Types of Microscopes

Microscopic examination of microorganisms makes use of either the light microscope or the electron microscope.

Light microscope is used for routine work whereas electron microscope in addition to light microscope is used for special research purposes such as studying the detailed structure of cells.

Several types of light microscopes are commonly used in microbiology: bright-field, dark-field, phase contrast, and fluorescence.

There are two types of electron microscopes: transmission electron microscope (TEM) to study the internal structure of cells and scanning electron microscope (SEM) to study the detailed surface structure of cells.

Phase Contrast Microscope

Phase Contrast Microscope

Phase contrast microscope is a modified version of bright field microscope that helps in visualizing cells or objects without staining.
Types of Microscopes and Their Uses

Types of Microscopes and Their Uses

There are two types of microscope: light microscope and electron microscope. Light microscope uses visible light and electron microscope uses beam of electrons as a source of illumination.
Working Mechanism of Light Microscope

Working Mechanism of Light Microscope

Light projects through an opening in the stage. Then the projected light hits the object and enters the objective lens. Resolution is the ability of a lens to distinguish two adjacent points as distinct and separate.
Parts of Microscope and Their Functions

Parts of Microscope and Their Functions

Microscope is a piece of laboratory optical equipment that is used to magnify small things that are too small for the details to be seen by the naked eye.
Electron Microscope: Principle, Types, Applications

Electron Microscope: Principle, Types, Applications

Electron microscope is a type of microscope with high resolving power, that uses electrons instead of visible light to illuminate the object.
Fluorescence Microscope: Principle, Types, Applications

Fluorescence Microscope: Principle, Types, Applications

Fluorescence microscopy is widely used in diagnostic microbiology (diagnosis of tuberculosis, trichomoniasis) and in microbial ecology.
Dark-field Microscopy: Principle and Uses

Dark-field Microscopy: Principle and Uses

Dark-field microscopy is used for the observation of living, unstained cells. The specimen is brightly illuminated while the background is dark.
Foldscope: Paper Microscope

Foldscope: Paper Microscope

Foldscope is a paper microscope that is built by folding the paper in an origami fashion, it does not require electricity to operate.
SEM vs. TEM Electron Microscopy

SEM vs. TEM Electron Microscopy

SEM provides detailed images of the surfaces of cells whereas TEM provides details about internal composition, morphology, crystallization.