Transmitted light microscopes explained
Most optical microscopes you’ll be familiar with are known as ‘transmitted light’ microscopes. The ‘transmitted’ part of the name comes because light is shone or ‘transmitted’ through your sample to give you a better look at it. This contrasts with ‘reflected light’ that bounces off the sample instead of passing through it. They’re commonly used to reveal the cellular structures of microorganisms, tissue and crystalline minerals.