Overview
ISO 10934:2020 - Microscopes: Vocabulary for light microscopy is an international terminology standard that defines terms and definitions used in light microscopy and advanced light‑microscopy techniques. The first edition (2020) combines and revises previous parts (ISO 10934‑1 and ISO 10934‑2), updating the vocabulary to cover classical optical concepts and a wide range of modern imaging methods. The document is non‑normative in references (no normative references) and is intended to promote consistent, unambiguous use of microscopy terminology across industry, research and standards work.
Key topics
The standard provides clear, authoritative definitions and explanatory notes for core light‑microscopy concepts, for example:
- Optical fundamentals: Abbe theory of image formation, diffraction, Airy pattern and Airy disc, numerical aperture, angular aperture, aperture definitions.
- Aberrations and corrections: chromatic and axial/lateral chromatic aberration, spherical aberration, coma, astigmatism, curvature of field, distortion; terms for corrected optics such as achromat and apochromat.
- Instrumentation and components: objective, condenser, collector, beam splitters, apertures, centring telescope, apodization and coatings, focusing mechanisms.
- Measurement and test devices: Abbe test plate, apertometer and other descriptive test items.
- Advanced light‑microscopy techniques: vocabulary for modern modalities added in the 2020 revision, including coherent anti‑Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy, stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy, structured illumination microscopy (SIM), super‑resolution methods (localization microscopy, stimulated emission depletion (STED), super‑resolution SIM), light sheet microscopy, digital holographic microscopy and optical coherence microscopy.
- Units and quantitative expressions: inclusion of commonly used units and expressions with explanatory notes where appropriate.
(The standard includes examples and explanatory notes to clarify usage; it also provides references to related ISO guidance such as ISO 19012‑2 where applicable.)
Applications
ISO 10934:2020 is a practical tool for:
- Instrument manufacturers and optical designers - to ensure consistent product specifications and documentation.
- Laboratory managers and core facilities - for procurement, SOPs and training materials.
- Researchers and educators - to align terminology in publications, courses and protocols.
- Technical writers, standards developers and regulators - to avoid ambiguity in specifications, test procedures and conformity documents.
- Software and image‑analysis developers - to standardize metadata and user interfaces that reference microscopy parameters.
Related standards
Using ISO 10934:2020 helps improve clarity, interoperability and reproducibility in microscopy workflows by standardizing the language used to describe instruments, measurements and advanced imaging techniques.