The difference between metallurgical microscope and biological microscope

The main differences between metallographic microscopes and biological microscopes are their principles, areas of application, sample processing methods and magnification.

Principle and optical system:

Biological microscope: Using the principle of optical microscopy, light passes through a transparent sample and enters the eyepiece, making the sample magnified and visible. Suitable for biology, medicine, botany and other fields.

Metallurgical microscope: Using the principle of reflection, light is irradiated on the surface of a metal sample, and the microstructure of the sample is observed by observing the reflected light. Mainly used in the fields of metal materials and materials science.

Application areas:

Biological microscope: mainly used in biology, medicine, botany and other fields to observe biological cells, microorganisms, plants and animal tissues, etc.

Metallographic microscope: mainly used in the fields of metal materials and materials science to observe the microstructure, grain size, grain boundary distribution and other partial structures of metal materials.

Processing samples:

Biological microscope: For biological specimens, it is usually only necessary to perform simple repairs such as staining or sectioning, and then place them under a microscope for observation.

Metallographic microscope: For metal samples, the processing is relatively complicated. The sample needs to be metallographically cut, then processed through modification, polishing and other processes, and finally etched or colored to make the metal structure show obvious microstructure.

Magnification and resolution:

Biological microscope: The magnification is usually small, generally less than 1000 times, and the resolution is about 0.2 microns. It is suitable for observing smaller structures such as cellular organisms and microorganisms.

Metallurgical microscope: The magnification is usually increased and can reach thousands of times or even higher, and the resolution is about 0.1 micron. It is suitable for observing structures such as tiny grains and grain boundaries in metal materials.

There are obvious differences between metallographic microscopes and ordinary microscopes in principles, application fields, sample processing and objects of observation. Metallographic microscopes are more suitable for the fields of metal materials and materials science, while ordinary microscopes are more suitable for biology, medicine, botany and other fields.