Zeiss Axiovert 200 | Phase Contrast vs. Varel Relief Contrast (1 mm Petri Dish Simulation)

This video features a Zeiss Axiovert 200 inverted microscope configured for phase contrast and Varel Relief Contrast (VAREL). We demonstrate imaging of pond water using a variety of long working distance objectives. The video also demonstrates how Varel Relief Contrast produces a pseudo-DIC appearance. To simulate imaging through the bottom of a Petri dish, we image through a standard glass microscope slide (approximately 1 mm thick) with a coverslip placed on the opposite side. Throughout the video, we switch between phase contrast and Varel Relief Contrast to help illustrate the differences between these two contrasting techniques. If you are interested in purchasing a Zeiss Axiovert 200 or another Zeiss or Olympus research microscope (upright, inverted, fluorescence, phase contrast, Varel Relief Contrast, DIC, darkfield, etc.), please contact me directly by email. My email address is available on the About page of this YouTube channel.