Optical microscopy

Optical microscopy offers a simple, efficient, and cost-effective method for analyzing a wide range of samples. It uses visible light and lenses to magnify and image samples, providing a non-destructive way to examine surface features and structures. Optical microscopy delivers high-resolution images of surface morphology, grain boundaries, defects, and other structural details at a micrometer scale, with a resolution limit of ~200 nm.

In a typical measurement, several images with varying magnifications are taken to get a good overall view of the sample.

Typical Use Cases

• Quality control for surface defects.

• Microstructure analysis of metals, ceramics, and composites.

• Biological specimen imaging.

• Inspection of electronic components.

Suitable Samples

• Polished surfaces of metals or ceramics.

• Thin sections in resin (e.g., metallography).

• Transparent materials like tissues or thin films.

Limitations

• Limited to ~200 nm resolution.

• Requires sample preparation for clear imaging.

• Low contrast in samples without distinct optical properties.

Related Techniques

• Confocal Microscopy is suitable for reconstruction of three-dimensional structures. Ask for an offer if you are interested.