Micrography (Microscopy)
Encyclopedia
Optical microscope
The optical microscope, often referred to as the "light microscope", is a type of microscope which uses visible light and a system of lenses to magnify images of small samples. Optical microscopes are the oldest design of microscope and were possibly designed in their present compound form in the...
to make photographs. 'Micrograph' is an image obtained by means of a microscope and contains extensive details that form the features of a microstructure. "Etching" is done to improve contrast between phases by selective attack of some phases using reagents. Micrography is a Metallurgist's forte.
Optical microscope and electron microscope are extensively used in micrography or metallography and are indispensable. A wealth of information can be obtained from a simple micrograph like behavior of the material under different conditions, the phases found in the system, failure analysis, grain size estimation, elemental analysis and so on.
Micrography as art
The microscope has been mainly used for scientific discovery. It has also been linked to the arts since its invention in the 17th century. At first scientists used the microscope to view and draw objects not visible with the unaided eye. Early adopters of the microscope, such as Robert HookeRobert Hooke
Robert Hooke FRS was an English natural philosopher, architect and polymath.His adult life comprised three distinct periods: as a scientific inquirer lacking money; achieving great wealth and standing through his reputation for hard work and scrupulous honesty following the great fire of 1666, but...
and Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, were excellent illustrators. After the invention of photography
History of photography
The first permanent photograph was an image produced in 1826 by the French inventor Joseph Nicéphore Niépce.- Etymology :The word photography derives from the Greek words phōs light, and gráphein, to write...
in the 1820s the microscope was later combined with the camera to take pictures instead of relying on an artistic rendering.
Since the early 1970s individuals have been using the microscope as an artistic instrument. Web sites and traveling art exhibits such as the Nikon Small World and Olympus Bioscapes have featured a range of images for the sole purpose of artistic enjoyment. Some collaborative groups, such as the Paper Project
Paper Project
The Paper Project is a fusion project that blends art, science, and technology into engaging 2D and 3D experiences.-About the project:The Paper Project is a multidimensional art and science project exploring the microscopic structure of paper using a scanning-laser confocal microscope...
have also incorporated microscopic imagery into tactile art pieces as well as 3D immersive rooms and dance performances.