BrightField Cells Stained image How does the object and Background appear? What cell structure can be seen?
Dead Stained 2D Dark objects are visible against bright background None
Dark Field Illumination Cells Stained image How does the object and background appear? What cell structure can be seen?
Live None 2D Light objects are visible against dark background Cilia and Flagella
Phase Contrast Cells Stained image How does the object and background appear? What cell Structure can be seen?
Live None 2D None Cilia and Flagella clearly than darkfield
Differential Interference Contrast Cells Stained image How does the object and background appear? What cell Structure can be seen? Use/Resolution
Live
None
3D
None
Cilia and Flagella better than darkfield/phase contrast
Best Resolution
Fluorescence Cells Stained image How does the object and background appear? What cell Structure can be seen? Use/Resolution
Dead
Fluorescent dye creates visible light
2D
None
None
Quick diagnosis of TB/Syphilis
Transmission Electron Cells Stained image How does the object and background appear? What cell Structure can be seen? Use/Resolution
Dead
Heavy metal salt
2D
None
Organelles
Best resolution of all
Scanning Electron Cells Stained image How does the object and background appear? What cell Structure can be seen? Use/Resolution
Dead
None
3D
None
Surface view only
None
Scanning Probe Cells Stained image How does the object and background appear? What cell Structure can be seen? Use/Resolution
Specimen is scanned, image is sent to comp.
None
None
None
None
Two Drawbacks
1. Slower in acquiring images
2. Max images size is smaller.