Colors Under the Microscope

Monochromatic Colors

. . . Objective Back Focal Plane Colors

The resolution of the microscope is determined by the objective and the condenser. Numerical apurture is important but the diffraction maxima collected at the back focal plane of the objective is more important. The eyepiece must provide sufficient magnification for the observer to see what is being resolved. The images below provide a simple example.

$Diffraction Pattern at Back Focal Plane$ $Darkfield Diffraction Pattern at Back Focal Plane$
$Diffraction Pattern at Back Focal Plane$

Brightfield Image of 1.9 micrometer Diffration Grating

Oblique Image of 1.9 micrometer Diffration Grating

. . . Carbon Fiber Diffraction Colors