Abstract
In this chapter I discuss the differential interference contrast (DIC) microscope and how it converts an optical path length gradient in a transparent and would-be invisible object into a difference in intensity that results in a visible pseudo-relief or shadow cast image. DIC optics is commonly known as Nomarski optics. The relationship between the object and the image in a DIC microscope can be described mathematically since the spatial gradient in the optical path length is mathematically equivalent to the first spatial derivative of the optical path length. Since the DIC microscope is based on polarized light passing through the specimen, the pseudo-relief image is degraded if the specimen or the specimen holder is birefringent. The depth of field in a DIC microscope is so small that we say that it produces optical sections.
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