Understand the categorization of the different types of microscopes. The general types of microscopes consist of the light microscopes, the phase contrast microscopes, the interference microscopes and the electron microscope. The light, phase contrast, and interference microscopes magnify specimens that are micrometers, millimeters or centimeters in length. The electron microscopes magnify specimens that are nanometers or angstroms in size. Therefore, the electron microscopes can magnify smaller objects than the light, phase contrast, and interference microscopes.
Observe the appearance of the different types of microscopes. In order to compare types of microscopes, you should obtain an idea of what they look like. The light microscopes have a stage to place the slide on, adjustment knobs for focusing, objective lenses, oculars and a light at the base of the microscope. The interference and electron microscopes also have oculars, objectives and a stage, yet they possess the additional component of a computerized camera that can take photographs of the specimens. You can analyze photographs of the different types of microscopes online.
Obtain an understanding of the images produced with the different types of microscopes. In order to compare types of microscopes, you need to see the differences in the appearances of the specimens when viewed with them. The light microscopes provide a two-dimensional image of the specimen. The phase contrast microscope manipulates the illumination of the lens system in order to produce an image that displays detail based on shading. The thin parts of the specimen appear lighter than the thick parts of the specimen. The interference and electron microscopes produce detailed images that show contrast, as well as three dimensional qualities. You can observe image samples of these microscopes online.
Categorize the types of light microscopes. In order to further develop your understanding of the types of microscopes, analyze the specific properties of each category. The two types of light microscopes consist of the compound microscope and the stereoscopic microscope. The compound microscope is mainly used for viewing specimens that are micrometers of millimeters in length. It can have up to four different objective lenses, which work to increase the magnification of the specimen. The stereoscopic microscope is used to view the specimens that are centimeters in length. It has a single objective.
Categorize the phase contrast and interference microscopes. The phase contrast and interference microscope types each represent a single kind of microscope. The phase contrast microscope resembles the compound light microscope because of the presence of the various objectives, yet unlike the compound light microscope, the phase contrast microscope has a more complex lens system. The Nomarski interference microscope resembles the electron microscopes, but has many internal prisms and lenses.
Categorize the electron microscopes. The two types of electron microscopes are the transmission electron microscope and the scanning electron microscope. The transmission electron microscope produces two dimensional images. Also, images need to be sliced very thin in order to be seen with the transmission electron microscope. The scanning electron microscope produces three-dimensional images. The specimens do not need to be sliced thin in order to be viewed with this type of electron microscope.
Compare the costs of the microscopes. In order to compare types of microscopes, understand which are the most expensive. The light microscopes are the least expensive, and are often used in classroom laboratories. The phase contrast microscopes are more expensive because of their complex lens system. The interference microscopes are more expensive than the phase contrast microscopes because of the intricate prism and lens system. The electron microscopes are the most expensive because of their computerized and digital components.