Microscopic Techniques

Microscopy was the initial methodology of choice for the study of microorganisms, dating back to the seventeenth century. In this chapter we provide information on all types of microscopy ranging from visible light microscopy to scanning probe microscopy. We begin with a discussion of the theory of microscopy including such key concepts as "resolution," "aberration," "magnification" and "contrast." Various kinds of visible light microscopy are described including: bright-field; dark-field; phase-contrast; differential interference contrast; and polarization microscopy. Fluorescence microscopic techniques include: fluorescence immunolabeling; flow cytometry; and confocal laser scanning. Sections on electron microscopy are also presented, covering scanning and transmission electron microcopy. The chapter concludes with coverage of scanning probe microscopy including atomic force microscopy.