Abstract: Light or optical microscopy is the primary means for scientists and engineers to examine the microstructure of materials. In this chapter, light microscopy is introduced as a basic tool for microstructural examination of materials including metal, ceramics and polymers. Reviewing the optical principles of microscopes should be the first step to understanding light microscopy. We can summarize the methods for achieving optimum resolution and depth of field in light microscopy. The main steps of specimen preparation for light microscopy include sectioning, mounting and grinding. The differences in properties of the light waves reflected from microscopic objects enable us to observe these objects by light microscopy. The most commonly used examination modes, bright-field and dark-field imaging, are based on contrast due to differences in wave amplitudes. A confocal microscope provides three-dimensional (3D) optical resolution and a new dimension in light microscopy for materials characterization.
Publication Year: 2008
Publication Date: 2008-04-21
Language: en
Type: other
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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