refractive index and interference

[coucoucbm]

Hi all,

For the savvy microscope"rs" in this forum I have a simple question that had asked me one student:
This is the text of his question. Any help will be appreciated, thx

0.6 wavelength vs. 0.4 wavelength
In a phase contrast image, would an organelle that causes the wave to be 0.4 wavelengths ahead of the surround and 0.6 wavelengths ahead appear the same color. They are both 0.1 wavelength away from maximum destructive interference (0.5 wavelengths and black) and thus I would imagine they would both appear the same shade of grey.

If this is the case, how can you tell if grey objects have a refractive index above or below black objects?

[wmoore]

Hi,

I'm afraid most of the users of these lists are not microscopy experts so we can't really help you (although someone might).

Probably a better place to ask these sorts of questions is the confocal e-mail list: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy

Despite it's name, this is not limited to confocal microscopy.

Hope that helps,

Will.

[coucoucbm]

Hi Wmoore,

Thank you for your post and the link. However, I was not able to post my question. I think posting is restrict privilege.

Thank you anyway
Best

[wmoore]

I think you have to sign up to be a member of the list (this is not restricted).

They probably don't allow posting to the list unless you're a signed-up member. I joined the list without any 'authority' etc.