Interference Contrast Microscopy

Interference Contrast Microscopy enhances the visibility of transparent, unstained specimens by exploiting differences in how light waves pass through them. When light interacts with the sample, it changes slightly based on the sample’s structure. The microscope then mixes these light waves, causing interference patterns that highlight internal features without staining or labeling. This technique reveals fine details and contrasts in living cells or transparent materials, making previously invisible structures stand out clearly. It’s a powerful, non-invasive method widely used in biological and material sciences to observe specimens in their natural state.