The light microscope was key to the development of the cell theory.

The electron microscope has vastly expanded our knowledge of the cell but it has now become a key tool for nanotechnology.

Flame atomic absorption spectroscopy can be used to detect metals and metalloids in environmental samples.

Spectroscopy is also essential to space research.

The Hubble Space Telescope is being used to identify compounds such as carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere of extrasolar planets. It uses a combination of a near infra-red camera and spectroscopy to identify compounds.