Contrast Methods in Microscopy: Rheinberg Illumination
THE MICROSCOPE
2014, Volume 62:4, pp. 157–169
DOI
https://doi.org/10.59082/DWIU3007
AUTHORS
Andrew A. Havics
ABSTRACT
In 1896, Julius Rheinberg introduced a color contrast method to the microscopy world. This method uses colored discs relatively near the back focal planes of the objective, or more commonly, near the aperture focal plane of the condenser to provide a colored specimen on a colored background. Almost any microscope can be modified to generate this style of imaging, which can be accomplished using a few practical options. The Rheinberg technique is a modification of the darkfield (or darkground) method of illumination and the color contrast enhances the visibility of specimens and their texture. It also provides an esthetically pleasing view of specimens worthy of photomicrography awards.