Setting Of Transmitted-Light Differential Interference Contrast (Dic) - Zeiss Axioskop 2 plus Operating Manual

Carl Zeiss
3.3.5

Setting of transmitted-light differential interference contrast (DIC)

(1) General principle
The transmitted-light DIC technique is an alternative contrasting technique for polarization applications,
permitting high-contrast 3D images of transparent specimen details.
Light which has been linearly polarized by a polarizer is split into two partial beams in a birefringent
prism. These partial beams pass two close-lying specimen areas with different refractive indices and
specimen thickness. This causes path differences in both beams. The beams are then united in a second
birefringent prism and feature the same vibration direction after passing the analyzer. Therefore, both
beams can interfere in the intermediate image, with the path differences being transformed into different
gray values (intensities). A compensator λ (lambda plate) subsequently changes the gray values to colors.
(2) Axioskop 2 plus and Axioskop 2 mot plus configuration
− Objectives offered with DIC equipment, e.g. Plan-Neofluar
− Nosepiece with compartment for DIC slider
− DIC slider, suitable for the objectives used
− Condenser with turret disk with DIC prisms (DIC I, DIC II, DIC III)
− Polarizer, e.g. SENARMONT polarizer
☞
In the case of the achromatic-aplanatic universal condensers 0.9 H D Ph DIC, 445439 (or
445440
MOT
other condensers are used, a separate polarizer is therefore required, e.g. the SENARMONT
polarizer.
− DIC analyzer module in reflector turret
− Rotary mechanical stage should be preferred
(3) Setting of transmitted-light DIC on Axioskop 2 plus and Axioskop 2 mot plus
• Swing in the DIC-suitable objective via the nosepiece (3-26/1). Push the relevant DIC slider (3-26/3) in
the compartment on the nosepiece until it click-stops.
• Swing in the DIC analyzer module (3-26/3) on the reflector turret (3-26/2).
• Swing in the suitable DIC prism I, II or III (digit on condenser turret disk). Nothing else is to be done if
this is the condenser with integrated polarization filter. In case of the version without polarization
filter, the D polarizer (3-26/7b) or the SENARMONT polarizer (3-26/7c) must also be swung in.
3-36
Illumination and contrasting techniques
) the DIC prisms in the turret disk are already combined with a polarizer. When
OPERATION Axioskop 2 plus
Axioskop 2 mot plus
B 40-075 e 02/01