Light Microscope Uses By Kathryn Hulick

The light microscope, also known as a compound microscope or compound light microscope, allows you to see tiny objects and creatures at about 1,000 times their normal size. Students, scientists, researchers and law enforcement agencies use these microscopes in their daily work. Light microscopes are available in a range of prices and qualities from a basic student microscope to a professional model with additional light sources, eyepieces or objective lenses.

1. Science Education

   • Many schools ask students to collect and analyze pond scum or water samples by using a microscope in a biology class. A student light microscope is an inexpensive way to see tiny plants and animals up close and to familiarize students with laboratory procedures.

   Scientific Research

   • Biologists, geologists, botanists, ecologists and other scientists rely on light microscopes in their research into the natural world. Light microscopes help scientists see individual cells (living or dead), microorganisms, and most bacteria. To see anything smaller than a cell, scientists rely on electron microscopes.

   Health Care

   • Light microscopes are helpful when examining tissues, body fluids or cells in order to diagnose diseases and research cures. According to the Cancer Information and Support Network, doctors remove cells from an affected area, then look at them under a light microscope to make a cancer diagnosis.

   Law Enforcement

   • Analyzing a crime scene often requires light microscopes. A forensic scientist may need to compare hair or handwriting samples, or study the markings on a bullet.

   Factory Inspections

   • To check for flaws, factories often send their products through microscope inspections for quality control. A light bulb may look fine to the naked eye, but under a microscope a small but dangerous crack can be seen.

     
     

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