Observation Tips For Inverted Microscopes
Observation Tips For Inverted Microscopes
The inverted microscope is a versatile tool in the study of metallography, but probably its most famous use is in photography. Many famous photographs, like those of Charles Darwin's 'Jolly Green Eyes', are likely to owe something to the work of a metallurgist using an inverted microscope. Inverted microscopes are great for detailed metallographic observation, since finely polished specimens can often be placed on the glass observation platform and then viewed from below with reflective objective lenses attached. Also, inversion allows easy magnification, both up and down, which is important when you're dealing with small details like spider webs. Finally, and probably most importantly, an inverted microscope offers room for micromechanical manipulation of specimens via specialized microrobots.
When considering which specimen should be investigated with an inverted metallurgical microscope, there are a few things to consider. Do you have a good source of light, either through an electrical bulb or a desk lamp? Do your subjects matter in terms of specimen size and composition? Do you want a brightfield specimen? All of these factors will play a role in how the specimen is viewed, and we'll discuss some of the best ones below.
A brightfield specimen is one in which the specimen is completely illuminated, so when viewing with the inverted metallurgical microscope, both the specimen and the lights are visible. Brightfield microscopy is most useful for examining small metallic objects under the right conditions, such as illumination at different temperatures and different wavelengths. If you don't have access to brightfield lighting, you can use standard incandescent bulbs or candlelight. When observing metal objects, try to observe them at the same time as the lights are shining on them. By having the lights on when you examine them, you'll better detect subtle differences in color and texture that you might otherwise miss with ambient light.
Samples under glass or plastic can sometimes be difficult to view with the naked eye, especially if they've been magnified. These types of samples are perfect for inverted metallurgical microscopes, since they illuminate the sample for you. You can add labels and a magnifying lens in some cases, and usually make best use of the full spectrum of illumination provided by the microscope when dealing with these kinds of samples.
The bulk of inspection work with inverted microscopes will involve studying metal objects up close, particularly with specimens no more than a couple of micrometers in diameter. Metals up to two micrometers in size are easily investigated using full-spectrum microscopy. Some metals can only be inspected using certain techniques, so you need to learn about your specimen first. For example, platinum and gold will both tarnish if they're not properly stored, so you need to store them carefully. Some metals like nickel are extremely toxic, so this comes in handy when investigating toxic materials like nickel alloys and aluminum alloys.
Some of the most useful information can be extracted from this kind of microscope, as you can see from just a few examples. When looking at inverted metallurgical microscope samples, don't be afraid to experiment, and use the appropriate techniques and equipment necessary for the task. If you notice something interesting, write it down!
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