Transmission light microscopes are used to look at thin sections – the specimen must transmit the light. Here is a diagram of a transmission microscope; roll the mouse over the labelled parts to see a description.
Note: This animation requires Adobe Flash Player 8 and later, which can be downloaded here.
For further information see Tint Plates, the MATTER glossary entries on depth of field , depth of focus , and the page on Polarised light and birefringence .
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