Differential Interference Contrast (DIC)
Prerequisites for DIC observation / recording
1.Koehler alignment of illumination path (transmitted light mode)
- If objective iris aperture is present: check if open)
- Focus a sample in transmitted light mode
- Close field aperture of illumination (first aperture after lamp)
- Focus field aperture (sharp contrast)
- Center field aperture
- Open field aperture (until aperture is no more visible)
2. DIC alignment
- Remove both DIC prisms from the illumination path
- Insert polarizer and analyzer into the illumination path
- Rotate polarizer or analyzer to minimize brightness
- Insert appropriate objective and condenser DIC prisms
- Adjust the condenser aperture roughly to the objective's aperture