metallography dot com logo

Differential Interference Contrast

This is the continuation of an article written by George Vander Voort, former Director of Research and Technology for Buehler Ltd. It was originally published in Buehler's Tech-Notes Volume 1, Issue 3. It is reproduced here with the kind permission of Mr. Vander Voort which he granted while still with Buehler.

The World Beyond Brightfield Illumination!

Differential Interference Contrast

Although incident brightfield illumination is by far the most common illumination mode (except for those who work exclusively with metals like Be, U, Cd, Zr, etc.) used by metallographers, increased use is being made of differential interference contrast (DIC) illumination. The Nomarski system is most commonly used for DIC. It brings out height differences that might not be observed with brightfield. Many years ago, height differences were revealed by oblique illumination. However, this method yields uneven illumination across the field and degrades resolution. Nomarski DIC can reveal features not visible in brightfield - not by increasing resolution but improving image contrast.

Figure 4 demonstrates the use of DIC in the examination of a tungsten heavy-metal alloy (W-7%Ni-3%Fe) which was etched with Kalling's No. 2 reagent.

Figure 4. Microstructure of a tungsten heavy-metal alloy (W - 7% Ni - 3% Fe) etched with Kalling's No. 2 Reagent and viewed with (top photo) brightfield illumination; and, with (bottom photo) Nomarski differential interference contrast illumination. (400x)

Brightfield illumination (Figure 4 top photo) reveals the nearly pure tungsten particles in a Ni-Fe matrix phase and an undesired lamellar constituent. DIC reveals the same information (Figure 4 bottom photo) but with bolder clarity.

Darkfield

Go To:
[Previous Page]
[FAQ]
[Home]
[Vendors]