Reflected-light microscopes for lab and research

What is a reflected-light microscope?

When we talk about a reflected-light microscope, we are talking about a tool for microscoping non-transparent (opaque) objects and samples. In contrast to the transmitted-light microscope, the illumination does not come from below but from above, which allows observation from the direction of the objective. The light is deflected by semi-transparent mirrors and prisms and then reflected by the object. 

Normal white light is usually used, but fluorescence microscopes also usually work with incident light. Due to the "superficial" observation of objects, reflected light microscopy is mainly used in dermatoscopy (observation of skin lesions), in mineralogy (identification of ore minerals) and in industry (material testing). Such devices can also be found in schools, universities and in research. In biology, on the other hand, they are found less frequently. In principle, the following types can be distinguished:

• Upright reflected light microscopes: These types of equipment are designed for massive specimen stages, which is why the light house can be attached to the rear part of the microscope. The objective, tube and eyepiece are above the specimen.
• Inverted or overturned incident-light microscopes:In these microscopes, the construction is inverted compared to upright versions - the apparatus is located under the specimen stage, which allows the top of the specimen to be microscoped.

Discover reflected light microscopes from our brand manufacturers.

Reflected light microscopes differ not only in terms of type, but also in terms of the individual specifications so that the device can be ideally adapted to the planned areas of application. In our range at MedSolut, you will find a wide selection from different models and manufacturers, designed for both larger and smaller objects:

Levenhuk

With a microscope from Levenhuk, you can rely on professional and cost-effective equipment for all applications from industrial disciplines, industry and clinical research to the hobby sector. The reflected-light microscopes (such as the 5ST and 3ST models) impress with their upright design, high stability and precise images.

Kern & Son

Microscopes from Kern & Sohn are divided into different performance classes, which include the Educational Line for daily use in educational establishments and the Lab Line for laboratories, as well as the Professional Line. The latter offers highly specialised microscopes for research, medicine and the processing industry. For example, you will find the models OSF-4G and OKN-1 in different price classes.

A.Krüss

You will benefit from a particularly wide selection and excellent image quality with reflected light microscopes from the manufacturer A.Krüss. The devices of this German company (such as the model Optronic MSZ5000-T-S or the model MSZ5000-T-S-RL) come with a five-year manufacturer's warranty and are especially popular in quality determination, material testing and identification of metal compounds. This makes them true specialists in the industrial sector.

Helmut Hund

Helmut Hund GmbH is located in Wetzlar and has been convincing with high-quality and innovative devices for 50 years. This includes the manufacturer's reflected-light microscopes (such as the Wiloskop - F Zoom model), which are designed for a wide range of applications in medicine, biology and industry . In addition to high image quality and individual configuration, you also benefit from easy operation, which increases confidence in image assessment.

How is a reflected-light microscope constructed?

Although the individual reflected-light microscopes differ from one another in terms of their areas of application and use, practically all devices use the same structure. The most important components include the following in particular:

• Eyepiece: The eyepiece is the term used to describe the lenses through which the specimen on the stage is viewed. This allows the specimen to be magnified again.
• Tube: The tube connects directly to the eyepiece and forms a cylinder to increase the distance between the eyepiece and the objective. The longer this component is, the larger the image can be reproduced.
• Reflected light objectives: Reflected light objectives collect the light from the light source and magnify the intermediate image produced. Many microscopes have several objectives, which significantly expands the possible applications.
• Light source: The light source is used to illuminate the sample surface and, in the case of reflected-light microscopes, is located on the same side as the objects. Depending on the design, the top (upright reflected light microscope) or the bottom (inverted reflected light microscope) of the specimen is illuminated.
• Specimen stage: The specimen to be examined lies on the specimen stage.

Reflected-light microscopes: an overview of different methods

In contrast to transmitted light microscopes, reflected light microscopes are used to take a closer look at the surface of an object. Different methods are used for this purpose, which in turn reveal different image information:

Incident light contrast method

Reflected-light contrast techniques are imaging techniques that make light waves visible to the human eye, literally "contrasting" them. Typical examples are the phase shift of light waves and polarisation. Light properties that were previously imperceptible to the eye are thus transformed. The maxims here are the brightness (amplitude) and the colours (wavelengths) of the light.

Incident-light brightfield

In the reflected-light brightfield method, light is directed onto the surface of the sample and reflected back from there. In the eyepieces, the nature of the sample is thus made visible, as the light has been partially or completely absorbed. Classic examples of the applicability of this method are characteristic grain boundaries in metallography or the inspection of welded joints.

Reflected-light dark field

This is contrasted with the reflected-light dark-field method, in which the light is directed indirectly onto the sample. This is done via a concentrically arranged, reflective ring channel in the lens, which ensures a very flat angle of incidence. If the angle of incidence corresponds to the angle of reflection, hollow light cones and a dark image background are created. This makes it possible, for example, to detect fine cracks and scratches or impurities on the sample.

Price of reflected light microscopes

The prices of reflected-light microscopes can vary as much as the models and manufacturers. There are various factors that influence the costs - from the correction of the objective to the construction to the possible contrasting methods and the installed illumination technology. At the same time, the specification plays a role, so that devices for industry and technology often allow more functions and a higher image quality. In principle, a high-quality and useful reflected-light microscope can be found at any price level.

Devices with a smaller range of functions that are intended for educational use start at 242 euros (such as the A.Krüss Optronic MSL4000-20/40-IL-TL stereo microscope). Polarising industrial microscopes, which include the H 600 AM 50 model from Helmut Hund, are more in the 3,000 to 4,000 euro range. If they are even more specialised, prices can reach 8,000 euros and more. Such an acquisition is usually worthwhile when the application areas depend on a particular microscopy technique. The microscope H 600 AFL Ph 40 Plan 100 by Helmut Hund can be mentioned as a model example.

FAQs

What is a reflected-light microscope suitable for?

Reflected light microscopes are used for the surface observation of samples and substances. Therefore, they are primarily used for microscopy of opaque objects, which may be necessary in medicine (e.g. dermatology), in industry (e.g. quality control of materials) and in research (e.g. mineralogy).

How does a reflected-light microscope work?

An incident light microscope is used to look closely at the surface of an irradiated sample. In contrast to the classic transmitted light microscope, the object is not irradiated but viewed from the direction of the light source.

What can I microscope?

In principle, anything that fits between the object stage and the light source can be microscoped - for a reflected-light microscope, the object does not even have to be translucent. With upright models, the top side of the specimen is illuminated, with inverted reflected-light microscopes the underside.

Buy reflected light microscopes cheap at Medsolut.com

For the surface observation of objects, reflected light microscopes are used, which in turn are offered in various sizes, equipment and specifications - so there is the right device for every area of application.

Would you like to buy a reflected light microscope or would you like advice on choosing one? Our highly qualified customer service at MedSolut will be happy to help you by phone at +49 30 2096579 00 or by e-mail at info@medsolut.com!