Zeiss Axioplan 2 imaging DIC Fluar Objectives Upright Microscope

This video features a Zeiss Axioplan 2 Imaging upright microscope configured for Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) and fluorescence microscopy. In this video, we demonstrate imaging of pond-water samples using several objectives while comparing normal brightfield illumination with DIC. Although this microscope is fully configured for fluorescence, fluorescence imaging is not demonstrated in this video. An important feature of this particular microscope configuration is the use of higher numerical aperture (NA) objectives. Higher numerical aperture provides improved resolution and is also particularly beneficial for fluorescence microscopy because of the greater light-gathering capability. For example: 20x Fluar — NA 0.75 A typical Plan-Neofluar 20x has an NA of approximately 0.50. 40x Oil Fluar — NA 1.30 A typical dry Plan-Neofluar 40x has an NA of approximately 0.75. We demonstrate DIC using the following objectives: 20x Fluar 40x Oil Fluar 100x Oil Fluar DIC has an important advantage over phase contrast when high-resolution imaging is desired. DIC can make fuller use of the numerical aperture of the objective and condenser, whereas phase contrast relies on a condenser annulus and a phase ring in the objective that restrict the effective aperture. As a result, DIC can provide improved resolution and finer image detail, particularly when using high numerical aperture objectives. Throughout the video, we switch between the 20x Fluar, 40x Oil Fluar, and 100x Oil Fluar objectives. With each objective, we demonstrate: Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) Normal brightfield Although fluorescence imaging is not demonstrated in this video, all of these objectives can also be used for fluorescence applications. If you are interested in purchasing a Zeiss Axioplan 2 Imaging microscope or another Zeiss or Olympus microscope, including upright, inverted, fluorescence, phase contrast, Varel Relief Contrast, DIC, darkfield, or other specialized configurations, please contact me directly by email. My email address is available on the About page of this YouTube channel. The specimen images shown on the monitor are actual images produced by this microscope during the demonstration. They are not AI-generated or simulated images.