Collection Overview 

Scientific Reports has launched a Guest-Edited Collection on Phase contrast imaging.

Phase contrast imaging is essential in a variety of applications spanning from biology to materials science. It leverages the variations in refractive index in different materials, which causes a phase shift in the light beam passing through the sample. By positioning a light sensor at a precise distance from the sample under study, optical interference can be exploited to enhance the contrast in the resulting image. This technique has been an indispensable tool in microscopy; recent advancements in phase contrast imaging technology have further expanded its applications, enabling higher resolution and more precise imaging. Technologies such as phase plates, digital phase contrast as well as advanced computational methods have significantly improved image quality and analysis capabilities to meet the latest societal needs.

This will be a Collection of original research papers  and will be open for submissions from all authors – on the condition that the manuscripts fall within the scope of the Collection and of Scientific Reports more generally. We are welcoming submissions until 30th July 2026.

Why is this Collection important?

"Phase contrast imaging exploits phase shifts induced by refractive index variations to enhance image contrast beyond the limits of conventional absorption-based techniques, making it important for weakly attenuating samples such as soft biological tissues and advanced functional materials. This topic is critically important to the field as it support high-resolution, quantitative imaging in biomedical diagnostics, materials science, and laboratory-based X-ray systems.

I am particularly excited about this Collection because it integrates advances in phase retrieval algorithms, instrumentation, and multimodal implementations. The Collection has the potential to define emerging standards and applications in quantitative phase imaging. Researchers should submit here to reach a focused, interdisciplinary audience and help shape the future direction of phase-sensitive imaging.""

- Dr. Gyanendra Sheoran, Guest Editor

Why submit to a collection?  

Collections like this one help promote high-quality science. They are led by Guest Editors, who are experts in their fields, and In-House Editors and are supported by a dedicated team of Commissioning Editors and Managing Editors at Springer Nature. Collection manuscripts typically see higher citations, downloads, and Altmetric scores and provide a one-stop-shop on a cutting-edge topic of interest.  

Who is involved?

Guest Editors:

• Rosario Porras-Aguilar, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, USA
• Gyanendra Sheoran, National Institute of Technology Delhi, India

Internal Team:

• In-House Editor: Silvia Butera, Scientific Reports, UK
• Commissioning Editor: Robert Moran, Fully OA Brands, Springer Nature, UK
• Managing Editor: Rebecca Chan, Fully OA Brands, Springer Nature, UK

How can I submit my paper?

Visit the Collection page for more information on the Collection, and how to submit your article.