Compound light microscope used to observe objects against a bright background
Brightfield microscope
Used to observe the morphology of microorganisms (≥0.2 μm) such as bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and algae in living (unstained) and non-living (stained) state against a bright background
With low contrast, so most of the cells need to be stained to be viewed properly
Darkfield microscope
Microscope where the condenser is replaced with a darkfield condenser, illuminating objects against a dark background
Darkfield microscope
Ideal for unstained specimen (≥0.2 μm), appearing brightly lit against a dark background
Useful for examining spirochetes (spiral-shaped bacteria)
Phase-contrast microscope
Microscope that uses a contrast-enhancing technique to produce high-contrast images of transparent specimens
Phase-contrast microscope
Used for living cells, microorganisms, thin tissue slices
Allows living cells to be examined in their natural state without previously being killed, fixed, and stained
Introduced by Dutch physicist Fritz Zernike
Fluorescence microscope
Microscope that contains a built-in ultraviolet (UV) light source, causing certain dyes and pigments to emit longer-wavelength light and glow against a dark background
