Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science - Microscope Chapter Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to microscopy in forensic science, focusing on definitions and functionalities of various types of microscopes and their uses in forensic investigations.

Microscope

An optical instrument that uses lenses to magnify and resolve fine details of an object.

Virtual Image

A magnified image seen through a lens.

Real Image

An image viewed directly without a lens.

Objective Lens

The lower lens on a microscope under which the object is placed.

Eyepiece Lens

The upper lens in a microscope through which the magnified image is viewed.

Compound Microscope

A microscope consisting of two or more lenses that allow for higher magnification.

Magnification Calculation

The total magnification is calculated by multiplying the magnifying power of the objective lens by that of the eyepiece lens.

Illuminator

An artificial light source used to illuminate the specimen in a microscope.

Transmitted Illumination

Light directed through the specimen from below.

Polarizing Microscope

A microscope that examines the interaction of plane-polarized light with matter.

Microspectrophotometer

An instrument combining a light microscope with a spectrophotometer to analyze materials.

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

A microscope that uses a beam of electrons to produce highly magnified images.

Stereoscopic Microscope

A microscope providing a three-dimensional view using two monocular compound microscope lenses.

Parafocal

A characteristic of a microscope where changing objectives does not significantly shift the focus.

Forensic Palynology

The study of pollen and spores in relation to crime scenes and other investigations.

Birefringent Materials

Materials that split a beam of light in two, each with its own refractive index.

Trace Evidence Unit

A division within forensic science that examines small pieces of evidence such as fibers, hair, and paint.