Light Microscopy

Brightfield Microscopy

Uses visible light and stains to view organisms as dark images on a bright background.

Darkfield Microscopy

Uses scattered light to view live, unstained organisms as bright images on a dark background.

Phase-Contrast Microscopy

Enhances contrast in live, unstained cells to view internal structures.

Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) Microscopy

Uses light interference to create a 3D-like image of live, unstained cells.

Fluorescence Microscopy

Uses fluorescent dyes or antibodies to make specific cells or structures glow under UV light

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

Uses electrons to view thin sections of cells, revealing internal ultrastructure in 2D.

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

Uses electrons to scan the surface of a specimen, producing a 3D image of surface details.