A reflected light microscope has light that shines down onto the stage from above. There are a few types of microscopes that offer reflected light:
- Stereo Microscope
- Metallurgical Microscope
- Shop Microscope (Field Microscope)
The
Stereo Microscope is the most commonly used type of reflected light microscope. This microscope is used in schools for dissecting, in manufacturing for viewing small parts, and by hobbyists for viewing coins or stamps under the microscope.
Metallurgical microscopes offer high magnification, with light that shines down through the objective lens. The metallurgical microscope was created for viewing very small parts of objects that do not allow light to pass through them such as metal, ceramic, stone, etc.
A
shop microscope (or field microscope) is a small hand-held microscope that can be easily carried out into the field for viewing specimens. These shop microscopes are also frequently used to view fabric during the manufacturing process. The small penlight provides reflected magnification directly onto the object being viewed.
If you have questions about which type of microscope is best for viewing opaque objects please
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