Microbiology Microscopes- Types & Associated Features

The use of a microscope functions as an important tool when it comes to microbiology. This equipment was invented during the 1600s after Anton van Leeuwenhoek constructed a simple tube model, magnifying lens, as well as a stage to offer the first ever visual sightings of bacteria and blood cells. Currently, the operations of microscopy have become imperative for the medical field in order to make fresh cellular discoveries.

Moreover, not only microbiology but other medical fields also require microscopes to carry out variety of functions. There are different versions of microscopes used in today’s time, where each of them carry out a separate action. Let us try to understand the primary microscope versions together with their special features.

Light Microscopes

These are one of the common scopes available in labs that make use of visible light for illuminating and magnifying an object. You can call it as the most basic light scope, or stereomicroscope. This equipment permits the viewing of a whole organism together with the offering of crucial details, for example- antennae of a butterfly presented at a magnification of 100x to 150x. The compound scopes are preferred for better cellular detail, which comprises of two lenses which operate to expand unicellular organisms by almost 1000 to 1500 times.

Fluorescent Microscopes

With a confocal or fluorescent microscope, ultraviolet light is used as the primary light source. The moment an ultraviolet light strikes an object, it tends to agitate the electrons present in the object, thereby emitting light of various colors. This function works suitably to identify bacteria present inside an organism. Fluorescent microscopes present the object via confocal pinhole; hence, the complete image of the target sample is visible. With this setup, we can receive increased resolution by restricting external fluorescent light and providing a clear 3-D image of the target sample.

X-Ray Microscopes

These microscopes make use of X-ray beam for developing an image. Dissimilar to visible light, X-rays are known to avoid reflection and refraction quite easily, and are invisible when it comes to viewing through the human eye. Talking about image resolution for an X-ray microscope, it is highly sensitive to determine the individual atom placement within molecules embedded in a crystal. Furthermore, these highly focused microscopes are known to offer clear pictures of living cells. At present, the developments across the x-ray microscopes market is significant, with rising need for high resolution, powerful microscopes.

Electron Microscopes

For an electron microscope, the energy source is basically a beam of electrons. This beam holds a short wavelength, and thereby surges the image resolution ominously over light microscopy. The objects are covered in palladium or gold that bounces the electron beam; hence, forming dark and light areas in the form of 3-D images which are viewed over a monitor. One can easily view details such as the intricate silica shells belonging to marine diatoms, as well as surface details associated to viruses.

How to Take Care of Microscope?

Microscopes are delicate equipment that need proper handling and care. Below mentioned are some of the vital tips for managing a microscope in the perfect order.

Be Careful With the Lenses

Whenever you are using your microscope, make sure the objective lens is dropped for adjusting the focus. During this process, it is essential to keep in mind that the lens need not touch at whatever you’re viewing.  In fact, dirty lenses are particularly problematic to clean therefore, maintain a dust proof environment.

Proper Coverage

It is vital to keep microscopes wrapped in dust covers. It doesn’t matter if you are storing or transporting the instrument, make use of a microscope bag and keep the equipment covered when not being used.

Bulb Safety

Once you are done using the microscope, simply switch off the illuminator and allow it to cool down. This process will help you extend the life of the bulb and further avoid unnecessary expenses associated to early replacements. Likewise, if the bulb is constantly used on full power, there are chances that it will overheat and get damaged.

Follow User Manual

Every microscope comes with a user manual that needs to be read thoroughly. Make sure you are precise with the adjustments and operate every component as it is mentioned in the manual. Avoid the use of force and never over-tighten the components at the time of adjusting the microscope.  

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Created on Aug 22nd 2019 07:53. Viewed 265 times.

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