Here you can discuss different microscopic techniques and illumination methods, such as Brightfield, Darkfield, Phase Contrast, DIC, Oblique illumination, etc.
I've gotten very interested in top stage sidelight as a way of showing texture and making specimens look more natural. I ordered some vey small diameter fiber-optic cable so I can connect them to the light source and place the light right next to the specimen (even avoiding shadow with the high power lens). In the meantime I devised a makeshift light tunnel out of aluminum foil. I think I'm getting some interesting results even at the level of bacteria and small protozoans and diatoms.
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