Nomarski microscopy, also known as differential interference contrast (DIC), is a specialized technique used in microscopy to enhance the contrast of transparent or semi-transparent samples. It is widely employed in biological and material sciences to visualize the fine details of cells, tissues, and other structures that may not be visible under conventional brightfield microscopy.
Nomarski microscopy relies on the principle of interference contrast to create a three-dimensional appearance in the image. It uses a polarizing beam splitter to split the incoming light into two orthogonal components, which are then recombined after passing through the sample. This creates a phase shift between the components, leading to a variation in the intensity of the light reaching the detector.
Nomarski microscopy is an advanced imaging technique that provides valuable insights into the microstructure of biological and non-biological samples. Its ability to enhance contrast and visualize fine details makes it a powerful tool for research and diagnostics.