Optical and light microscopes use the visible or near-visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to magnify images of objects.

Microscopes are instruments that produce magnified images of small objects

Specialty microscopes are designed for specific applications such as metallurgy or gemology.

Metallurgical microscopes are used for metallurgical inspection including metals, ceramics, and other materials.

Biological microscopes are used to study organisms and their vital processes.

Measuring microscopes are used by toolmakers for measuring the properties of tools.

Digital and video microscopes are instruments that use digital technology to magnify images of objects.