Different types of microscopes

Optical Microscopes: These microscopes use visible light (or UV light in the case of
fluorescence microscopy) to make an image. The light is refracted with optical lenses. The first
microscopes that were invented belong to this category. The price of optical microscopes varies
from very cheap to nearly unfordable (for the private person, at least). Optical microscopes can
be further subdivided into several categories:
Compound Microscope: These microscopes are composed of
two lens systems, an objective and an ocular (eye piece). The maximum
useful magnification of a compound microscope is about 1000x.






Stereo Microscope (dissecting microscope): These microscopes
magnify up to about maximum 100x and supply a 3-dimensional view of
the specimen. They are useful for observing opaque objects.






Confocal Laser scanning microscope: Unlike
compound and stereo microscopes, these devices are
reserved for research organizations. They are able to scan a
sample also in depth. A computer is then able to assemble
the data to make a 3D image.



X-ray Microscope: As the name suggests, these
microscopes use a beam of x-rays to create an image. Due to
the small wavelength, the image resolution is higher than in
optical microscopes. The maximum useful magnification is
therefore also higher and is between the optical microscopes
and electron microscopes. One advantage of x-ray
microscopes over electron microscopes is, that it is possible to observe living cells.






Scanning acoustic microscope (SAM): These devices
use focused sound waves to generate an image. They are
used in materials science to detect small cracks or
tensions in materials. SAMs can also be used in biology
where they help to uncover tensions, stress and elasticity
inside biological structure.

Scanning Helium Ion Microscope (SHIM or HeIM): As the name
suggests, these devices use a beam of Helium ions to generate an
image. There are several advantages to electron microscopes, one
being that the sample is left mostly intact (due to the low energy
requirements) and that it provides a high resolution. It is a relatively
new technology and the first commercial systems were released in
2007 .

Neutron Microscope: These microscopes are still in an experimental stage. They
have a high resolution and may offer better contrast than other forms of
microscopy.








Electron Microscopes: Modern electron microscopes can magnify up to 2
million times. This is possible, because the wavelength of high energy
electrons is very small. At the same time, the high energy electrons are
pretty tough on the sample being observed. It may take a long time to
completely dehydrate and prepare the specimen. Some biological
specimens also need to be coated with a very thin layer of a metal before
they can be observed.



Transmission electron microscopy (TEM): In this case, the electron beam is passed
through the sample. The result is a two dimensional image.
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM): Here the electron beam is projected on the
sample. The electrons do not go through the sample but bounce off. This way it is
possible to visualize the surface structure of the specimen. The image appears 3
dimensional.




Scanning Probe Microscopes: It is possible to visualize
individual atoms with these microscopes. The image of the atom
is computer-generated, however. A small tip measures the surface
structure of the sample by rastering over the surface. If an atom
projects out of the surface, then a higher electrical current will
flow through the tip. The amount of current is proportional to the
height of the structure. A computer will then assemble the
position data of the tip and the current to generate an image.