The best DIC images are determined empirically
, and important factors are:
positions of the
prism
(adjusted by turning the little silver screw above each
objective lens – red arrows in left image) and
the condenser
aperture diaphragm
. Turn the prism screw for the desired
image, and turn the diaphragm ring – 3a [more open
diaphragm gives more contrast and depth of focus].
On the right side of the microscope base, there are 4 buttons for the filter magazine in the
illuminating beam path, and from front-to-back are: neutral density
filters 0.015, 0.06, 0.25, and a conversion filter which converts artificial
halogen light (color temperature of 3200 K) into natural outdoor light
(color temperature of 5500 K). When push buttons are IN or OUT, the
corresponding filters are IN or OUT as well.
Fluorescence microscopy
After turning ON the mercury arch lamp
,
record in the log hook the number on the time
counter and actual time of day.
* Note:
once the arc lamp is ON, it must stay on for at least 30 minutes before being turned
off— when the lamp is turned OFF, it must remain off (to cool) for at least 30 minutes before
being turned ON again.
** Note:
Pull out the analyzer (thin black plastic slider with dark
filter which is below and to the right of the ocular and the large
black metal filter slider) from the light path because it not only
blocks light, but continued exposure to UV light will damage the
filter.
Pull out
Analyzer
