Differential interference contrastmicroscope

Differential interference contrastvs phasecontrast

Differential interference contrastmicroscopy application

From the tiny MicroLED range to the massively powerful Quasar, we have an LED illuminator to suit any size and type of project.

Additional optical microscopy applications include brightfield illumination, darkfield illumination, phase contrast, and fluorescence.

Differential interference contrastprinciple

Knowledge Center/ Application Notes/ Microscopy Application Notes/ Optical Microscopy Application: Differential Interference Contrast

Small, quiet and suitable for use in multiple applications, these fiber optic LED illuminators offer the ultimate in fiber optic illumination.

Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) is a polarization technique in optical microscopy that uses a polarizer, analyzer, and additional polarization optics such as a Nomarski or Wollaston prism. In simple DIC setups, the only required components are a polarizer and an analyzer. The polarizer is typically positioned below the specimen, and the analyzer above the objective lens. The polarization axis of each can be rotated to adjust contrast and throughput, but the two components typically act with respect to one another.

Introducing a Nomarski or Wollaston prism into a DIC optical microscopy setup separates polarized light into two rays that are polarized at 90° to one another. The focal point of the prisms rests outside the glass element, and allows active focusing in the upright DIC microscope system. A second prism is required to join the two light rays back together at a polarization of 135°.

Differential interference contrastmicroscopy principle

Figure 1 is a darkfield illumination image with specialized polarized techniques applied to it. The tissue fibers exhibit added complexity, detail, and texture as the light scattered by it is controlled and captured differently by its state of polarization. The image shows details about absorption color, optical path boundaries, and refractive indices, along with whether or not a sample is isotropic and anisotropic. Polarization techniques in optical microscopy such as DIC are invaluable in the identification of unknown samples that exhibit birefringence.

LED is the modern, environmentally friendly, cost effective way to light fiber optics and our illuminators all feature industry standard 30mm fiber ports, so can be retro-fitted to existing projects as well as being used in new installations.

The UFO range of LED illuminators is broadly split into three categories - RGBW units which are suitable for sensory and decorative lighting systems; white light only which are great for illumination inside display cabinets and for architectural lighting systems. Finally we also offer white light models with traditional effect wheels. These are used in the same way as in older halogen or metal halide illuminators and provide easily controllable color change or twinkle effects.