Types of Microscope and Their Uses

The microscope is an instrument which is used to observe tiny objects. They are often used in laboratories. A convex lens is used in a simple microscope to manipulate how light enters an eye. Many types of microscopes are there which are used for different purposes. The invention of the microscope dates back to the 16th century and was founded by Zacharias Janssen, a Dutch eyeglass maker.

Now you must be curious about the various types of microscope and their uses, so let’s read about it in this article. 

Microscope

Types of Microscope in Detail

Various types of microscopes are there to use in laboratories. All microscopes have different uses and applications as well as importance. We will learn about the uses of the microscope below. There are majorly five types of microscopes that are mentioned below along with microscope images.

• Simple microscope 

• Compound microscope 

• Electron microscope 

• Stereo microscope 

• Scanning probe microscope

Simple Microscope 

A simple microscope is made of a single lens. It has a short focal length and a double convex lens. It produces a big image of tiny objects and creates a visual representation. It is used for very basic purposes rather than big investigations.

The various parts of a simple microscope are an eyepiece, body, specimen stage, objective lens, aperture diaphragm, nosepiece and base.

Simple Microscope

Uses of the Simple Microscope 

The uses of the simple microscope are as follows:

1. It is used for examining archaeological materials such as stamps, engravings, etc. 

2. It is used to observe tiny creatures like algae, fungi, and different biological samples. 

3. Jewellers use it to examine the piece of gem or jewellery. 

4. It is used by skin doctors to inspect skin allergies. 

5. It is often used in nutrition research as well.

Compound Microscope 

A compound microscope has a flat mirror on one side and a concave mirror surface on the other side. Many lenses are used in a compound microscope. It is used to examine real-world objects that are too small for the naked eye to see. It is mostly used for extensive investigative purposes.

The various parts of a compound microscope are a base, arm, stage, clips, diaphragm, nosepiece, coarse adjustment knob, and fine adjustment knob.

Compound Microscope

Uses of the Compound Microscope 

The uses of the compound microscope are as follows:

1. It is mostly used to examine bacteria and viruses. 

2. It is used to examine the minerals and metals in a blood sample. 

3. It is also used in the investigation of a crime in a forensic lab. 

4. It is used to observe the plant cells and different bacterias that live on these cells. 

5. It is also found in schools for academic purposes.

Electron Microscope 

An electron microscope is a microscope that uses electrons rather than light to observe an object. In an electron microscope, electromagnets function as a lens and the whole of its system works in a vacuum.

The resolution of an electron microscope is very high and therefore it produces a high-resolution image of an object on a fluorescent screen. It is used in detailed investigations. Also, there are two types of electron microscopes: Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM).

The various components of an electron microscope are sources of light, electromagnetic fields, image viewing and recording system.

Electron Microscope Uses

The uses of an electron microscope are as follows:

1. It is used for high-resolution imaging, inspection, and computer chip manufacturing. 

2. It is used to inspect the tiny features of various diseases like tumours. 

3. It is used in the study of rocks and minerals. 

4. It is also used in the investigation of jewellery and gemstones.

Stereo Microscope 

A stereo microscope produces a three-dimensional view of an object/specimen. It has separate objective lenses and eyepieces for each eye. Stereo microscopes have lower magnification, but longer working distances.

The various parts of a stereo microscope are: optical parts: eyepiece lenses, optional eyepiece, eyepiece tube, diopter adjustment knob, and objective lenses. Other vital parts are the focus, working stage, stage clips, and transmitted illumination.

Uses of Stereo Microscope 

The uses of the stereo microscope are as follows:

1. It is used for observing crystals. 

2. It is used when working with circuits and watches. 

3. It is also used in microsurgery. 

4. It is mostly used in examining specimens like animals and plants. 

Scanning Probe Microscope 

A scanning probe microscope is a type of microscope in which the examination of specimens is done at the nanoscale level. This type of microscope helps to study the specimen’s properties, reaction time, and also its behaviour when stimulated.

Uses of Scanning Probe Microscope 

The uses of scanning probe microscope are as follows:

1. It is used to study the magnetic properties of any object. 

2. Information can be transferred to the specimens by using this microscope. 

3. It is used for studying the electrical properties of an object. 

4. It is also used for the examination of nanoscale measurements of friction, wear, adhesion, and lubrication.

Summary 

A microscope is used to magnify small objects/specimens. An image of an object or a sample can be examined or observed in detail with a lens. As we read, various microscopes serve different purposes. Some are used to see the shape of a cell and its nucleus, some are used for the investigation of a crime, some are used for inspecting diseases or allergies while others are used for even high-resolution imaging or nanoscale measurements. We studied the uses of the microscope and also looked at the microscope images in this article. We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Visit our website to learn more of such articles.