Types of microscopes

Microscopes may be divided into biomedical, industrial, and stereoscopic microscopes. Biomedical and industrial microscopes may be further divided into those where the object lens is positioned above the specimen - upright microscopes - and those where the object lens is positioned below the specimen, or inverted microscopes.

Biomedical microscopes

These microscopes are used for viewing stained or unstained transparent biological specimens. Upright biomedical microscopes are used for viewing slide glass preparations for biological or medical purposes. Inverted biomedical microscopes are used for viewing petri dishes or cells and tissues in culture containers.

• slide glass preparations

Industrial microscopes

Industrial microscopes are used for industrial uses such as semiconductor wafer or liquid crystal board inspection, or for viewing metal specimens. Inverted microscopes are easier to use in this context because operators do not need to adjust the stage each time the specimen is changed, there is no limit on specimen height, and large specimens may be used.

Stereoscopic microscopes

These microscopes show the specimen three dimensionally, and are used for inspection or assembly of fine instrumentation such as watches or electronics.