Differential Interference Contrast Microscope Using Liquid-Crystal Savart Prisms as the Shear Devices

A differential interference contrast microscope (DICM) is proposed for retrieving images with contour variation information in this research. It is the same as a phase-shifting polarizing microscope except two liquid-crystal Savart prisms inserted in between the objective and sample and it possesses an advantage over conventional DICM of without mechanical movements when switching shear directions. This paper is to introduce the configuration, examination theory, and experimental setup of the DICM; it also exhibits and discusses the experimental results from the uses of the setup; the results confirm the function and capability of the proposed DICM.