16 Types of Microscopes with Parts, Functions

Microscopes are instruments used for magnifying and observing objects or samples at a microscopic level. Here are 16 types of microscopes along with their parts and functions:

1. Compound Light Microscope:
   • Parts:
     • Eyepiece (ocular lens)
     • Objective lenses
     • Stage
     • Condenser
     • Diaphragm
     • Light source
   • Functions:
     • Magnifies small objects using visible light.
     • Allows for the observation of cells, tissues, and small organisms.

2. Electron Microscope:
   • Parts:
     • Electron source
     • Electromagnetic lenses
     • Specimen chamber
     • Detectors
   • Functions:
     • Uses a beam of electrons for higher magnification and resolution than light microscopes.
     • Enables the observation of subcellular structures, viruses, and nanomaterials.

3. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM):
   • Parts:
     • Electron gun
     • Condenser lenses
     • Specimen holder
     • Objective lenses
     • Fluorescent screen or detector
   • Functions:
     • Transmits a beam of electrons through a thin specimen for ultra-high resolution imaging of internal cell structures.

4. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM):
   • Parts:
     • Electron gun
     • Scanning coils
     • Specimen chamber
     • Detectors
   • Functions:
     • Scans a focused beam of electrons over the surface of a specimen to create 3D images with high depth of field.

5. Atomic Force Microscope (AFM):
   • Parts:
     • Cantilever with tip
     • Laser and photodetector
   • Functions:
     • Uses a sharp tip to scan the surface of a sample, measuring forces between the tip and the sample’s surface.

6. Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM):
   • Parts:
     • Needle-like tip
     • Sample holder
   • Functions:
     • Measures the flow of current between the tip and the surface by maintaining a constant distance between them, providing atomic-level resolution.

7. Confocal Microscope:
   • Parts:
     • Pinhole aperture
     • Laser source
     • Photodetector
   • Functions:
     • Uses laser light and a pinhole aperture to eliminate out-of-focus light, enabling optical sectioning of specimens.

8. Fluorescence Microscope:
   • Parts:
     • Excitation filter
     • Dichroic mirror
     • Emission filter
     • Fluorescent light source
   • Functions:
     • Uses specific wavelengths of light to excite fluorescent molecules in a specimen, enabling visualization of specific structures or molecules.

9. Darkfield Microscope:
   • Parts:
     • Darkfield condenser
     • Darkfield stop
   • Functions:
     • Illuminates the sample with oblique light, making unstained specimens appear bright against a dark background.

10. Phase Contrast Microscope:
    • Parts:
      • Phase plate or ring
      • Phase condenser
      • Phase annuli
    • Functions:
      • Enhances contrast of transparent specimens by exploiting differences in phase shifts of light passing through different parts of the specimen.

11. Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) Microscope:
    • Parts:
      • DIC prisms
      • DIC condenser
      • DIC objectives
    • Functions:
      • Enhances contrast in specimens with slight variations in refractive index, providing a 3D appearance.

12. Polarizing Microscope:
    • Parts:
      • Polarizer
      • Analyzer
      • Compensator (optional)
    • Functions:
      • Uses polarized light to examine birefringent materials, like minerals or biological samples.

13. Digital Microscope:
    • Parts:
      • Camera or imaging sensor
      • Monitor or computer display
    • Functions:
      • Captures images digitally and displays them on a monitor or computer screen.

14. Inverted Microscope:
    • Parts:
      • Objective lenses (below the stage)
      • Stage (on top)
    • Functions:
      • Used for observing specimens from below, common in cell culture work.

15. Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) Microscope:
    • Parts:
      • Fluorophores with overlapping emission and absorption spectra
    • Functions:
      • Measures interactions between molecules in close proximity, providing insights into molecular interactions.

16. Super-Resolution Microscope (e.g., STED, SIM, PALM, STORM):
    • Parts:
      • Specialized optics and detectors
    • Functions:
      • Utilizes advanced techniques to break the diffraction limit, achieving resolutions beyond the capabilities of conventional microscopes.

Advisory Note: Article shared based on knowledge available on internet and for the Knowledge purpose only. Please contact Professional/Advisor/Doctor for treatment/Consultation.

Articles on intactone.com are general information, and are not intended to substitute for Professional Advice. The information is “AS IS“, “WITH ALL FAULTS“. User assumes all risk of Use, Damage, or Injury. You agree that we have no liability for any damages.