| The lab microscope is essential to every scientist, | | | | magnified image which allows for a more detailed |
| and is used everywhere today from medical labs to | | | | image of the specimen. By using a particle beam the |
| schools. Microscopes have been in use since the mid | | | | electron microscope illuminates the object for easier |
| seventeenth century, and were used by Anton Van | | | | viewing. Many of these microscopes have superior |
| Leeuwenhoek in his observations of some of the | | | | magnification due to the simple fact that electrons |
| first microorganisms. Those early microscopes had | | | | have shorter wave lengths than light, allowing for a |
| only a single lens and were extremely simple, allowing | | | | magnification of almost 1,000,000x rather than the |
| only the briefest glimpse into the fascinating world of | | | | 1000x magnification of light. |
| the microcosm. | | | | Electron microscopes come in several varieties, such |
| Today lab microscopes can range from a simple | | | | as the transmission electron microscope, which, with |
| compound microscope with two lenses, to more | | | | a high voltage electron beam emitted by an electron |
| complex, digital microscopes that come with cameras, | | | | gun, can get a magnification of over 50 million times. |
| motion recorders and laser scanners. Many labs have | | | | It is primarily is used in nano-technologies. However, |
| multiple microscopes, each used for a set purpose, as | | | | electron microscopes are expensive to operate, |
| some work better than others in certain situations. | | | | requiring high voltages and a water supply for cooling |
| There are two primary categories of lab | | | | the lenses and pumps. Since vibrations and magnetic |
| microscopes, light microscopes and electron | | | | fields can interfere with their readings, these |
| microscopes, though there are many variations in | | | | microscopes must be carefully housed in stable |
| each. A light microscope uses rays of light, magnified | | | | buildings or underground. |
| and focused through a series of lenses. A common | | | | Lab microscopes can even be hooked up to |
| example is the compound light microscope, used to | | | | computers which can be useful in enhancing an image. |
| examine thinly sliced sections. With this lab | | | | Some come with cameras, 3D functions and LCD |
| microscope the specimen is lit from beneath, with | | | | monitors to allow you to see your specimen with |
| light passing through clear sections but not the | | | | greater ease. With integrated software you can do |
| opaque ones. Many times the sample may be dyed | | | | more than simply make observations, you can track |
| to allow certain cellular structures to better absorb | | | | data, measure the dimensions and shapes of your |
| light. | | | | specimen, and even print favorite images. |
| One popular light microscope is the biological | | | | Lab microscopes have come a long way since then, |
| microscope, used in medical labs as well as clinical | | | | growing in complexity as our understanding of the |
| laboratories and schools. These are simple | | | | world increases. We are now able to study not just |
| microscopes used most often in the studies of | | | | cells, but proteins, electrons, particles and viruses. We |
| viruses, pathogens and other changes in cell tissues | | | | are even able to, with the atomic force microscope, |
| as well as bacteria. However, for more complex | | | | now see microorganisms with true, three dimensional |
| observations at a smaller level, a different type of lab | | | | surface profiles without having to treat the specimen |
| microscope can be used. | | | | with either metal or carbon coatings that would |
| An electron microscope uses an electronically | | | | damage or change the sample and its readings. |