Saran's Learn Microbiology

 

 

  DIFFERENTIAL INTERFERENCE CONTRAST (DIC) MICROSCOPY ·        Many biological specimens cannot be effectively visualized using ordinary Bright field  microscopy because their images produce very little contrast, rendering them essentially invisible. ·        Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) microscopy is an excellent microscopy technique that introduces contrast to images of specimens which have little or no contrast when viewed using Brightfield microscopy. ·        Differential Interference contrast (DIC) microscopy was invented by Francis Smith in 1947 and further developed by the French Physicist Georges Nomarski in the 1952 as an improvement over Phase contrast microscopy.  DIC is sometimes referred to as Nomarski microscopy. ·        Differential Interference contrast (DIC) microscopy is best for visualizing unstained samples. ·        Images produced using Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) optics have a distinct relief-like, shadow-cast appearance givin

  PHASE CONTRAST MICROSCOPE ·        Phase Contrast Microscope is a Light microscopy technique used to enhance the Contrast of Images of Transparent and Colourless specimens. ·        Phase Contrast Microscope was first described in 1934 by Dutch Physicist Frits Zernike for which later in 1953 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics. ·        Phase Contrast Microscope enables visualization of cells and cell components that would be difficult to see using an ordinary Light microscope. ·        Phase Contrast Microscopy is especially useful for the examination of internal structures in living microorganisms. In addition, it is not necessary to fix (attach the microbes to the microscope slide) or stain the specimen that could distort or kill the microorganisms. ·        In Phase Contrast Microscope, Specimen is contrasted against a Gray background. ·        Fluorescence staining can be used in combination with Phase contrast to further improve the visualization of samples.

 

 

CONFOCAL MICROSCOPE ·        A Confocal microscope is a type of microscope that uses laser light to produce high-resolution images of samples at different depths within the sample. ·        The basic principle of Confocal Microscopy is that the Illumination and Detection optics are focused on the same Diffraction-limited spot, which is moved over the sample to build the complete image on the detector. ·        The modern Confocal microscope has all the possible integration of technology and mechanical components including optical components, which perform the primary function of the configuration by use of electronic detectors, a computer, and laser systems. ·        Over the past three decades, Confocal microscopy has evolved as a useful, non-invasive, imaging technology that has diagnostic and prognostic implications. ·        Confocal microscopes are widely used in many different fields, including Biology, Medicine, and Materials science, to study the structure and function of cells