CHAPTER 3 Different Types of Microscopes 29
dish or a multiwell plate. Inverted microscopes are also common in metallography
or if you work with large and heavy samples.
You can use both microscope types in transmitted or reflected light. Again, the
type of sample decides the applicable illumination technique.
Two Eyes – One Image
Compound microscopes, no matter if upright or inverted, use a single beam path
to create the image. Even if you look with both eyes into the eyepieces, they are
unable to provide stereoscopic images. In contrary, microscopes with two beam
paths can produce stereoscopic and hence three-dimensional images. That’s why
they are called stereo microscopes. The two beam paths are tilted at an angle of
11–17° and supply your eyes with slightly different image information. Your brain
calculates this image. Stereo microscopes are often used for sample preparation
or to manipulate objects, because they offer large working distances and do not
require a specific sample preparation. The limiting factor of stereo microscopes is
their relatively low magnification as well as a quite low resolution.
Zoom Microscopes:
Experts for Large Fields
Zoom microscopes or macro systems all mean the same. They work with only
one of the two stereo beam paths and expand the remaining channel. That is why
such one-channel systems have a high numerical aperture, allowing for high resolution,
and are extremely light sensitive. Even at low and medium magnifications
you will achieve resolutions up to twice as high as with conventional stereo
microscopes. This makes them perfectly suited for the microscopy of larger
samples or whole sample microscopy.
There Is More than Light
Whether using stereo, zoom or compound microscopes, in each case the image
is created by using light. These microscopes can be your perfect choice if you
want to use them at home, have a limited budget, or just need a smaller magnification.
Light microscopes have their limitations in magnification, which are due