Light microscope

Light microscopy operates on principles similar to photography, utilising light to capture and visualise specimens. In this technique, visible light is transmitted through a sample, which is often a specially prepared slide. The light first passes through the specimen, which is typically mounted on a glass slide, and is then focused by a system of optical lenses.

A standard light microscope consists of multiple key components that work together to produce a magnified image. The lens, positioned close to the specimen, collects and magnifies the transmitted light, forming an intermediate image. This image is then further magnified by the eyepiece (ocular lens), which allows for direct observation. Modern light microscopes often use multiple objective lenses with different magnifications, mounted on a revolving nosepiece for versatility.