Instrument used to view microbes too small for the naked eye.
Microscope
Microscope with only one lens.
Simple Microscope
Microscope where the objective lens image is magnified again by the ocular lens (Total magnification = objective × ocular).
Compound Microscope
The process of enlarging the appearance of an object.
Magnification
The ability of lenses to distinguish two separate points; limit of resolution for compound microscope is ~0.2 µm.
Resolution
Light-bending ability of a medium; immersion oil is used to prevent light loss.
Refractive Index
Most common type, uses two sets of lenses (ocular + objective).
Compound Light Microscope
Uses transmitted light; dark objects visible against bright background.
Brightfield Microscopy
Uses reflected light; bright organisms visible against dark background; enhances resolution.
Darkfield Microscope
Uses special condenser to highlight differences in refractive indices, allowing visualization of live, unstained samples.
Phase Contrast Microscope
Uses two beams of light to produce colored, 3D images with better contrast.
Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) microscope
Uses UV light and fluorochromes; fluorescent substances emit visible light; useful for detecting antigens/antibodies.
Fluorescence microscope
Uses fluorochromes and laser light to scan specimens, producing detailed 3D images.
Confocal Microscope
Uses electron beams instead of light; shorter wavelength = greater resolution.
Electron Microscope
Produces images from ultrathin specimen slices; magnification 10,000–100,000×, resolution 2.5 nm.
Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)
Scans specimen surface with electron beam; magnification 1,000–10,000×, resolution 20 nm.
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
LPO Magnification
10
HPO Magnification
40
OIO Magnification
100
Limit of resolution for compound microscope.
~0.2 µm.
Lens you look through; usually magnifies 10×
Ocular Lens (Eyepiece)
Primary lenses (scanning, low power, high power, oil immersion) that magnify the specimen.
Objective Lens
Holds the objective lenses; allows rotation to change magnification.
Revolving Nosepiece
Platform where the slide is placed.
Stage
