Phase-Contrast Microscopy

Phase-contrast microscopy can reveal many cellular structures that are invisible with a bright-field microscope.

Phase-contrast microscopy is an optical microscopy technique that converts phase shifts in light passing through a transparent specimen to brightness changes in the image. Phase shifts themselves are invisible, but become visible when shown as brightness variations.

Without special arrangements, phase changes are invisible because photographic equipment and the human eye are only sensitive to amplitude variations.

<p>Changes in amplitude (brightness) arise from the scattering and absorption of light, which is often wavelength-dependent and may give rise to colors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Phase-contrast microscopy is particularly important in biology as it reveals many cellular structures that are invisible with a bright-field microscope.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>brightness changes in the image</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>scattering and absorption of light, which is often wavelength-dependent</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Photographic equipment and the human eye are only sensitive to amplitude variations</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>important information</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>many cellular structures</p> Signup and view all the answers