Optical microscopy contrast modes

Optical microscopy on phase contrast mode allows observation of the different morphologies obtained for each PP/interfacial modifier/PA6 blend. By image analysis techniques, it is possible to carry out statistical field measurements not only of the mean number of particles on the dispersed phase but also of their preferential geometry, mean size, and size distribution. 

CE Jordan, SJ Stranick, RR Cavanagh, LJ Richter, DB Chase. Near-held scanning optical microscopy incorporating Raman scattering for vibrational mode contrast. Surf Sci 435 48-52, 1999. 

As the fine optical fiber can be inserted close to an object in water, the first applications of this instrument have been directed toward high resolution observation of tissue sections and living cells [167]. The associated photon tunneling microscope has been applied to polymer surfaces [168]. In principle all the contrast modes of normal optical microscopy can be used in the near-field and there may be other unique contrast mechanisms [169]. The light signal can be analyzed spectroscopically to give... 

The common contrast modes include polarized light, phase contrast, differential interference contrast, and Hoffman modulation contrast [5]. Depending on the nature of the polymer, such as refraction index, sample thickness, and optical anisotropies in the materials, different modes of transmission optical microscopy can be employed by mounting special accessories in a classic optical microscope to overcome different problems. For example, a polarizer and analyzer can be mounted before and after the sample to construct a polarized light microscope, commonly used for semicrystalline polymers a phase plate and phase ring can be added to construct a phase contrast optical microscopy, which is common for studying a noncrystafline multiphase polymer system. 

Type of microscopy Source Energy (keV) Mode of contrast Optics Resolution (nm)... 

---