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

Axioskop 2 FS plus
Axioskop 2 FS
MOT
3.3.4

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 λ-compensator (lambda plate) subsequently changes the gray values
to colors.
(2) Axioskop 2 FS plus and Axioskop 2 FS
− Objectives offered with DIC equipment
− DIC sliders, suitable for the objectives used, are integrated in the objective slider and centered.
− 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, 445439-0000-
000, the DIC prisms in the turret disk are already combined with a polarizer. When 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
If the Axioskop 2 FS plus / FS
DIC sliders must be inserted in the objective slider and centered to enable the performance of
examinations in differential interference contrast. Insertion of the DIC sliders is described in
section 2.1.7 of chapter 2. Setting to the center position is described below under (3).
(3) Centering of DIC sliders
− The DIC sliders have been correctly inserted in the objective slider as described in chapter 2.
− The microscope has been set for KÖHLER-type brightfield illumination.
− 10x objective (or low-power objective used) is in work position of objective slider.
− Brightfield position or empty position of condenser turret is in the beam path.
• Swing in SENARMONT polarizer (3-22/4), consisting of carrier with λ/4 plate (above) and rotary
polarizer (below).
B 40-076 e 02/01
OPERATION
Illumination and contrasting techniques
configuration
MOT
microscopes have not been ordered with DIC equipment,
MOT
Carl Zeiss
3-27