Abstract
A simplified theory of image formation in phase contrast microscopy is presented. It is shown that the phase shift induced in light (related to the refractive index) by the observed object can be reconstructed, point by point, from the phase-contrast digitally sampled image through an appropriate algorithm. This allows one to make quantitative observations on unstained, living cells.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Zernike, F. (1935),Z. Tech. Physik. 16, 454.
Goodman, J. W. (1968),Introduction to Fourier Optics, McGraw-Hill, New York.
Papoulis, A. (1968),System and Transforms with Applications in Optics, McGraw-Hill, New York.
Quatieri, T. F. (1981),Proc. IEEE,68, 667.
Beltrame, F., Chiabrera, A., Grattarola, M., Guerrini, P., Parodi, G., Ponta, D., Vernazza, G., and Viviani, R. (1980),Proceedings of the 2nd Conference of the IEEE EMBS Society, p. 58, IEEE, New York.
Beltrame, F., Bianco, B., and Chiabrera A. (1983),Proceedings of the IEEE 71(2), 270.
Beltrame, F., Bianco, B., and Chiabrera, A. (1981), Quantitative Analysis of Phase Contrast Imaging in View of Cytometric Applications,Proceedings of the First European Workshop on Automated Cytology, E. Reinhardt, Stuttgart.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Beltrame, F., Bianco, B. & Chiabrera, A. Automated analysis of living cells through the quantitative use of automated phase contrast microscopy. Cell Biophysics 6, 103–116 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02788590
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02788590