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The difference between light and electron microscope is mainly due to the two properties like one is the source of illumination, and the second is the type of lens. The light microscope uses a direct source of light waves to form the image, whereas the electron microscope uses a beam of an accelerated electron. In the light microscope, the glass-based lens is used, and it has a combination of eye-piece, objective and condenser lens. In the electron microscope, the electromagnetic lens is used, and it has a combination of condenser, objective and projector lens. Here, we will discuss the key differences along with the comparison chart between the light and electron microscope. Content: Light Vs Electron MicroscopeComparison Chart
What is a Microscope?A microscope is a device, which comprises a set of lenses that allow us to see the magnified view of an object or a specimen. This device helps us to study the internal and external structures of the specimen that would not be possible without the use of a microscope. As from the name microscope, it is obvious that micro is a term used for minute things, and scope is a term used to look out things. Therefore, the microscope is an instrument that allows us to look or to see the microorganisms that are invisible to the naked eye. The study of the organisms under the microscope is called Microscopy. Definition of Light MicroscopeIt is also called a compound microscope. A light microscope is an optical microscope, which uses a ray of light to view the image where a condenser collects the light and diverges it to the specimen. It has comparatively a low-resolution and magnification power than the electron microscope, which is about 0.2 µm and 500 – 1000 X, respectively. Definition of Electron MicroscopeIt is an optical microscope, which uses a beam of an accelerated electron from the source of heated tungsten filament that transmits the electron to the specimen. It results in a high-resolution image of 0.001 µm resolving power, i.e. 250 times more than the light microscope and high magnifying power of 10,00,000 X. Diagram of a Light MicroscopeIt consists of several components like:
Diagram of an Electron MicroscopeIt has several elements which are as follows:
ConclusionSo finally, we have discussed the difference in properties, structure and components of both the light and electron microscope. Therefore, we can conclude that both the light and e– microscope works on the different principles, in which one uses a light source, and the other uses the electron to form the image. The construction and operation of both the microscopes are different, where a light microscope is easy to handle, and the electron microscope requires technical skills to operate. |