Answer
The image of a differential interference contrast microscope, or DIC microscope, is brightly colored for two reasons. First, the microscope uses two light beams, not one. Second, the two beams are split by prisms, providing a kaleidoscope of contrasting colors which not only make the specimen being scrutinized appear brightly colored, but also gives it a 3D appearance.
Work Step by Step
1. A differential interference contrast (DIC) microscope is similar to a phase-contrast microscope, but also different in two important ways.
2. Like the phase-contrast microscope, DIC microscopes use a combination of direct rays and diffracted rays to generate a microscopic image of a specimen.
3. However, DIC microscopes use two light beams, whereas phase-contrast microscopes only use one.
4. Furthermore, DIC microscopes also use prisms which split these light beams, producing an abundance of contrasting colors.
5. The resulting image is thus highly colorful and appears three-dimensional.
