This book offers a beginner’s guide to using light microscopes. It begins with a brief introduction to the physics of optics, which will give the reader a basic grasp of the behaviors of light. In turn, each part of the microscope is explained using clear and simple English, together withdetailed photographs and diagrams. The reader will learn the function, care and correct use of each part. A troubleshooting section also helps resolve some of the most common issues encountered in light microscopy. Most people have a general idea of how to use a microscope, but many never get the full benefit, because they receive no training. With easy-to-follow steps and detailed images, this guide will help everyone achieve the best results, and be confident using their microscope. This book is intended for anyone using a light microscope, such as university students, people in lab environments, hobbyists, educators who teach science to young children, and anyone with a general interest in these valuable tools.

This manual of essentials details the setup and operation of a polarized light microscope for microscopic particle characterization and identification using an approach to applied polarized light microscopy required for applications including industrial problem solving, contaminant identification, trace evidence analysis, and much more.

With contributions by numerous experts

Cryo-EM Part A: Sample Preparation and Data Collection is dedicated to a description of the instruments, samples, protocols, and analyses that belong to cryo-EM. It emphasizes the relatedness of the ideas, instrumentation, and methods underlying all cryo-EM approaches, which allow practitioners to easily move between them. Within each section, the articles are ordered according to the most common symmetry of the sample to which their methods are applied. - Includes time-tested core methods and new innovations applicable to any researcher - Methods included are useful to both established researchers and newcomers to the field - Relevant background and reference information given for procedures can be used as a guide

Synthetic polymers make excellent specimens for light microscopy. Despite this, the use of the technique, at least in its advanced forms, is not so widespread as might be expected. Although reliable and relevant data are difficult to find and quantify, it seems that in other fields of materials science and technology there is a greater readiness to tum to the microscope in research, in industrial problem solving, or for quality assessment and control. It also seems that the reasons for the present situation are partly historical, partly the result of the structure of the plastics and rubber industries, and partly the education and training background of senior staff who tend to be chemistry or engineering based. In neither field does light microscopy feature strongly in the basic training. The primary aim of this book is to provide some insight into the range oflight microscopy techniques applicable to polymeric specimens, and to highlight typical applications to commercial polymers and polymer products. Where appropriate, the optical techniques involved are discussed in some detail. However, it has not been the intention to produce a light microscopy textbook dealing with the principles and design of the basic instrument. Many such texts are available, and selected examples are cited in the reference list at the end of most chapters.

The purpose of this book is to provide the most comprehensive, easy-to-use, and informative guide on light microscopy. Light and Video Microscopy will prepare the reader for the accurate interpretation of an image and understanding of the living cell. With the presentation of geometrical optics, it will assist the reader in understanding image formation and light movement within the microscope. It also provides an explanation of the basic modes of light microscopy and the components of modern electronic imaging systems and guides the reader in determining the physicochemical information of living and developing cells, which influence interpretation. - Brings together mathematics, physics, and biology to provide a broad and deep understanding of the light microscope - Clearly develops all ideas from historical and logical foundations - Laboratory exercises included to assist the reader with practical applications - Microscope discussions include: bright field microscope, dark field microscope, oblique illumination, phase-contrast microscope, photomicrography, fluorescence microscope, polarization microscope, interference microscope, differential interference microscope, and modulation contrast microscope

Introduces readers to the enlightening world of the modern light microscope There have been rapid advances in science and technology over the last decade, and the light microscope, together with the information that it gives about the image, has changed too. Yet the fundamental principles of setting up and using a microscope rests upon unchanging physical principles that have been understood for years. This informative, practical, full-colour guide fills the gap between specialised edited texts on detailed research topics, and introductory books, which concentrate on an optical approach to the light microscope. It also provides comprehensive coverage of confocal microscopy, which has revolutionised light microscopy over the last few decades. Written to help the reader understand, set up, and use the often very expensive and complex modern research light microscope properly, Understanding Light Microscopy keeps mathematical formulae to a minimum—containing and explaining them within boxes in the text. Chapters provide in-depth coverage of basic microscope optics and design; ergonomics; illumination; diffraction and image formation; reflected-light, polarised-light, and fluorescence microscopy; deconvolution; TIRF microscopy; FRAP & FRET; super-resolution techniques; biological and materials specimen preparation; and more. Gives a didactic introduction to the light microscope Encourages readers to use advanced fluorescence and confocal microscopes within a research institute or core microscopy facility Features full-colour illustrations and workable practical protocols Understanding Light Microscopy is intended for any scientist who wishes to understand and use a modern light microscope. It is also ideal as supporting material for a formal taught course, or for individual students to learn the key aspects of light microscopy through their own study.

This comprehensive reference work provides an overview of, and practical guide to, the various computer-aided microscopical techniques used in materials science today. After introducing the reader to the basic concepts of optics, the interactions between light and matter, and image processing, the book goes on to discuss in depth both 2D reflection microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The application of these techniques to the characterisation of materials is abundantly illustrated by hundreds of photographs and illustrations, and through specific case studies. There is also discussion of other modern optical imaging techniques and of non-optical ones such as x-ray micrography. This reference text is essential both for beginners looking for an introduction to the subject as well as advanced materials researchers in the fields where optical microscopy is used. - Major reference work on the application of microscopy techniques to materials science research - Includes over 420 photographs and illustrations - Provides detailed coverage of the major light microscopical techniques including optical reflection microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy as well as novel techniques such raman microscopy, tomography and microtomography

Presents a fully updated, self-contained textbook covering the core theory and practice of both classical and modern optical microscopy techniques.