What are the main features of Brightfield (Light) Microscopy?
• Most common type of light microscope
• Use white light to illuminate the sample from below.
• Widely used in biology and medical laboratories for
examining
cell structures, tissues, and microorganisms.
Can view anywhere from 40x to 1000x magnification
Advantages: Simple, cost-effective, and suitable for
observing
fixed and live specimens.
Limitations: Limited contrast for transparent or
unstained
samples; not ideal for observing highly transparent specimens
What are the main features of Darkfield Microscopy?
• A variation of light microscopes that enhance contrast in unstained specimens (uses condenser)
• No staining is required making it ideal for observing live,
unstained
specimens, such as bacteria, cells, and other small organisms.
• Use oblique light (light does not pass directly through the
specimen)
but is instead scattered.
View range is 40x to 1000x magnification.
Advantages: Excellent for visualizing transparent or
colorless
samples that are difficult to see with brightfield microscopy.
Limitations: Requires careful alignment; less effective with
thick
specimens or samples that do not scatter light well.
What are the main features of Phase-Contrast Microscopy?
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