The Rose of Jericho ‘a plant full of fire’

The Dutch Society for Microscopy (NGVM) department West, organized a workshop on fluorescence microscopy. An introductory presentation was given on this important application of microscopy. Fluorescence microscopy is used in many different fields, such as in medical science, for example in cytology, but also in other areas such as forensic research, pollen research, mineralogy, etc.

How to avoid extreme highlights from reflecting surfaces

Optimize your illumination system. Extremely applicable in case of image documentation by a digital camera.

Reflected light is polarized light. This physical property is known by everybody who is doing serious photographies with a single lens reflex camera.

Motif: Landscapes, technical buildings, any kind of documentation for newspaper or book.
Solution: A rotatable polarization filter mounted in front of the objective.

Polarization filter of a reflex camera (source)

Rotate the filter until contrast is maximum, reflections are minimum. A new viewing angle requires a new adjustment.

Picture taken with Pol-Filter, interior visible vs Picture taken without Pol-Filter (source)

Some remarks about FLUORESCENCE

In standard light microscopy FLUORESCENCE is clearly one of the most challenging methods. It requires a clear understanding of the scientific background as well as a proper microscope setup: there are many options to miss a satisfying image result. As the costs of a traditional Mercury illumination setup (still the most flexible approach) are remarkable, a beginner in FLUORESCENCE should take his time to evaluate the adequate microscope & filter hardware.

A safe and easy way to operate a Fluorescence microscope for beginners

LEDs are everywhere. This technology is going to roll around also the world of microscopy. For basic illumination purposes, LED technology is already established. Traditional workers will regret the death of the old fashioned Halogen light sources with their emotional high percentage of long wavelengths: think about a candle-light dinner. But LED technology is going to answer this lack of atmosphere by the offer of a large choice of color temperatures. May be this helps.