Nomarski differential interference

Nomarski differential interference contrast microscopy is an alternative to phase contrast microscopy which gives an almost three... 

To understand the release mechanism, cryomicrotomy was used to slice 10 m-thick sections throughout the matrices. Viewed under an optical microscope, polymer films cast without proteins appeared as nonporous sheets. Matrices cast with proteins and sectioned prior to release displayed areas of either polymer or protein. Matrices initially cast with proteins and released to exhaustion (e.g., greater than 5 months) appeared as porous films. Pores with diameters as large as 100 /xm, the size of the protein particles, were observed. The structures visualized were also confirmed by Nomarski (differential interference contrast microscopy). It appeared that although pure polymer films were impermeable to macromolecules (2), molecules incorporated in the matrix dissolved once water penetrated the matrix and were then able to diffuse to the surface through pores created as the particles of molecules dissolved. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the pores were interconnected (7). 

The Nomarski differential interference contrast technique accentuates changes in specimen thickness and refractive index in transmission without giving the haloes round fine features that distract from the usefulness of the phase-contrast technique. In reflection, images are obtained that strongly accentuate the topographical features present. 

Nomarski Differential Interference Contrast (DIC). In 1955 the physicist George Nomarski simplified the two-beam interference microscope in a way that it became available for routine microscopy [11 (Fig, 6), DIC uses modified Wollaston prisms (Fig. 6B). lying outside the focal... 

R. D. Allen el al. The Zeiss Nomarski Differential Interference Equipment for Transmitted-Light Microscopy. Z. Wiss. Mikrosk. Mikrosk. Tech, 69 (1969) I93-22I. 

W. Lang Nomarski Differential Interference Contrast Microscopy. Zeiss Inf. 16 (1968) no. 70, 114-120. 

When sections were stained with Sudan IV, some darker areas were apparent. In Fig. 15, in addition to staining preferentially for fat, Nomarski differential interference-contrast microscopy was used. The darkest areas contain lipid and appear raised... 

Fig. 15. Aortic lesion stained to visualize lipid deposits and viewed with Nomarski differential interference-contrast optics (Sudan IV)...

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