phase microscope

microscope /mi·cro·scope/ (mi´kro-skōp) an instrument used to obtain an enlarged image of small objects and reveal details of structure not otherwise distinguishable.

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acoustic microscope  one using very high frequency ultrasound waves, which are focused on the object; the reflected beam is converted to an image by electronic processing.

binocular microscope  one with two eyepieces, permitting use of both eyes.

compound microscope  one consisting of two lens systems.

corneal microscope  one with a lens of high magnifying power, for observing minute changes in the cornea and iris.

darkfield microscope  one designed to permit diversion of light rays and illumination from the side, so that details appear light against a dark background.

electron microscope  one in which an electron beam, instead of light, forms an image for viewing on a fluorescent screen, or for photography.

fluorescence microscope  one used for the examination of specimens stained with fluorochromes or fluorochrome complexes, e.g., a fluorescein-labeled antibody, which fluoresces in ultraviolet light.

infrared microscope  one in which radiation of 800 nm. or longer wavelength is used as the image-forming energy.

light microscope  one in which the specimen is viewed under visible light.

phase microscope , phase-contrast microscope one altering the phase relationships of the light passing through and that passing around the object, the contrast permitting visualization without the necessity of staining or other special preparation.

scanning microscope , scanning electron microscope an electron microscope in which a beam of electrons scans over a specimen point by point and builds up an image on the fluorescent screen of a cathode ray tube.

simple microscope  one consisting of a single lens.

slit lamp microscope  a corneal microscope with a special attachment that permits examination of the endothelium on the posterior surface of the cornea.

stereoscopic microscope  a binocular microscope modified to give a three-dimensional view of the specimen.

ultraviolet microscope  one that utilizes reflecting optics or quartz and other ultraviolet-transmitting lenses.

x-ray microscope  one in which x-rays are used instead of light, the image usually being reproduced on film.

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phase microscope,

a microscope with a special condenser and objective containing a phase-shifting ring that allows the viewer to see small differences in refraction indexes as differences in image intensity or contrast. The phase microscope is used especially for examining transparent specimens, such as living or unstained cells and tissues.