Microscope device

The microscope is an indispensable assistant to researchers and medical staff. The use of such a device allowed scientists to make a lot of important discoveries. Therefore it is interesting to know what the device of a microscope is, for what purpose it is used, and what kinds of this device exist.

A short excursion into the history of science

In fact, it is difficult to know which scientist was the first to invent a microscope, since several hundred years ago the records and records were not too strict. Of course, the first lenses and other magnifying devices began to be used for a long time. But the date from the appearance of the first complex microscope is considered to be the period from 1590 to 1610. It was at this time that information was received from various scientists about the creation of a device for visual magnification of small objects.

Some evidence suggests that the first microscope was created in 1590 by Hans and Zachary Janssen. On the other hand, the official magnifying device was presented by Galileo Halley. Some historians believe that Antony van Leeuwenhoek started using the magnification system for the first time. You can see that the historical information is quite contradictory.

Of course, in the 1600s such devices did not resemble modern ones. The device of the microscope was quite simple and represented a system of two lenses, which operated only in natural light. In the future it was invented to use special mirrors for the concentration of a light beam.

To date, there are several varieties of similar devices.

Optical microscope

This device, probably, is known to everyone since school times. The construction of a microscope is not so difficult. The device consists of two parts. The mechanical component is designed to fix the optical system and ease of use. The mechanical parts are a tripod, a tube, a stage, macro and micro-screws.

The optical part of the microscope consists of an eyepiece and lenses. In addition, there is also a specific lighting system that is responsible for collecting light, concentrating the light beam and transferring it to the right place. The lighting system consists of a condenser, a mirror, a transformer. Some microscopes have a built-in low-voltage lamp.

Polarizing microscope

This is a kind of optical device with only a few differences. This device is intended for studying so-called anisotropic objects, including minerals, biological preparations and polymers. By the way, these same materials can be studied also under an ordinary microscope, having completed it with just a few polarization filters.

Binocular microscope

Unlike the optical device described above, this microscope has only one lens, but two eyepieces. It significantly increases the objects under consideration. Of course, with the help of such a device one can not consider cells. The binocular is designed to study small parts of plants, animal organs, minerals, etc. After all, an optical microscope, because of the large magnification, does not provide an opportunity to view objects of this size.

Electron microscope

This invention to date is the greatest breakthrough in science, because it allows you to view objects, increasing them several thousand times. Of course, the device of the microscope is much more complicated. As an illuminating system, we use here not a light ray, but a directed electron beam. Such a device allows you to consider even the smallest details on the subcellular level. It was with his help that organelles of cells of living organisms were studied, and also the structure of viral particles was examined.

In any case, the invention of the microscope allowed people to make a huge step in the development of science.