small ciliate - DIC test

[75RR]

40x * 1.25, 25µm, DIC, Olympus E-p2
Another DIC test as I try to get a handle on it. Video best seen at 1080p full screen.
Given the size of the ciliate I think there is a fair amount of detail.
This is due to DIC providing contrast without having to close the condenser diaphragm, therefore utilizing the objective's full NA.
In this case a modest 0.65

[JimT]

Definite 3D effect. Too bad it wouldn't sit still for a pose. Could you see any ciliate or were they hidden buy the algae? Why do the unique protists always hide? They must be shy

[gekko]

I think your test is quite successful. What is more, you do not get a cyan cast in the background that I get. Excellent!

[75RR]

Thanks JimT and gekko

Why do the unique protists always hide?

This was the best that the sample provided. Agree that something larger and slower would have been better.

I think your test is quite successful.

Thanks gekko,
I read about maintaining the polarizing filters at extinction at all times, which is what I did in this test.
I admit I was originally not keen on this and therefore had been fiddling with them, as I had assumed that along with light intensity and minor diaphragm adjustments it would provide more fine-tuning leeway.
Still need to test the limits and usefulness of DIC.

[gekko]

I read about maintaining the polarizing filters at extinction at all times, which is what I did in this test.

For what it is worth, on my Nikon, the polarizers are actually fixed in the fully crossed orientation and cannot be rotated.

[75RR]

I read about maintaining the polarizing filters at extinction at all times, which is what I did in this test.

For what it is worth, on my Nikon, the polarizers are actually fixed in the fully crossed orientation and cannot be rotated.

Worth a lot, thanks for the tip. Clarity/correct technique is worth its weight in gold!
Not that I have any gold, but if I did I would share it!

[rnabholz]

I have nothing technical to say or any experience to offer, but I find the image interesting and the effect very worthwhile. A great tool to have in the kit.

Looking forward to more of these.

Thanks

Rod

[KurtM]

My Zeiss WL w/ DIC shipped today so I should have it later this week. The builder, Paul Martin, sent a series of instructional videos for putting it together, and I expect more on how to use it. As you may imagine, I have watched all of them at least twice, and one thing I noticed is that the polarizer has a click stop at the 90 degree position to the analyzer for DIC. Plus, the theory, as best I can understand ray tracing diagrams, calls for exact opposition of the analyzer and polarizer.

Haven't even gotten my scope and already quite the expert, eh?

Whatever -- lovely video and DIC effect!

[75RR]

Thanks rnabholz and KurtM

... the polarizer has a click stop at the 90 degree position to the analyzer for DIC.

Have one of these on my wish list.

Haven't even gotten my scope and already quite the expert, eh?

That "eh" got me checking your location - thought you might be in Canada! :)

"Construction videos" sounds both practical and sensible. Looking forward to seeing your WL

[vasselle]

Bonjour
Très bon test avec beaucoup de détails.
Cordialement seb