National Cancer Institute (source definition)
Phase-Contrast Microscopy
A simple non-quantitative form of interference microscopy of great utility in visualising live cells. Small differences in optical path length due to differences in refractive index and thickness of structures are visualised as differences in light intensity.
Review and references
Automated source check (NCI definition)
2026-10-19
2026-10-19
professional use
References
- NCI Thesaurus 26.09d — Phase-Contrast Microscopy (C16857)
- Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C16857. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0.
- Physics-informed deep learning for phase retrieval and self-calibration in Zernike phase-contrast microscopy. — Opt Lett, 2026-10-01 (PMID 42821948; literature)
- Rapid Detection of Salmonella Typhimurium Microcolonies Using Phase-Contrast Imaging and Deep Learning. — J Food Prot, 2026-09-30 (PMID 42815833; literature)
What it is
A simple non-quantitative form of interference microscopy of great utility in visualising live cells. Small differences in optical path length due to differences in refractive index and thickness of structures are visualised as differences in light intensity.
Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C16857. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0.
Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-18. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Compliance note
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.