Tutorials

An example is given of using new thermal probes (used in the same way as conventional AFM probes) to study a blend of isotactic and syndiotactic polypropylene. A further example is given using a blend of PA6 and PET and in this case it is shown how nanothermal analysis (nano-TA) can be used as a highly complementary technique with Raman microscopy. By combining both techniques it becomes possible to visualize the highly complex morphology of this material. The wider applicability of nano-TA with AFM is also discussed.

Relief phase contrast is a new modification of conventional phase contrast which leads to visible improvements of image quality in light microscopy. In particular, the following parameters can be improved: contrast, focal depth, sharpness, three dimensionality, planeness, and halo artifacts...

This article provides an overview of DIC microscopy, including guidelines for setting up the system correctly.

We present a new set of symmetrical ray diagrams of the optical pathways in transmitted, reflected and epifluorescence light microscopes equipped with infinity-corrected optics.

A method is presented for the determination of high refractive indices in gemstones such as diamond and diamond substitutes, above the limit of 1.8 that can be measured by a conventional refractometer.

This article describes the optical performance of modern objective lenses and discusses criteria for the selection of objectives for a variety of microscope applications including fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, and live cell imaging.