Beyond the lens: how we reveal the hidden world of the minute

Nature · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: We often think of microscopy as just looking through glass, but the technology spans from simple magnifying glasses to electron beams. Whether capturing dynamic life or static surfaces, these instruments allow us to observe structures at scales that are otherwise impossible for the human eye to perceive.

Microscopy is defined by its ability to produce enlarged images of small objects, providing a view of minute structures at a scale suitable for analysis. While the optical or light microscope is the most familiar, using glass lenses to form images, other instruments utilize different wave forms. These include acoustic, X-ray, or electron beams, which can provide either dynamic images, as seen with conventional optical instruments, or static images, as produced by scanning electron microscopes.

The power of these tools is measured by two distinct metrics: magnification and resolution. Magnification is a dimensionless ratio expressing how many times an object appears enlarged; for instance, a hand magnifying glass might magnify 3 to 20 times, while a compound microscope can reach 2,000 times. Resolution, however, is the measure of the smallest observable detail, typically expressed in micrometres (μm). A simple microscope can resolve below 1 μm, whereas a compound microscope can resolve down to approximately 0.2 μm.

Advanced electron microscopy pushes these boundaries significantly. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) can achieve magnifying powers exceeding 1,000,000 times, though it requires thin specimens in a near vacuum. In contrast, the scanning electron microscope (SEM) creates a reflected image of relief on contoured specimens, offering a view of solid surfaces. Specialized tools like the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) can even create images of individual atoms, while the environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) allows for the examination of specimens in a gaseous environment.

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