Darkfield microscopy is a simple technique for taking transparent specimens that are not stained and making them clearly visible. Darkfield can be used with either a low power
stereo microscope or a high power
biological microscope.
Darkfield illumination is a technique where the direct light path is blocked and only oblique light rays are permitted to hit the specimen. This results in an image that appears to almost be back-lit.
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An example of a
stereo microscope darkfield attachment on the National Optical stereo microscope.
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This is the
high power darkfield attachment for the National Optical
162 biological microscope. This is a simple plug-in type of darkfield attachment that replaces the condenser.
Darkfield microscopy is often used when viewing blood cells, gems, cell membranes and tissue.