Sample surface can be analyzed using reflection mode, while the structure of materials can be studied using transmitted light (samples must be few microns thick).
A large variety of contrast modes exist to highlight different aspects of material structures, depending on the information needed.
Samples can be either solids or liquids.
Capabilities
Fractography
Dispersion in polymer blends
Powders, crystal morphologies
Thickness measurements of multilayered materials, concentricity