MicrobeHunter.com Microscopy Forum

I admit I don't know anything about DIC to begin with...

I have some epi-DIC prisms and objectives, like the one imaged here.
If I put an INKO condenser, such as the one pictured, will it DIC? (I don't yet have a condenser, but might consider buying one)
I know it can't be so simple, but I'm sure someone knows.
Thanks!

Link is to 4 different Zeiss DIC methods leaflet/brochures, perhaps looking through them will help. I have the 4th method.

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=1543

I'd make a guess and say no. I tried to use the dedicated prisms for the INKO condenser you posted in an epi-illumination setup and it did not work at all. Still, give it a try I'm curious to see what you come up.

Another probably not.

The reflected DIC setups (your objective) use the same prism about the objective to put shear into the sample and then re-combine in the eyepiece.

My general experience is that while adding a prism and reflected light "could" result in proper transmitted DIC, the prisms aren't properly matched. That said, you might find some effect from one of the DIC prisms in the condenser and might get a cool effect by partially rotating the condenser turret so you get a sort of mashup of DIC and oblique illumination.

If you find a DIC condenser cheap enough, you might find it worthwhile to play around. Some of the images with partial DIC/oblique can be pretty effective.

This is what you would need for method 4

Hi William,
this is a good idea!
For a transmitted light DIC effect you need:

- Objective prism
- orientation right (here only two choices and easy to test as the ring can be turned)
- prism fits to condenser prism ( Here a PZO or Zeiss DIC "old" condenser with 4 prisms gives more options)
- right positioning on the prisms to each other (distance)
- obcective that works with the setting above

- Condenser prism
- right prism to fit to objective prism
- prism that fits to objective

- Objective
- low strain objectives (but "pol" not necessary)
- plan objectives (harmonize better with DIC

I'm quite shure that it is possible to find out suitable combinations. And it might be possible to create a fine little single magnification field-microscope with DIC too!

Bob

Hi William.
A few years ago, when I didn't have a complete DIC system,I tried different combinations to achieve DIC.
I get a good result with INKO prism epiplan 16/0.35.The prism was placed under the condenser and and worked with the PZO DIC head.

Here is the link:https://www.photomacrography.net/forum/ ... 3eea232b67

Thanks everyone. Many good ideas!
I'll experiment a little bit, and report back if I get it to work