Phase contrast microscopes

Phase contrast microscopes

The phase contrast microscope is very similar to a light microscope, but has a special “phase plate” between the condenser and the specimen.

This ensures that two light beams with a mutual phase difference pass through the transparent specimen. Interference of these two images makes nearly transparent objects (cells, etc.) visible without the need for coloring.

There is also some depth effect, because these objects appear darker the greater the thickness.