DIC
(differential interference contrast observation)

Similar to phase contrast observation, this technique is for nearly transparent and colorless specimens which are difficult to see by bright-field observation. A slightly separated pair of polarized light beams propagate through the sample plane together. In an imaging volume of variable refractive index, the two beams may experience different optical path lengths, resulting in a phase difference. When these beams are recombined, they interfere with each other to produce bright-dark contrast.
DIC is generally better for observation of thick specimens than phase contrast observation due to its reduced sensitivity to out-of-focus sample features.

Reference

再生医療等製品の製造所における顕微鏡の設置と維持管理に関するガイドライン2017 (JP), modified

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