Definition for Metallurgical microscope
From Biology Forums Dictionary
A metallurgical microscope uses a different lighting method than a conventional microscope and can illuminate solid specimens to identify, inspect, and measure them. They are like other optical microscopes with the exception of the lighting orientation. Some industries use inverted metallurgical microscopes, which observe the specimen from below the stage or table. Electronic parts manufacturers, forensic laboratories, and metal foundries all use this type of instrument.
A conventional microscope illuminates a transparent specimen from below the stage, making it visible through the eyepiece. Since light cannot penetrate opaque or solid objects, this is not a suitable method for observing these samples under magnification. Metallurgical microscopes illuminate objects from above, either with an external light source or with that light travels through the magnification objectives using beam splitters. This lighting technique illuminates the entire object without creating distracting or unnecessary reflections.
The illumination technology may include color filters or filters designed to change polarization and light intensity. These options allow viewing objects in bright or dark field applications. The filters may be contained in a removable cartridge within the microscope body.