What is Microscope: Definition and 280 Discussions

A microscope (from the Ancient Greek: μικρός, mikrós, "small" and σκοπεῖν, skopeîn, "to look" or "see") is a laboratory instrument used to examine objects that are too small to be seen by the naked eye. Microscopy is the science of investigating small objects and structures using a microscope. Microscopic means being invisible to the eye unless aided by a microscope.
There are many types of microscopes, and they may be grouped in different ways. One way is to describe the method an instrument uses to interact with a sample and produce images, either by sending a beam of light or electrons through a sample in its optical path, by detecting photon emissions from a sample, or by scanning across and a short distance from the surface of a sample using a probe. The most common microscope (and the first to be invented) is the optical microscope, which uses lenses to refract visible light that passed through a thinly sectioned sample to produce an observable image. Other major types of microscopes are the fluorescence microscope, electron microscope (both the transmission electron microscope and the scanning electron microscope) and various types of scanning probe microscopes.

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  1. moenste

    Distance of the final image in a compound microscope

    Homework Statement A compound microscope has an objective of focal length 12 mm and an eyepiece of focal length 50 mm. The lenses have a separation of 90 mm and an object of height 0.3 mm is placed 15 mm from the objective. Calculate: (a) the distance of the intermediate image from the...
  2. E

    Should People with Astigmatism Use Contacts or Glasses When Using Microscopes?

    I have very strong astigmatism, for a 17-year-old. I wear toric contacts, which is supposed to help people with astigmatism. I take a college biology class and today we were looking into light microscopes. I have always struggled with looking in microscopes, but today felt so much worse. After...
  3. F

    Electron microscope particle relativistic mass

    Homework Statement They were going to purchase an electron microscope, and wanted the electrons velocity to be as high as 25% of the speed of light after acceleration. There was a microscope at hand that had an accelerating voltage of 40 kV. a) How large is the electrons relativistic mass when...
  4. remorris44

    Why is the Center of My Microscope Image Lacking Contrast?

    https://www.dropbox.com/sc/eo2c8j4kd12pdvn/AACGJ8YZvk35BSX1BsBoKIIsa Please view the above image. I am getting awesome contrast on the periphery of the image but hardly any in the center. The sample is an H and E stained tissue and I just got the microscope in today. I am a rookie with...
  5. N

    Understanding STM Microscopes: The Role of Voltage in Physics

    when physicists say that they apply voltage to the tip or the sample, do they mean that the tip or sample become electrically charged?
  6. S

    Exploring SEM Imaging: Cost & Advancements in Raster Scanning

    Looking at Ben Krasnow's youtube video on breaking down the parts and general cost for a scanning electron microscope, he lists a raster scan generator, is that able to produce the highest resolution images still? Or is there another more modern technology for this purpose? Otherwise, how has...
  7. A

    Compound Microscope: Focal Length of Objective Lens vs Eye Piece

    Why is the focal length of the objective lense is less than that of the eye piece in a compound microscope?
  8. P

    Electron microscope theory - job opportunites

    thankyou to anyone reading this. I am starting honours in physics and have been given the opportunity to do a project that leads to a phd in the condensed matter theory. The guy I will be working with seems to specifically do work around the theory involved in electron microscopes. hes a great...
  9. Y

    Emission spectrum changes with microscope objective?

    I am using a Renishaw inVia confocal microscope to study emission spectrum of molecules. The excitation wavelength of laser that I use is 532nm. However, I met with a very basic problem. When I use the same material (say plain silicon), and use different objectives (20X, 50X, 100X), then I will...
  10. S

    Microscope magnification using Ray Optics

    Homework Statement Basically, derive the formula ## m = \frac{ 25 cm}{f_e} \frac{L}{f_o} ## using ray matrices. This just has variable tube length and assumes eye to object distance is 25 cm. Homework Equations Ray matrices: ## \left[ \begin{array}{cc} 1 & d \\ 0 & 1 \end{array} \right] ##...
  11. J

    Heisenberg's Microscope Derive Exactly Uncertainty Principle

    Can the Heisenberg's Gamma Ray Microscope thought experiment derive the Uncertainty Principle precisely? Most derivations I find, the uncertainty is roughly 2h, whereas the uncertainty principle is "hbar over 2". Is there anywhere where there is more precise calculations to obtain "hbar over 2"...
  12. V

    Specification Required for Pathology Microscope lenses

    Can someone tell me the specs of the pathology microscope lenses both objective and eyepiece/ocular lenses . Objective lenses magnification are as follows; 10X 45X 100X Eyepiece lenses magnification are as follows; 15X 10X Specifications should mention details about their Focal length Radius of...
  13. I

    Choice of negative stains

    I have isolated a large molecular complex whose integrity is very sensitive to increasing ionic strength and thus had to be prepared for EM using low ionic strength solutions. And my goal is image this by electron tomography by collecting a dual tilt series of 120 images. Other experimental...
  14. I

    A question regarding Fourier transform in electron microscop

    I have recorded a micrograph of a 2-D array at a magnification of 43,000x on my DE-20 digital camera, which has a 6.4 μm pixel size and a frame size of 5120 × 3840 pixels. This magnification is correct at the position of the camera. I then compute the Fourier transform of the image. What is the...
  15. P

    Solving Compound Microscope Lens Length Problem

    Homework Statement The barrel of a compound microscope is 15.9 cm in length. The specimen will be mounted 1.17 cm from the objective, and the eyepiece has a 5.00 cm focal length. Determine the focal length of the objective lens.Homework Equations I am using the mirror equation. The Attempt at...
  16. G

    Geometric optics, microscope

    Homework Statement First, thanks in advace. Let us consider a microscope where the objective L1 has f1=20mm and magnification 10x. In the image plane is located a diafragm M with diameter 19mm (see fig). The size of the CCD is 4,8mm (vertical) x 5,6mm (horizontal). 20mm before of the CCD...
  17. D

    A microscope in an electricity laboratory

    Is there any usage for a measuring microscope in an electricity laboratory as a part of any experiment? We have a Mitutoyo measuring microscope in our fundamental electricity physics lab which is a course for sophomores. We used it for apparent depth in our optics lab which is retired now! I'm...
  18. R

    Compound Microscope Magnification @ Infinity

    is magnification negative for a compound microscope at infinity
  19. K

    Optical DIY inverted microscope out of a webcam

    Not sure if this is the right place for this thread but, have you guys ever made anything cool at home? I was planning on making an inverted microscope out of a webcam by just taking the lens out and flipping it over and setting it up like a microscope.
  20. M

    Compound Microscope, Ray Diagram Mistakes.

    I noticed that the ray diagram for the "how the compound microscope works" and "how the telescope works" is wrong in my government sanctioned physics textbook(and countless other books and websites!) The diagram printed was this- Name: Physics Standard XI Printed by: Maharastra State Board of...
  21. L

    Resolving proteins with UV microscope

    Homework Statement Your molecular biology lab studies proteins, and you're frustrated because your microscopes can't quite resolve crystallized proteins. A sales rep touts the advantages of an expensive microscope using 200-nm ultraviolet light, saying you'll be able to resolve structures less...
  22. J

    Can't find any micrograph for glass

    I can only find micrographs (photographs of microstructure under electron microscope) of non-transparent glasses. Is it impossible top be able to see the internal structure of a transparent material? If anyone can tell me what I'm doing wrong or find me one that would be great! I'm looking...
  23. X

    Finding focal lens of compound microscope

    The question is: A microscope has a 12.0 X eyepiece and a 59.0X objective lens 20.0cm apart. Calculate (a) the total magnification, (b) the focal length of each lens, and (c) where the object must be, for a normal relaxed eye to see it in focus. I have solved (a) easily through M = moMe...
  24. K

    Resolution of a microscope

    Homework Statement The image formed by a microscope objective with a focal length of 5 mm is 160mm from its second focal point. The eyepiece has a focal length of 26mm. a.what is the angular magnification of the microscope?Homework Equations Mtotal=M_e*m_o m_o= linear magnification of...
  25. S

    Heiseinberg's Microscope - Trigonometric and Interpretation questions

    Homework Statement The problem along with its solution is attached as ProblemSolution.jpg. Homework Equations Δx = λ/sinθ (Eq. 1) Δp_x = (h/λ)(sinε) (Eq. 2) The Attempt at a Solution In Wikipedia, I found this article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heisenberg's_microscope which uses...
  26. S

    Problem (with solution) about Heisenberg's microscope

    Homework Statement The problem along with its solution are included as ProblemSolution.jpg. Homework Equations (Eq. 1) Δx ≈ λ/(sinθ) (Eq. 2) Δp_x ≈ 2h(v/c)(sinθ) = 2(h/λ)(sinθ) (Eq. 3) Δx Δp = ħ/2 The Attempt at a Solution I am confused about several things. Firstly, geometrically...
  27. A

    Building infinity corrected microscope from non-infinity corrected objective

    Hi there As is known using non-infinity corrected objectives in infinity corrected microscopes is not a good idea because of many reasons (image quality will be degraded, back focal plane will be in wrong place, parfocal distance is not preserved, etc.). What about building infinity corrected...
  28. E

    A few questions on Nanotechnology (Microscopes/Optics)

    I've been going through some past papers in preparation for my exam tomorrow. We have not been given the past paper answers so i was wondering if anyone could help me with some of the answers. I will post multiple questions here but help with any of them would be greatly apprechiated Homework...
  29. J

    Maximum Magnification of Microscope

    Homework Statement You are building a compound microscope with an objective lens of focal length 0.70 cm and an eyepiece lens of focal length 5.0 cm. You mount the lenses 18 cm apart. What is the maximum magnification of your microscope? Homework Equations...
  30. M

    Scanning tunnelling microscope - Whats the piezoscanner for?

    What does the piezoelectric scanner do? Does it record the electric current tunnelled by the tip or is it just used to move the tip in response to electric currents?
  31. D

    Compound microscope (position of the object)

    Homework Statement A microscope has a 1.6 cm focal-length eyepiece and 0.81 cm objective. Assume a relaxed normal eye. (a) Calculate the position of the object if the distance between the lenses is 16.0 cm. _____ cm (from the objective) (b) Calculate the total magnification. ________...
  32. P

    Spectrum of 6V 15W Tungsten Microscope Lamp

    Dear All I am trying to measure the spectrum of an incandesant 6V 15W tungsten microscope lamp. I have a reasonably old scanning monochromator (diffraction grating based) coupled to a fibre optic cable and it has given me the spectrum...
  33. P

    Is it possible to see twins in Si under an optical microscope?

    Is it possible to see twins in Si under an optical microscope?
  34. A

    What is reflection and refraction of light at the microscopic scale?

    I'm not asking for what reflection and refraction are or the usual law governing it, but I would like to understand what they represent at the quantum atomic, molecular level? In a mirror is it about photons absorbed and emitted with the same wavelength and same direction through atomic electron...
  35. G

    Microscope objective and eyepiece focal lengths

    Homework Statement A microscope has a 13.0 x eyepiece and a 57.0 x objective lens 20.0 cm apart. Calculate the focal length of each lens. Where the object must be for a normal relaxed eye to see it in focus? Homework Equations M=m(objective)*m(eyepiece)=f(objective)/f(eyepiece)...
  36. E

    Microscopy: what is the depth of field of a microscope

    what is the depth of field of a microscope and how is it different from the depth of focus of the microscope.
  37. M

    Microscopic Description of Current Derivation

    Listening to lecture today in my E&M class, the professor was giving us the derivation of the micro description of current. I=neAv_d Somewhere along the line he comes to v_d=at that "t" might be a tau, I can't decipher my scribble. He said he isn't really sure how they get that particular...
  38. M

    Why virtual images in telescopes & microscopes?

    Why in telescopes and microscopes the ocular distance is such that it creates virtual images instead of real images?
  39. M

    Homemade Compound Microscope Problem

    1. Homework Statement A Homemade compound microscope has, as objective and eyepiece, thin lenses of focal lengths 1cm and 3cm, respectively. An object is situated at a distance of 1.20cm from the objective. If the virtual image produced by the eyepiece is 25cm from the eye, compute (a.) the...
  40. S

    Preparing biological samples for electron microscope

    Hi Guys, Ive been doing some work with E. Coli recently and I would like to image them under a scanning electron microscope. There are lots of papers with lots of different methods to prepare them for such a feat... but has anyone here actually done it and gotten a decent image? If so what...
  41. S

    Looking for HIV virus electron microscope images

    Hi, I am looking for some detailed electron microscop images of HIV virus itself. I need it bigger and more detailed then this: http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/9114517/image/80168820-hiv-virus-electron-micro-graph I would like to have some picture, not computer render or...
  42. M

    Thermodynamics: Where exactly does microscopic turn to macroscopic?

    Looking for a rough distance scale over which statistical methods begin to work, and macroscopic thermodynamic variables begin to make sense. Thanks
  43. L

    General Relativity at the microscopic level

    My text explains that free float frames are locally indistinguishable from flat space-time in the sense that in a small enough region measuring instruments will be unable to detect gravitational tidal forces. This region may be tiny if tidal forces are large or if measuring instruments are...
  44. R

    Microscopic View of Sperm: Examining Technique, Heat & Motility

    I have been using a relatively cheap microscope (My first Lab Microscope) to look at a sample of my semen. Under 40x magnification I see a lot of motionless sperm and generally not enough sperm floating about compared to what I see from other microscope videos of sperm floating (no pun) on the...
  45. R

    Biology Lab Microscope Magnification Calculations

    Homework Statement To examine a particular blood sample in biology lab, a student uses a compound microscope set to have a magnification of -4530. The objective and eyepiece are both attached to a tube which is 18 cm in length and the eyepiece has a focal length of 2.62 cm. The near point of...
  46. S

    I'm trying to understand how an electron microscope works

    I know an electron microscope can collect x-rays emitted by electron holes, backscattered electrons as well as secondary electrons. I get that an electron's wavelength is much smaller than a photons, thus you get finer image resolution, but how exactly does a shorter wavelength mean a finer...
  47. S

    Troubleshooting Olympus CX31 Microscope and Sony CCD Image Capture

    I just link my microscope (Olympus CX31) with CCD (Sony), the staff 's company installed "Ulead program" in computer linked with CCD to capture the picture from microcope. The problem is when the picture shown in the computer, it is already too enlarged that we can't see the wider view as we...
  48. C

    Resolution of light microscope and staining

    Homework Statement A biologist is using a high power optical microscope wishes to improve the resolution by staining the the specimen being viewed. which color stain would allow the biologist to achieve the better resolution: red or blue? Homework Equations The Attempt at a...
  49. N

    SERS substrate characterization using Invia Raman Microscope

    Hello, I am looking for some expert advice from the community. I am preparating a planar SERS surface using polycrystalline gold as a substrate. It will be roughened with oxidation-reduction cycles. I want to measure the sers substrate enhancement factor (SSEF) using pyridine as a reporter. I...
  50. C

    Is an Oil Distribution System Necessary for Optimal Oil Immersion Microscopy?

    For oil immersion microscopy, I understand that the oil is required to increase the numerical aperture, and thus the resolution, of the lens. I have tried looking into these microscopes and the only method I have seen of applying the oil is to place a dot of it on the lens and then lower the...
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