Microscopes – A Basic Guide

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The world of microscopes has come a long way since light microscopy was first invented. Today, the world is littered with various types of the microscope for different uses. If one is trying to decide which type of microscope is best for them, then a little research is required. However, the world of the microscope is so interesting that one will not have any issues deciding on which of these devices is best for their use.

One of the most popular types of microscopes for the individual is the light microscope. These are simple to use and are found in most high schools across the world. They usually have a simple light source that shines through a microscope image, such as a blood cell. They have knobs that can be adjusted in order to view the image better. Most general hobbyists should consider purchasing a good light microscope for their personal use.

Two other types of magnifying instruments on the market are the transmission electron microscope and the confocal microscope. Both of these are made exclusively for the use of researchers. The electron scopes use a vacuum to see the microscope images, and they can be very expensive to operate. A confocal microscope uses various types of lasers to help one see the fantastic fluorescence images that can be sent to a computer monitor. These are also very expensive, but they offer a scientist the option to see items that have not been seen for millions of years. As well, a few other types of scopes include the inverted microscope, the compound microscope and the atomic force microscope.

Microscopes provide a way for people all over the globe to see into the world of the invisible. No matter if one is looking at a blood cell or a deadly disease under a microscope, the thing to remember is that this may be the next Noble Prize winning discovery about to happen. Cultivating a child’s interest in science can only prove to be a good thing for parents and teachers alike. That is why choosing the right microscope for one’s budding scientist will take time and effort, in order to come away with the best magnifying instrument for the job.