Which type of microscope does not use light in forming the specimen image?

• A. Compound light microscope
• B. Fluorescence microscope
• C. Phase-contrast microscope
• D. Electron microscope

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that microscopes can be broadly categorized based on the source of illumination they use to form images of specimens.
2. Recognize that a compound light microscope, fluorescence microscope, and phase-contrast microscope all use visible light or specific wavelengths of light to illuminate the specimen and form an image.
3. Recall that an electron microscope uses a beam of electrons instead of light to create highly detailed images of specimens at much higher magnifications and resolutions.
4. Identify that since the question asks for the type of microscope that does NOT use light, the electron microscope is the correct choice because it relies on electrons rather than photons.
5. Summarize that the key difference lies in the illumination source: light-based microscopes versus electron-based microscopes, with the latter not using light at all.