The microscope and its parts

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In cytology, the branch of biology that deals with cells, various methods are used to make cells visible. The individual parts of the electron microscope are somewhat more complex than those of the light microscope.

An electron microscope makes the inner workings of a cell visible.
An electron microscope makes the inner workings of a cell visible. © Paul-Georg_Meister / Pixelio

The individual parts of the electron microscope

This microscope consists of exactly eight parts, which make x-raying possible.

  1. The cathode is at the top. It consists of a tungsten wire that is made to glow. Electrons are thrown out of the wire.
  2. The electrons hit the anode. This accelerates the particles. There is a high voltage of 100,000 volts between the cathode and anode.
  3. The electrons hit the condenser. This is an electromagnetic lens that focuses the light.
  4. Below these three parts is a recess in which the object to be examined is now placed. It is brought in via a sluice because there must be a vacuum inside the microscope.
    5. The difference between the electron microscope and the light microscope is simply explained

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  5. An intermediate image of the object is now produced in a magnetic lens underneath.
  6. The image is sent through the tube. This long tube is necessary so that the electron beam can continue to be generated.
  7. The light now falls on the projection lens, also known as the electromagnetic eyepiece. This enlarges the resulting intermediate image again.
  8. The result is projected onto a fluorescent screen at the lower end so that it is visible to the human eye. This is usually a photographic plate.

The difference between a light microscope and an electron microscope

  • While the simple light microscope only needs one light source to illuminate an object, that is not enough with the electron microscope. Here you need the cathode.
  • The simple model only works with glass lenses and not with electromagnetic fields.
  • Both types have as parts a condenser and a tube and both have devices for inserting a slide. However, there is no need for a vacuum with the light microscope. The object is therefore simply fastened with clamps and not brought into the interior via a lock.
  • In the end, you can simply view the magnification with the human eye under the light microscope and do not need a fluorescent screen.

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