Differential Interference Contrast (DIC)

General remarks

• DIC allows observation of unstained specimens by generation of image contrast
• Structures of interest must have different refractive indices (r.i.).

Beam path for DIC microscopy

Keep in mind: there are dedicated DIC prism / objective combinations. Check appropriate combinations from the Objective list of the manual or the Facility web site.

1. Upright microscope in laser scanning mode (from top to bottom)

• Light source (laser)
• No Polarizer (laser has to provide correctly polarized light)
• DIC prism at objective
• Objective
• Sample
• Condenser front lens
• DIC prism (condenser)
• Analyzer (polarizing filter)
• Transmission detector (PMT)

2. Inverted microscope in halogen transillumination mode (from top to bottom)

• light source (halogen lamp)
• Polarizer (polarizing filter)
• DIC prism (condenser)
• Condenser front lens
• Sample
• Objective
• DIC prism at objective
• Analyzer (polarizing filter)
• Detector (camera, eye)

3. Upright microscope in halogen transillumination mode (from top to bottom)

• Detector (camera, eye)
• Analyzer (polarizing filter)
• DIC prism at objective
• Objective
• Sample
• Condenser front lens
• DIC prism (condenser)
• Polarizer (polarizing filter)
• light source (halogen lamp)

4. Inverted microscope in laser scanning mode (from top to bottom)

• Transmission detector (PMT)
• Analyzer (polarizing filter)
• DIC prism (condenser)
• Condenser front lens
• Sample
• Objective
• DIC prism at objective
• no Polarizer (laser has to provide correctly polarized light)
• light source (laser)