Optical microscopy is a technique that uses visible light and lenses to magnify small objects, allowing scientists to observe details that are not visible to the naked eye. This method is commonly used in biology, materials science, and medicine to study cells, tissues, and various materials. The basic components of an optical microscope include an objective lens, which gathers light from the specimen, and an eyepiece lens, which magnifies the image for the viewer. Optical microscopes can achieve magnifications of up to 1,000 times, making them essential tools in laboratories and research settings.