reflecting microscope
Quick Summary
Reflecting microscopes use mirrors instead of lenses to magnify images. This design is particularly useful for microscopy in the ultraviolet or infrared light spectrums, where traditional glass lenses do not transmit light effectively.1
The objective of a reflecting microscope typically includes a primary concave mirror and a secondary convex mirror. While reflecting objectives eliminate chromatic aberration, they require correction for spherical aberrations, often achieved through aspheric mirror components or additional lenses.1
The concept of using mirrors for magnification is also seen in reflecting telescopes. The largest optical microscope ever produced, the Burch reflector, was a reflecting microscope made in 1947.1
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