a microscope that utilizes the phase differences of light rays transmitted by different portions of an object to create an image in which the details of the object are distinct despite their near-uniformity of refractive index.
Origin of phase microscope
First recorded in 1945–50
Also called phase-contrast microscope[feyz-kon-trast]/ˈfeɪzˈkɒn træst/.
British Dictionary definitions for phase-contrast microscope
phase-contrast microscope
noun
a microscope that makes visible details of colourless transparent objects. It employs a method of illumination such that small differences of refractive index of the materials in the object cause differences of luminous intensity by interference
