Phase Contrast Microscopy Basics

An introduction to Phase Contrast Microscopy
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[@PUMAMicroscope]

Good answer. Just to add two points: 1. If you have any brand of Zerike phase objective (the type with the semi-transparent ring shown in this video) you can use them with any Abbe condenser provided that a) it fits your scope and b) it allows easy access to its lower focal plane for custom filters. You do this by making your own matched condenser phase ring in that plane. An example of this is the Abbe condenser of the PUMA microscope (well I would say that wouldn't I?) - you can easily print and centre a phase ring matched to any Zernike objective with PUMA and if you use the PUMA SLM module that makes it even easier (but making the SLM is difficult). 2. There are other ways to get phase contrast such as almost any kind of oblique illumination and also Schlieren filters. The advantage of these methods is that you can use them with ordinary (non-phase) objectives and there are some other advantages as well. The key to these methods is to have easy access to shape the lower focal plane of your condenser (i.e. the Fourier plane of the scope).

[@leminhduc93]

It would be great if you could upload a video showing bacteria under oblique and Schlieren filters to see if they can actually replace the need for a phase contrast objective

[@PUMAMicroscope]

@@leminhduc93 Yes - that's on my 'to do' list.

[@ahmetkaracaoglu5617]

Very nice explanation, thank you.

[@MarieChardome]

very clear. thank you MH

[@jw228w]

thanks for the explanation,i use mine for mostly observing living organisms. John

[@texaspowerman]

Thanks for the explanation. A further video showing how it actually mounts and how to adjust the lighting for the best viewing would be appreciated. My phase contrast kit came with no instructions and the vendor’s instructions are pretty bad.

[@TheUnseenMicro-world]

Hi microbe hunter, I have a question. I use an introductory microscope which can achieve maximum magnification of 320x, If i use a 30x eyepiece with my 20x objective (which is the highest objective I have) the total magnification will be 600x and if I use 25x eyepiece with my 20x objective the total magnification will be 500x. My microscope is telmu XD-1606 inverse microscope, can you please tell me which eyepiece would be compatible with my 20x objective. I need atleast 400x magnification, Thanks in advance btw love your videos

[@dashgautier782]

When purchasing both a phase contrast condenser and phase contrast objectives for a microscope, what is the best way to make sure it will be optically compatible with the microscope?

[@lotharmayring6063]

all depends how you prepare your specimens for phase contrast

[@MicroRealm93]

A bit off topic but, im looking for an affordable microscope (under 500$) that i can connect a camera to and get great footage for my new youtube channel. Do you have any recommendations?