Oblique illumination microscope

The oblique illumination microscope is a light microscope used to examine the relief of objects.

Oblique illumination microscope technique

The oblique illumination microscope acts like a conventional light background light microscope with the sample being illuminated from beneath and examined from transmission of light to the lens. The light source projects the beams of light obliquely onto the sample. Lens systems within the microscope lens then focus the light beams.

If the light arrives directly on the sample, the rays diffracted from the two sides of the main ray reach the lens. If the light is oblique, only the rays diffracted from one side are ultimately seen. This method increases the contrast and produces a false relief of the sample.

Use of the oblique illumination microscope

This type of microscopy is suitable for a large range of samples. It can be used to examine living cells or any transparent or semi-transparent object.

Like any light microscope, resolution is limited by the diffraction of light. Whilst the oblique illumination microscope can increase the visibility of some structures, it can also generate artefacts.