Optical microscope is the simplest and the first type of microscope. This microscope displays a magnified image of the sample using a converging lens. You are probably familiar with the names of optical microscopes , or maybe you are familiar with a few models. In this article, we tried to explain optical microscope and its types completely . If you are eager to learn about this, we invite you to join us…

optical microscope

A light microscope, often known as a light microscope, is a type of microscope that uses visible light and a system of lenses to magnify images of small samples. Light microscopes are the oldest microscope design and were probably designed in the 17th century in their current compound form. Optical microscopes have been improved with the significant advancement of technology and using different strategies and are becoming more practical day by day. These microscopes display sample images with high magnification and low resolution. Various optical microscopes are used in schools and basic laboratories.

Types of optical microscopes

Binocular stereoscopic microscope

This type of microscope allows viewing the 3D image of the sample with medium magnification. This is the first type of optical microscope; In the following, we will introduce you to other types of optical microscopes .

bright-field light microscope

In an optical microscope with a bright field , to increase the degree of magnification, the surface of the tested sample is illuminated by light.

Polarized microscope

Another type of optical microscope is called a polarizing microscope. Using different light beams, this type of microscope transmits the characteristics of the sample, including the crystal structure, to create a high-resolution image.

Contrast phase microscope ; Of the types of optical microscopes

This microscope reveals the smallest irregularities by using light interference. Due to the phase contrast microscope, it is possible to observe living tissues, even without their staining.

Differential interference contrast microscope

Differential interference contrast microscope is one of the other types of optical microscopes. This microscope is exactly the same as the “phase contrast microscope”, except that the images created by this type of microscope have a higher resolution. However, due to the nature of light, these microscopes also have limitations.

Fluorescence microscope

Fluorescence microscope is known as life science microscope. Using a dedicated source such as mercury lamps, this microscope records the fluorescence emitted from the sample. In combination with other equipment, a bright-field light microscope is also capable of producing fluorescence images.

Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) Microscopy

A type of fluorescent microscope, which uses a transmitted wave to illuminate the surface of the sample. The sample surface observed by these microscopes is much thinner than other microscopes. In addition, molecular units are examined using these microscopes.

Confocal laser scanning microscope

Confocal microscopes provide a high-resolution image of the sample by using laser beams and changing the focal length.

Multiphoton microscope

Multiphoton microscope laser causes very little damage to living cells. It also provides the possibility of viewing the cloudy parts of the sample with high resolution. In addition, multiphoton microscopy is usually used to observe blood flow or brain nerve cells.

Patterned radiation microscope (SIM)

The patterned radiation microscope with very high resolution and equipped with advanced technology is used to increase the resolution and resolution of the light microscope that is created due to light diffraction.