What is a DIC image?
Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) is a microscopy technique that introduces contrast to images of specimens which have little or no contrast when viewed using brightfield microscopy. The images produced using DIC have a pseudo 3D-effect, making the technique ideal for electrophysiology experiments.
What are some advantages of phase contrast and differential interference contrast microscopy?
A primary advantage of differential interference contrast over phase contrast is the ability to utilize the instrument at full numerical aperture without the masking effects of phase plates or condenser annuli, which severely restrict the size of condenser and objective apertures.
How does DIC imaging work?
DIC works by separating a polarized light source into two orthogonally polarized mutually coherent parts which are spatially displaced (sheared) at the sample plane, and recombined before observation.
What is the principle behind differential interference contrast microscopy?
DIC microscopy is a light microscopic technique based on an interference principle involving two coherent beams of light (from the same small light source) and image contrast achieved with gradients in optical path. It produces clear optical sections of thick transparent specimens and a 3D shadowed image.
What is the difference between phase contrast and DIC?
In both cases, contrast in the images obtained from DIC is largely dependent upon the orientation of the specimen with respect to the shear axis of the microscope, while the phase contrast image features are independent of specimen rotation around the microscope optical axis.
What is DIC used for?
Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is a precise, non-contact, and non-interferometric optical method used for measuring the displacement/deformation of a structural element/material subjected to external loading.
How do you take good pictures under a phase contrast microscope?
Thus, in order to achieve high-quality phase-contrast images, the correct phase plate and condenser annulus pair must be used and the condenser annulus must be properly centered such that the image of the annulus corresponds exactly with the position of the phase ring.
What is the difference between phase contrast and differential interference microscopy?
What is the difference between phase and differential interference contrast?
Unlike phase contrast, differential interference contrast converts gradients in specimen optical path length into amplitude differences that can be visualized as improved contrast in the resulting image.
What is the difference between DiC and phase contrast microscopy?
The most fundamental distinction between differential interference contrast ( DIC) and phase contrast microscopy is the optical basis upon which images are formed by the complementary techniques.
What is a phase contrast?
Phase contrast translates image amplitude information from the phase variations exhibited between light waves diffracted by the specimen and a reference beam passed through the condenser annulus, specimen, and phase plate.
Which specimens are suitable for imaging with differential interference contrast (DIC)?
A wide variety of specimens are good candidates for imaging with differential interference contrast, including very thin filaments or sharp interfaces, which produce good contrast even when their diameter falls below the resolution limit of the optical system.