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What Is A Light Microscope

A light microscope uses visible light and a series of lenses to magnify and view objects too small to see with the naked eye. Microscopists use light microscopes to investigate a wide range of materials from biological specimens to inorganic objects. Light microscopes have applications in fields like biology, forensic science, gemology, and environmental science. They are also used in classrooms to teach students microscopy skills.

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44 views3 pages

What Is A Light Microscope

A light microscope uses visible light and a series of lenses to magnify and view objects too small to see with the naked eye. Microscopists use light microscopes to investigate a wide range of materials from biological specimens to inorganic objects. Light microscopes have applications in fields like biology, forensic science, gemology, and environmental science. They are also used in classrooms to teach students microscopy skills.

Uploaded by

Marchee Alolod
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What is a Light Microscope?

A light microscope is an optical instrument used to view objects


too small to with the naked eye. It is so-called because it
employs the use of white or visible light to illuminate the object
of interest so it can be magnified and viewed through one or a
series of lenses.

Microscopy, then, can be referred to as the technical field of


utilizing a microscope to visualize the fine details of samples
and objects too minute to see with the unaided eye.

Microscopists use a combination of material knowledge, sample preparation, and an


intimate understanding of the microscope to investigate a wide range of materials from
complex biological specimens to inanimate objects in order to understand their
structure, behavior, and potential applications.

Practical Applications of Light Microscopy

Light microscopy has wide-ranging utility in scientific investigations. Many jobs in the
sciences and engineering fields use a microscope as part of their work process.

Light Microscopy in Biology

A microscope is a microbiologist's weapon of choice. They regularly use


light microscopes to study microscopic organisms such as bacterial and
fungal colonies. Along with more sophisticated electron microscopes and
computer imaging software, they uncover the mysteries of life beyond
what the human eye can see.

A biochemist and biophysicist’s specialty is investigating processes that occur within


living systems. They work with bio components such as enzymes on the daily to
understand how their interaction answers some practical questions. For this task,
optical or light microscopes are used alongside powerful electron microscopes and
computer programs.

Biological technicians whose tasks include preparing biological samples such as blood
and bacteria cultures for laboratory analysis are required to have in-depth know-how of
microscope usage.

Light Microscopy in Forensic Science

Scientists working in law enforcement are tasked to analyze diverse


samples of crime scene evidence. These samples can range from the
smallest clothing fibers to DNA in hair follicles. Results from these
analyses are critical in solving thousands of cases per year.

Light Microscopy in Gemology

Jewelers and gemologists use microscopes to determine the value of a


gem, to examine their fine details, and to ensure the pieces are properly
polished. Identifying the kind of gemstone and determining its quality is
central to the work of a gemologist or gem appraiser. In such a job, a microscope
becomes the primary tool for verification.

Light Microscopy in the Environmental Sciences

Researchers in the fields of geoscience and environmental science employ


light microscopy across a wide range of applications. For instance,
investigating pollutants in a water source requires looking at the
microbiota present in its samples. Geoscientists work closely with
minerals. Only in examining the details can they be accurately identified
and attributed.

Light Microscopy in Schools

Given microscopes’ vital role in science, students are taught how to use
a light microscope in the classroom. Early exposure to such a tool and
acquiring the skill of manipulating a microscope:

 serves as preparatory training for a future career in the sciences


or related fields;
 helps them engage in their own scientific investigations; and
 aids in ongoing scientific research in school.
Learning light microscopy and what it entails opens students’ perspectives to a whole
new world of possibilities both academic and practical.

Parts of the Light Microscope

 Base - the flat structure of the


microscope that serves as its foundation
 Arm - connects the base of the
microscope to the nosepiece and
eyepiece; used to carry the microscope
around
 Stage - the flat platform where the slide
is put in place for viewing; can be
adjusted via the coarse and fine
adjustment knobs
 Illuminator - steady light source
 Iris/Diaphragm - an adjustable apparatus
located below the stage which can be
manually modified to vary the intensity
of light that reaches the specimen
 Body Tube - connects the eyepiece to
the objective lenses
 Condenser Lens - collects the light from
the illuminator and focuses it on the
specimen
 Eyepiece Lens/Ocular - lenses that the
viewer looks through
 Eyepiece Adjustment Knobs - used to bring the specimen into focus
 Stage clips - used to keep the slide in place
Steps on How to Use a Light Microscope 

Step 1: Connect the light microscope to a power source. If your microscope uses a
mirror instead of an illuminator, you can skip this step. Instead, find a place where
natural light is easily accessible
Step 2: Turn the revolving nosepiece so the lowest objective lens is in position.
Step 3: Mount your specimen onto the stage. But before doing so, see to it that your
specimen is adequately protected by placing a coverslip on top of it.
Step 4: Use the metal clips to keep your slide in place. Make sure the specimen is
positioned in the center, right under the lowest objective lens.
Step 5: Look into the eyepiece and slowly rotate the coarse adjustment knob to bring
your specimen to focus. See to it that the slide does not touch the lens.
Step 6: Adjust the condenser for the maximum amount of light. Since you're on the
low power objective, you may have to decrease the illumination. Use the diaphragm
under the stage to adjust.
Step 7: Now slowly rotate the fine adjustment knob until you obtain a clearer image of
your specimen.
Step 8: Examine your specimen.
Step 9: After you're done viewing with the lowest power objective, switch to the
medium power objective and re-adjust the focus with the fine adjustment knob.
Step 10: Proceed to the high-power objective once you have it focused.

Proper Microscope Cleaning and Maintenance 

A good quality microscope is not cheap. Proper care and maintenance ensure your
device performs at its best. Here are important tips on how to handle your light
microscope.

 Never hold the microscope by the piece. Support the stand and hold the arm
when carrying the instrument around.
 Always carry a microscope upright, as the eyepiece could fall off.
 Always turn the illuminator off after you use it.
 Use a non-solvent cleaning solution to avoid damaging the lenses.
 Use a microfiber cloth when wiping off dust and dirt from lenses. There are
microscope cleaning kits you can purchase to make microscope cleaning safer
and more adequate.
 When the microscope is not in use, cover it with a dust jacket.
 While using the microscope, do not rush through the viewing process. Be careful
when handling the knobs, and avoid turning the nosepiece unnecessarily, as they
can wear out.

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