Microscopy Definition and 53 Threads

Microscopy is the technical field of using microscopes to view objects and areas of objects that cannot be seen with the naked eye (objects that are not within the resolution range of the normal eye). There are three well-known branches of microscopy: optical, electron, and scanning probe microscopy, along with the emerging field of X-ray microscopy.
Optical microscopy and electron microscopy involve the diffraction, reflection, or refraction of electromagnetic radiation/electron beams interacting with the specimen, and the collection of the scattered radiation or another signal in order to create an image. This process may be carried out by wide-field irradiation of the sample (for example standard light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy) or by scanning a fine beam over the sample (for example confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy). Scanning probe microscopy involves the interaction of a scanning probe with the surface of the object of interest. The development of microscopy revolutionized biology, gave rise to the field of histology and so remains an essential technique in the life and physical sciences. X-ray microscopy is three-dimensional and non-destructive, allowing for repeated imaging of the same sample for in situ or 4D studies, and providing the ability to "see inside" the sample being studied before sacrificing it to higher resolution techniques. A 3D X-ray microscope uses the technique of computed tomography (microCT), rotating the sample 360 degrees and reconstructing the images. CT is typically carried out with a flat panel display. A 3D X-ray microscope employs a range of objectives, e.g., from 4X to 40X, and can also include a flat panel.

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  1. Dario56

    I How Do Electromagnetic Lenses Magnify the Image?

    In optical microscope both objective and eyepiece are used to magnify the sample image. Magnification is determined by laws of geometrical optics (intersection of optical beams from the same point of the sample) In electron microscope, electromagnetic lenses are used to magnify the sample...
  2. A

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  3. mktsgm

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  4. TytoAlba95

    Fluorescent Microscopy: Can Antibodies Be Visualized?

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  5. JD_PM

    Size resolution limitation on Dynamic Light Scattering

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  6. JD_PM

    I Atomic Force Microscopy in hard and soft matter physics

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  7. S

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  8. F

    Why Do We Divide to Find Minimum Magnification for Microscopy?

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  9. Ferdinand

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  10. C

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  11. J

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  12. H

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  13. J

    Atomic Solved problems book on high resolution microscopy?

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  14. C

    I Why is the resolution of TEMs and SEMs not smaller?

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  15. G

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  16. C

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  17. U

    A Resolution in single molecule localisation

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  18. chikou24i

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  19. Telemachus

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  20. I

    Q: Refractive index in phase contrast microscopy

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  21. patrickbotros

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  22. remorris44

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  23. S

    Exploring SEM Imaging: Cost & Advancements in Raster Scanning

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  24. G

    Dichroic mirrors that reflect two wavelengths

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  25. I

    A problem about Fresnel fringes of electron microscopy

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  26. G

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    What is an advantage of using matter wavelengths over light wavelengths for microscopy? Why to use electron microscopy if one can use X-rays in a range of angstroms. Thank you.
  27. J

    Can't find any micrograph for glass

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  28. E

    Microscopy: Deconvolve the PSF and enhance resolution

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  29. B

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  30. G

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  31. U

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  32. U

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  33. E

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  34. S

    Scanning Electron Microscopy of Graphene

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  35. P

    Solving Optical Microscopy Issues with Vertical Sidewalls of Deep Trenches

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  36. L

    Atomic Force Microscopy data format

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  37. P

    Cutting edge introductory info re: field emission microscopy and imaging methods

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  38. E

    Microscopy: what is the depth of field of a microscope

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  39. G

    What Determines the Resolution of Different Microscopy Techniques?

    I have a question about different microscopy techniques. What is major factor in determining a microscope's lateral and axial resolution for these three types: Confocal Multiphoton OCT The questions says to choose between wavelength, beam diameter, spot size, focal length, and depth of focus...
  40. C

    Q: Fixation Agents for Microscopy

    Hey all, Let me start off by saying that I am not a biologist, hence the ignorance of my questions! :eek: Basically, I'm wondering what are some common fixation agents used in optical microscopy? Specifically, I'm interested in looking at unstained epithelial cells. The most "advanced"...
  41. G

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  42. N

    Sample Preparation for Raman Microscopy

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  43. H

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  44. P

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  45. Q

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  46. K

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  47. J

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  48. S

    Uncovering Contrast in Bright Field Microscopy: Beyond Shadows and Imperfections

    What gives raise to contrast in bright field microscopy, except shadows, pits and scratches?
  49. N

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  50. N

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