Phase Contrast Microscopes

Phase contrast is a microscopy method that speeds up the direct light path in order to cause destructive interference patterns in the viewed image. Phase contrast microscopes are useful for viewing details in bacteria, protozoans, blood cells, sperm tails and a variety of unstained cells. Staining can kill live specimens, so this is especially important when dealing with live samples. Phase contrast microscopes are used to view samples that are the same color as their background.

Phase contrast can be added to some brightfield biological microscopes by adding a simple phase slider (only if there is a slot in the condenser for a phase contrast slider), and a phase contrast microscope objective. A full phase contrast microscope setup includes a phase contrast condenser, phase contrast objectives, and a phase centering telescope. Learn more about phase contrast and how to set up and center your phase objectives here.