With relatively few progressions in conventional optical microscopy during the past decade, pushing through the physical limitations of these systems has proven to be challenging. Despite this
...Read MoreWith relatively few progressions in conventional optical microscopy during the past decade, pushing through the physical limitations of these systems has proven to be challenging. Despite this stand-still, engineers have recently been able to develop solutions to some of the limitations in modern microanalysis. Using an integrated design approach, digital microscopes have been developed to overcome many of the shortcomings of conventional optical microscopes. Specifically, in regard to ceramics, one of the major difficulties in observing and analyzing these materials is the complete lack of contrast typically associated with them, especially when viewed through a traditional optical microscope. However, by using the advanced features of fully-integrated digital microscopes, coupled with highresolution zoom lenses and digital camera technology, users can now image samples that were previously relegated to the realm of an SEM.