Types of Microscopes

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Description
Compound microscopes are light illuminated. The image seen with this type of microscope is two dimensional. This microscope is the most commonly used. You can view individual cells, even living ones. It has high magnification. However, it has a low resolution.
A dissection microscope is light illuminated. The image that appears is three dimensional. It is used for dissection to get a better look at the larger specimen. You cannot see individual cells because it has a low magnification.

This microscope uses a laser light. This light is used because of the wavelength. Laser light scan across the specimen with the aid of scanning mirrors. Then image is then placed on a digital computer screen for analyzing.

SEM use electron illumination. The image is seen in 3-D. It has high magnification and high resolution. The specimen is coated in gold and the electrons bounce off to give you and exterior view of the specimen. The pictures are in black and white.

TEM is electron illuminated. This gives a 2-D view. Thin slices of specimen are obtained. The electron beams pass through this. It has high magnification and high resolution.
Costs
Source of Radiation for Image Formation
visible light
visible light
laser light
electrons
electrons
Medium
air
air
air
vacuum
vacuum
glass slides
none
glass slides with dyed samples
Mounted on aluminum stubs and are coated in gold
Thin films of collodion or other supporting material on copper grids
glass
glass
glass lenses with dichromatic mirrors
one electrostatic lens with a few electromagnetic lenses
one electrostatic lens and a few electromagnetic lenses
mechanical
mechanical
digital computer motorized focusing mechanism
electrical
Electrical i.e. current of the objective lens coil is changed.
usually 1 objective
digitally enhanced
electrical
Electrical i.e. changing current of the projector lens coil
Major Means of Providing specimen Contrast
Light Absorption
light scattering or light reflection
laser light with dicromatic mirror concentrated at pinhole
electron scattering
Electron scattering
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