Characteristics of Light and Microscopy Fundamentals

Flashcards reviewing basic light behavior, diffraction, absorption, reflection, and microscopy principles from the lecture.

Tungsten Halogen Bulb

The light source located at the base of the microscope that provides light essential for all principles of microscopy.

Path of Light in a Microscope

The sequential pathway light travels from the source: from the tungsten halogen bulb to the field diaphragm, through the condenser into the objective, and finally to the ocular.

Diffraction

The deflection of light rays at the interface between small details of an object with different absorption or refraction properties, causing light waves to spread around edges and bend into shadow areas when passing narrow gaps.

Absorption (Light)

The reduction of light intensity as light is transmitted through an object.

Reflection

The phenomenon where a surface throws back light to some extent rather than absorbing or transmitting it entirely.

Reflection of White Paper

The optical property where a piece of white paper reflects $\frac{4}{5}$ of falling light in all directions, while absorbing the remaining $\frac{1}{5}$ of the light.

Oblique Light Rays (Microscopic Slide)

Light rays passing through an object on a slide with a cover glass that are angled so steeply that they reflect downwards back into the glass rather than emerging.

Kohler Illumination

A procedure performed in microscopy to set up proper and even illumination of the specimen.