Light and Electron Microscopy

Optical and electron microscopes are often used effectively despite little knowledge of the relevant theory or even of how a particular type of microscope functions. Eventually however proper use interpretation of images and choices of specific applications demand an understanding of fundamental principles. This book describes the principles of operation of each type of microscope currently available and of use to biomedical and materials scientists explains the mechanisms of image formation (contrast and its enhancement) accounts for ultimate limits on the size of observable details (resolving power and resolution) and finally provides an account of Fourier optical theory. Principles behind the photographic methods used in microscopy are described and there is some discussion of image processing methods. Throughout the text emphasises the underlying similarity of all microscope systems and recognising that biologists may often be uncomfortable with mathematical approaches every effort has been made to present concepts verbally. Where mathematical treatment is indispensible the nature of its contribution is made explicit.