This is description of this part:
Nomarski interference contrast prism (NIC / Nomarski DIC) Olympus 100 for reflected light (EPI) work with Olympus MS Plan 100x objectives.
Basic technical parameters of the prism:
Manufacturer: Olympus (Japan)
Marking: 100 Olympus
Serial number: 201532
Supported objective: Olympus MSPlan 100 0.95 ∞/0 f=180 (manufacturer catalog number: 1-LM544)
Male thread: RMS
Female thread: RMS
Contrast method: Nomarski interference contrast (abbreviation: NIC)
Illumination: a compatible reflected light (EPI) illuminator is required
The prism is housed in a suitably shaped metal casing. On one side there is a male thread, on the other a female thread. Mechanically, the prism is screwed with its male thread into the objective nosepiece - and the Olympus MSPlan 100 0.95 ∞/0 f=180 objective is screwed into its female thread.
This prism is essential for reflected light observation using the DIC technique. With this technique, details of the observed surface appear three-dimensional and raised, revealing details that remain invisible in classic reflected light brightfield.
What is this part needed for?
- if you own an Olympus microscope with a compatible reflected light (EPI) illuminator and the only thing missing for a complete DIC / NIC system for the 100x objective is this particular prism
- if you have such a prism but it is damaged, e.g. delaminated, cracked or scratched
- if you like to be prepared and want to keep such a prism as a spare
- if you do not have a complete Olympus DIC / NIC system yet but are building it piece by piece and this is one of the missing elements
