Optical microscopes are used in many research laboratories, clinical environments, manufacturing operations and other workplaces for the examination of a wide range of biological, medical, industrial or geological specimens.

What are microscopes used for?

• In biological research laboratories for cell culture and microbiology
• In clinical cytology, pathology, haematology and histology laboratories
• In the electronics industry and manufacturing for small component inspection
• In education, teaching or demonstration

What is a Simple Microscope?

A simple microscope uses just one or two standard convex lenses to produce a non-inverted image at low magnification. A traditional magnifying glass is the most basic simple microscope.

What is a Stereo Microscope?

Stereo microscopes are used for the 3D, stereoscopic examination at relatively low magnification of unmounted samples and specimens using reflected, rather than transmitted light. Stereo microscopes are typically used for biological or geological examination, dissection, fine component manipulation, or manufacturing inspection and quality control.

What is a Compound Microscope?

Most microscopes used in the research laboratory and other environments are compound microscopes, so-called because they employ separate objective and eyepiece lens assemblies to produce much greater powers of magnification. They may have monocular, binocular or trinocular eyepieces, or upright or inverted configurations. Samples are presented on covered microscope slides and stage assemblies and are viewed using transmitted light from an appropriate visible or fluorescent source. Compound microscopes may be combined with a digital imaging system where the image is displayed electronically on a large screen and is also made available for subsequent computerised image analysis.