Essentials of Light Microscopy

This handbook introduces the new microscope user to their instrument. The light microscope is described, with practical advice given on how to set up, adjust and operate the instrument. Microscopes used in both the life sciences and materials sciences are described, along with the various techniques that microscopists routinely use. Sufficient theory is included to enable the reader to understand how a high-quality image is formed and acquired to support experimental hypotheses.

This book is also intended for anyone who needs to work with core imaging facility staff to easily acquire scientifically rigorous images. The book is written by an imaging facility manager with many years of experience teaching students how to set up and operate light microscopes. Advice is also given on maintaining the light microscope and cleaning objectives.

Chapter 1 introduces the microscope; Chapter 2 explains how to set up the light microscope; Chapters 3-7 describe contrast enhancement methods, including using reflected-light, polarised light, and fluorescence. Chapter 8 explains how to record images, and Chapter 9 describes the optical principles underlying image formation.

This book is a modern update of the first of the Royal Microscopical Society’s Handbook series. Based upon the teaching and practical experience of the author, it is a complete volume of everything a student or scientist new to microscopy needs to know.

Jeremy Sanderson

Jeremy Sanderson has taught and practiced light microscopy for four decades. He has been a Fellow of the Royal Microscopical Society since 1987, and has served on the Executive Council of the RMS. He is a Chartered Scientist and has published widely in the microscopy field, including a text on histology and specimen preparation, and another on light microscopy. He has worked in imaging facilities since 2003.