Epi DIC question

Here you can discuss different microscopic techniques and illumination methods, such as Brightfield, Darkfield, Phase Contrast, DIC, Oblique illumination, etc.
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Rossf
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Location: Victoria Australia

Epi DIC question

#1 Post by Rossf » Fri May 07, 2021 10:37 pm

Does Epi DIC only work with completely opaque materials (ie metal,rock,wafers,my cat) to emphasise super detail in birefringence or does it work also on semi opaque materials like crystals,or say a dark flat leaf or maybe a soil smear on a slide? Especially clay.
Regards ross

Scarodactyl
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Re: Epi DIC question

#2 Post by Scarodactyl » Sat May 08, 2021 12:15 am

It works fine on anything with a relatively flat, brightly reflective surface. So a completely transparent crystal with a naturally polished surface is no problem. I haven't tried any leaves, and I would suspect they might tend to be too curved to get a good reflection off of.

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Rossf
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Re: Epi DIC question

#3 Post by Rossf » Sat May 08, 2021 8:57 am

Cheers Scarodactyl. When you say brightly reflective does that include wet objects bouncing back light?
Regards ross

Scarodactyl
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Re: Epi DIC question

#4 Post by Scarodactyl » Sun May 09, 2021 6:33 pm

When I cpean samples with alcohol the surface of the alcohol does give good reflections while it lasts.

Greg Howald
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Re: Epi DIC question

#5 Post by Greg Howald » Sun May 09, 2021 10:00 pm

In this circumstance I have been known to cheat by placing a flat mirror under the specimen with transparent or translucent materials and have had good success.
When using opaque specimens I have been satisfied with the tiny bit of extra oblique lighting.
Greg

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Rossf
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Re: Epi DIC question

#6 Post by Rossf » Tue May 11, 2021 11:38 pm

Thanks Greg Howald
Regards ross

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