Differential Interference Contrast (DIC)

DIC observation / recording

1. Visual inspection / CCD recording

• Fine tune objective DIC prism angle (using the dedicated screw or rotation facility at the objective's DIC prism)
• Switch the slider (tube slider at the eyepiece) to the appropriate beam path setting for CCD recording
• Adjust camera gain / brightness etc.

2. Laser scanning

• After DIC alignment (above), remove the polarizer (the laser illumination beam path should provide the correct laser polarization direction at the objective DIC prism. (In case of questions, ask your administrator)
• Set the beam path to the transmission photomultiplier tube (PMT) recording mode (for details, see the respective microscope's manual)
• Adjust PMT offset / gain etc.

Note: with some microscopes, there may be problems in case of simultaneous DIC / fluorescence recording. Check the respective microscope's manual). It is important to match the immersion medium between sample and condenser to the immersion medium between lens and sample.