Microscope Illumination

Microscope Illumination

• Tungsten is common on very low end microscopes using standard incandescent light bulbs. These light bulbs emit more heat that may affect specimens and the light itself is yellowish.
• Fluorescent and LED lighting produces a white light with less heat. Color rendition can vary compared to sunlight. LED lighting provides longer life just the same as for room lighting.
• Halogen is the most expensive and preferred for best color rendition when high heat is not a problem.
• Polarized Light Microscope involves illuminating the sample with polarized light. Polarized light can improve contrast with certain samples such as rocks and minerals. Polarizing has other applications. Polarized sunglasses, for example, reduce glare. Using polarized light, the origin, content and chemical makeup of many different organic and inorganic materials may possibly be discovered.