In the past, bright field illumination was the only possible type of light one can use for studying objects with a microscope. And though bright field illumination has numerous advantages and aided scientists and researchers in their quest for more information, they do have undeniable limitations. Bright field illumination isn’t, for instance, able to study transparent objects. But with the advent of dark field illumination and later on, phase contrast microscopy, transparent objects and specimens are not only made visible but they may even be observed alive and without having to stain them.
Even the design of microscopy has evolved throughout the years. Gone were the days when microscopes were extremely heavy and meant for indoor use only. Now, with the advancements in microscopy, there are already numerous models with compact built and a portable design.
And as scientists and researchers are still studying and looking for more ways to achieve the best designs and features for microscopes, the world can continue to hope that these advancements can consequently improve the quality of life they have today.
Advancements in Microscopy
Illumination Technique – As mentioned early on, bright field illumination is no longer the only illumination technique used in microscopes. Today, one can choose the most suitable technique for the type of sample or specimen under observation. Besides bright field illumination, there’s also fluorescent illumination and electron microscopy.
Electron microscopes are the most expensive type of microscope but also the most powerful. They can magnify images of objects up to one million times with the use of electron beams. There are several types of electron microscopes. A transmission electron microscope (TEM) uses transmission of electrons to create and magnify images. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) detects secondary electrons and rastering them across the object under observation to form the desired image. A reflection electron microscope (REM) works similarly with TEM but this time utilizes reflected beams to create and magnify the object’s image. The scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) is just a more advanced combination of the SEM and TEM. And lastly, there’s the field electron microscope (FEM) and which utilizes a cold cathode tip to magnify images.
In recent news, the Office of Basic Energy, a branch of the US Department of Energy, has announced their decision to fund a $25M microscopy project entitled Transmission Electron Aberration-corrected Microscope (TEAM).
Digital Technology is definitely one of the most important advancements achieved in microscopy. Incorporating digital technology with the production of microscopes has allowed users to become more flexible and even increase the number of applications for which the microscope may be useful.
Battery Power – Today, microscopes no longer exclusively rely on electricity to operate. As the need for on-field research, microscope manufacturers had worked hard to adapt their products with current demands. And at least in one area, they had been able to do this and that’s by producing battery-powered microscopes.
Battery powered microscopes are cordless and with numerous models out in the market. For more information about portable microscopes, visit http://www.cordless-microscope.com.
Batteries used from specially designed lithium packs, with their very own built-in or external chargers, to the batteries that are commonly sold in grocery and convenience stores for ordinary and daily use. This feature lets users continue to take advantage of the vital functions of a microscope even when they’re far away from the comfort of their homes, offices, and laboratories.
Camera Features – Nowadays, microscopes may have a built-in camera or able to accommodate an attached camera accessory. The integrated use of cameras with microscopes allows users to take as many shots as they wish of their samples. Keep in mind that in the past, the absence of camera required users to rely only on their memory and drawing skills when recalling images of their samples. Microscope cameras can also be saved in various storage devices or directly printed. Photos may be immediately labeled, described, and organized. They can also have image, graphic, video, and text overlays. They may be saved in various formats.
Video Features – This is made more essential when one is studying live specimens. An integrated microscope video is, in fact, responsible for letting the whole world view actual processes of how cells divide or reproduce and numerous other microscopic procedures.
Connectivity – Lastly, digital technology makes it possible for microscopes to work better by connecting them with other equipment. Now, microscopes may have built-in card readers and USB ports for easy file transfer. They may be connected with one or more screens to share real-time images and video footage of the sample or specimen under observation. They may also be connected to computers for immediate editing and further analysis or link to a local or online network in conferences.