How a dark field microscope works
A dark-field microscope is a device that allows you to obtain full-fledged images of transparent, non-absorbing objects that are invisible when viewed in a bright field. For further details, go here: dark field microscopy
The microscope uses a dark field method. The principle of operation of a dark-field microscope is as follows: a stream of light illuminating an object does not enter the lens, but passes through a dark-field condenser and forms an image only with light. As a result, when viewed through a microscope, you can see an image of the object under study against a dark background - a structure and elements with light edges.
Hemoscanning in a dark field microscope
The dark field microscope shows even the smallest particles that you cannot see with a regular optical microscope. Usually it is used in medicine - to study bacteria, blood cells. In particular, dark-field microscopy is used for the purpose of hemoscanning - the analysis of "live" blood cells.
How does this scan take place? A drop of blood from the finger is taken from the patient, as in the traditional analysis. This drop is immediately placed under the lens of the microscope, allowing the doctor to see in real time how white blood cells, platelets and red blood cells move in the blood.
Hemoscanning with a dark-field microscope gives a chance to assess the state of the patient's immune system and its ability to regenerate.
The microscope uses a dark field method. The principle of operation of a dark-field microscope is as follows: a stream of light illuminating an object does not enter the lens, but passes through a dark-field condenser and forms an image only with light. As a result, when viewed through a microscope, you can see an image of the object under study against a dark background - a structure and elements with light edges.
Hemoscanning in a dark field microscope
The dark field microscope shows even the smallest particles that you cannot see with a regular optical microscope. Usually it is used in medicine - to study bacteria, blood cells. In particular, dark-field microscopy is used for the purpose of hemoscanning - the analysis of "live" blood cells.
How does this scan take place? A drop of blood from the finger is taken from the patient, as in the traditional analysis. This drop is immediately placed under the lens of the microscope, allowing the doctor to see in real time how white blood cells, platelets and red blood cells move in the blood.
Hemoscanning with a dark-field microscope gives a chance to assess the state of the patient's immune system and its ability to regenerate.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Dark Field Research
The most obvious benefit of the darkfield method is the unique ability to study transparent objects that brightfield microscopes cannot provide. In addition, the principle of operation of dark-field microscopes is optimal for displaying objects with smooth transitions along the edges, which practically do not cast shadows.
As for the disadvantages, these include the need to use powerful light sources (after all, usually most of the light flux does not enter the lens). Such sources can damage or even destroy the sample under study.
In addition, thick slides cannot be used with a dark-field microscope. When observed, the focus shifts from the sample to the inside of the glass when the glass is more than 1.2 mm thick.
Finally, you will not be able to draw any conclusions about the transparency of the elements of the studied object and their refractive index.
However, all these disadvantages are compensated by the ability of the dark-field microscope to show objects “invisible” in the light field.
In our online store you can buy high quality dark field microscopes from well-known manufacturers. If you need advice on choosing, please contact our staff for advice!
The most obvious benefit of the darkfield method is the unique ability to study transparent objects that brightfield microscopes cannot provide. In addition, the principle of operation of dark-field microscopes is optimal for displaying objects with smooth transitions along the edges, which practically do not cast shadows.
As for the disadvantages, these include the need to use powerful light sources (after all, usually most of the light flux does not enter the lens). Such sources can damage or even destroy the sample under study.
In addition, thick slides cannot be used with a dark-field microscope. When observed, the focus shifts from the sample to the inside of the glass when the glass is more than 1.2 mm thick.
Finally, you will not be able to draw any conclusions about the transparency of the elements of the studied object and their refractive index.
However, all these disadvantages are compensated by the ability of the dark-field microscope to show objects “invisible” in the light field.
In our online store you can buy high quality dark field microscopes from well-known manufacturers. If you need advice on choosing, please contact our staff for advice!