Basics of Light Microscopy

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts from the lecture on light microscopy, focusing on types of microscopes, principles, components, and maintenance.

Microscopy

The use of a microscope to view small objects or structures that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Compound microscope

A type of microscope that uses two sets of lenses to magnify an image.

Objective lens

The first lens system that projects a primary image plane in a microscope.

Eyepiece

The second lens system located above the primary image plane in a microscope.

Total magnification

The product of the magnification of the objective lens and the eyepiece lens.

Bright-field microscopy

A widely used microscopy technique for examining stained or colored specimens.

Resolving power

The ability of a microscope to distinguish two close objects as separate.

Numerical Aperture (NA)

A figure of merit that quantifies the light-gathering ability of a lens.

Lens Aberrations

Optical defects that impair the quality of the image produced by a lens.

Chromatic Aberrations

Aberrations due to different wavelengths of light not converging at the same point.

Spherical Aberrations

Aberrations caused by spherical surfaces not focusing light to a single point.

Field curvature aberrations

Aberrations that cause an image to appear distorted or out of focus across the field.

Infinity Optical System

A system where light passes through the objective as parallel rays before forming an image.

Phase-Contrast Microscopy

A technique that enhances the contrast of transparent specimens without staining.

Koehler Illumination

An illumination technique that provides uniform lighting and optimal focus in microscopy.

Preventative Maintenance

Routine procedures required to maintain microscopes and ensure their proper functionality.