Optical Sectioning

This tutorial explores how focus can be varied on thick samples to selectively bring different focal planes into view. Optical sectioning is a technique that is possible with contrast enhancing techniques such as Hoffman modulation contrast.

The tutorial simulates optical section using Hoffman modulation contrast optics combined with other contrast enhancing techniques such as polarized light and darkfield illumination. To operate the tutorial, first select a specimen from the pull-down menu. Next, use the Focus Depth slider to move through different focal planes of the specimen.

Contributing Authors

Mortimer Abramowitz - Olympus America, Inc., Two Corporate Center Drive., Melville, New York, 11747.

Kirill I. Tchourioukanov and Michael W. Davidson - National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, 1800 East Paul Dirac Dr., The Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, 32310.