Re: My proposal for new (?) variant of interference microscopy

Baker marketed such an interference system already in the 50's. I
think it was called 'double focus'. The negative IC image showed DIC-
like 3D.

René.



On 7 feb, 03:49, "Neil B." <neil_del...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
I speculate that a vertical analog of differential interference microscopy
might provide interesting results.  Perhaps it could be called Vertical
Differential Interference Microscopy.  Imagine the beams split by perhaps
calcite lenses of low curvature (or the equivalent) such that the critical
foci would be separated by less than the depth of focus. Tiny refractive
bodies and edges of larger ones should show interference contrast upon
recombination. VDIC would not be directional like NDIC, and I don't think it
would look the same as Zeiss C-DIC either.  (However, circular polarization
might be better for VDIC also.)  The effect might be rather subtle in most
cases, but with white light creating delicate color contrasts, the eye is
sensitive enough to discern slight interference.  One advantage is, bodies
would stand out due to edge effects but the overall background inside would
be fairly uniform.  Also, the image would be less confusing than from NDIC.
What do you think?  I can't afford time/money to patent this, so I guess
I'll just put it out here and see if anyone is interested.

Neil Bates

Some refs for C-DIC:

http://www.zeiss.com/41256AFB004A4E21/WebViewTopNewsAllE/EE6E5B80BDBD...

http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0oGkjtLb6pH670AUy1XNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE5cG9zZ....

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