microscopischeoppervlakteanalyse

Microscopy is the science and practice of using microscopes to observe objects that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. It encompasses a range of techniques that provide information about structure, composition, and function across biology, materials science, and medicine. The field began with simple magnifying lenses in the 16th and 17th centuries and evolved into compound light microscopes that enabled detailed views of cells, tissues, and microstructures. In the 20th century, electron microscopy achieved far higher resolution, revealing cellular ultrastructure and nanomaterials. More recently, advances such as cryo-electron microscopy and super-resolution fluorescence imaging have pushed biological structure determination toward near-atomic detail, while scanning probe methods like atomic force microscopy reveal surface topography at the nanoscale.

Common modalities include light microscopy (bright-field, phase-contrast, differential interference contrast, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy), electron microscopy (transmission and scanning electron microscopy), and scanning probe microscopy (AFM, STM). Each modality has specific imaging principles, resolution limits, and sample requirements. Sample preparation varies by discipline: biological specimens often require fixation and staining or labeling, whereas materials science samples may need coatings or cryogenic preservation to maintain structure.

Applications range from visualizing cell morphology and molecular localization to characterizing materials, crystals, and nanoscale devices. Limitations include potential artifacts from preparation, limited penetration in thick samples for light-based methods, and radiation damage in electron microscopy. Ongoing developments aim to improve resolution, speed, and capabilities for in situ imaging under realistic conditions.