. Polarization microscope:
The polarization microscope uses two polarizing filters that help to analyze an object's characteristics based on its interaction with light. The most common uses of the equipment are in chemicals, stones, minerals, as well as studies in medicine, pharmacy, toxicology and even cellulose.
5. Ultraviolet microscope:
As the name suggests, this type of microscope uses ultraviolet light as a source of illumination. As these rays are not visible to the naked eye, it is different from other equipment models in its use. As the wavelength of ultraviolet light is much shorter than that of natural light, its increase is also greater.
6. Metallographic microscope:
Also known as a metallurgical microscope , the model is used to study metallographic properties of materials, that is, suitable for tests that determine the quality of industrial processes.
1. Optical Microscope:
This type of microscope uses a light present on the table (part that is at the bottom of the equipment) to illuminate the structures. This illumination reaches the upper lens, the eyepiece and generates the enlarged image of the observed object.
2. Biological microscope:
The biological microscopes are very popular in schools, universities, hospitals, clinics and veterinary analysis. The reason is its preparation to examine organisms such as skin cells, dirt particles, blood cells, bacteria and others. However, the microscope slide is not suitable for analyzing larger objects.
3. Phase contrast microscope:
The purpose of the phase contrast microscope is basically to make it possible to evaluate transparent organisms, which would be difficult to see under a standard optical microscope. Due to the lack of coloring of these organisms, important nuances would no longer be evaluated, since the refraction of light would make them almost invisible.
4. Polarization microscope:
The polarization microscope uses two polarizing filters that help to analyze an object's characteristics based on its interaction with light. The most common uses of the equipment are in chemicals, stones, minerals, as well as studies in medicine, pharmacy, toxicology and even cellulose.
5. Ultraviolet microscope:
As the name suggests, this type of microscope uses ultraviolet light as a source of illumination. As these rays are not visible to the naked eye, it is different from other equipment models in its use. As the wavelength of ultraviolet light is much shorter than that of natural light, its increase is also greater.
6. Metallographic microscope:
Also known as a metallurgical microscope , the model is used to study metallographic properties of materials, that is, suitable for tests that determine the quality of industrial processes.
7. Digital microscope:
Despite having the eyepiece, just like any microscope, the digital model does not depend only on it. Due to its composition, it is not necessary for the person responsible for the analysis to place the eye on the lens.
8. Underwater microscope:
The technology of microscopes has also evolved for biologists and scientists to carry out analyzes of sea creatures directly in their natural habitat, which has enabled a great scientific advance for the studies carried out.
9. USB microscope:
The USB microscope is a newer option that works, in a nutshell, like a webcam with macro photography lenses, so its operation depends on the connection with a device with a screen such as a computer, a television or through an adapter for screens that do not have a USB port, images are projected directly on the monitor, without the need to look through the eyepiece.
10. University microscope
The university microscope varies according to the discipline taught. However, the most common and found in colleges is the biological microscope, which fulfills its role very well and has the best cost-benefit ratio. The trinocular microscope is also interesting in this context as it allows the teacher to project what is seen on the slide through an image device, allowing visualization for the whole class.
11. Research and analysis microscope
Optical and biological microscopes are the most used in research and analysis environments. In contrast, it is also possible to find the phase contrast microscope, as this type of device is important for viewing transparent structures that are common in these environments.
12. Operating microscope
They are used to enlarge the surgeon's field of vision and act as a magnifying glass, performing the enlargement of the desired area. Some models allow the adjustment to be made using pedals, facilitating its use at the time of surgery.
Despite having the eyepiece, just like any microscope, the digital model does not depend only on it. Due to its composition, it is not necessary for the person responsible for the analysis to place the eye on the lens.
8. Underwater microscope:
The technology of microscopes has also evolved for biologists and scientists to carry out analyzes of sea creatures directly in their natural habitat, which has enabled a great scientific advance for the studies carried out.
9. USB microscope:
The USB microscope is a newer option that works, in a nutshell, like a webcam with macro photography lenses, so its operation depends on the connection with a device with a screen such as a computer, a television or through an adapter for screens that do not have a USB port, images are projected directly on the monitor, without the need to look through the eyepiece.
10. University microscope
The university microscope varies according to the discipline taught. However, the most common and found in colleges is the biological microscope, which fulfills its role very well and has the best cost-benefit ratio. The trinocular microscope is also interesting in this context as it allows the teacher to project what is seen on the slide through an image device, allowing visualization for the whole class.
11. Research and analysis microscope
Optical and biological microscopes are the most used in research and analysis environments. In contrast, it is also possible to find the phase contrast microscope, as this type of device is important for viewing transparent structures that are common in these environments.
12. Operating microscope
They are used to enlarge the surgeon's field of vision and act as a magnifying glass, performing the enlargement of the desired area. Some models allow the adjustment to be made using pedals, facilitating its use at the time of surgery.