Types of Microscopes Microscopes Rule!!!!!!!!!!

There are four basic kinds of microscopes: Optical (or light) Electron Scanning Probe Ion

OPTICAL MICROSCOPES Optical microscopes are the kind we use in school. They use lenses to refract the light rays that either shine through or reflect off of the specimen being observed.

Optical continued: Scientists can use special optical telescopes to study details that are not normally visible. Phase Contrast Microscopes. You study transparent objects with these. This microscope changes how light passes through objects so that thick parts appear one color and thin parts appear a different color. Dark Field Microscopes. This kind keeps light from shining directly up the body tube. The specimen appears bright against a black background. Scanning Optical Microscopes. These use a laser beam that scans back and forth over the object. A computer creates the image which is seen on a monitor.

ELECTRON MICROSCOPES An electron microscope uses a beam of electrons instead of a beam of light. Because electrons are so tiny, these microscopes show much finer detail than optical telescopes. You will learn more about these microscopes at the next station.

SCANNING PROBE MICROSCOPE A scanning probe microscope scans a specimen with a sharp point called a probe. The probe does not quite touch the specimen. An electric current flows between the probe and the specimen. A computer uses measurements of the current to create an image.

ION MICROSCOPE Ion microscopes are used to examine metals. An ion microscope magnifies with such sharpness that individual atoms may be seen. The metal to be examined is made into a tiny needle. This microscope works on the principle of electrical attraction and repulsion.

Although there are different kinds of microscopes, they are all used for the same purpose: To make something look BIGGER!