micrograph

A micrograph is a photograph or image produced by a microscope that captures structures not visible to the unaided eye. Micrographs are used to document and analyze specimens at high magnification, and the term can refer to images from various microscopic methods, including optical and electronic techniques.

Common types include optical or light micrographs, generated with light microscopes, and electron micrographs, produced with electron beams. Electron micrographs include scanning electron micrographs (SEM), which show surface topography, and transmission electron micrographs (TEM), which reveal internal ultrastructure. Fluorescence and confocal micrographs use labeled specimens to visualize specific molecules or features, often with optical sectioning. Non-optical methods such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) also produce micrographs that depict surface properties at the nanoscale.

Preparation and interpretation are critical. Specimens typically undergo fixation, embedding, staining, or labeling to enhance contrast, and correct mounting is essential. Micrographs usually include a scale bar and magnification information to convey size. Colors in micrographs may be added post-capture to highlight features, but true color is not always representative of the specimen. Artifacts from preparation or imaging can mislead interpretation, so controls and calibration are important.

Applications span biology, medicine, materials science, geology, and forensics. Micrographs support research, diagnostics, quality control, and education. They are commonly stored as digital image files with accompanying metadata to preserve provenance and enable reproducibility.