Amosite Phase Contrast Dispersion Staining
Transmitted Phase Contrast with one linear Polarizing Filter Oriented Parallel to the
Fiber Length
The D-line refractive index along the length of this sample of amosite asbestos is about 1.706. It matches the
refractive index of the Cargille High Dispersion 1.680 liquid at a wavelength of about 440 nanometers. At this
wavelength the Cargille liquid has a refractive index of about 1.723, as does the amosite. This Type of Dispersion
Staining produces two colors, one for the body and one for the halo outside the particle. The body color here is a
dark gray/blue. The halo color is yellow. The two colors provide a comparison for assigning the wavelength at which
the liquid and the particle match. Phase contrast dispersion staining has a very shallow depth of field and retains
the high resolution of the particle image. This type of dispersion staining works best with small particles or fibers.
It is ideal for asbestos fiber identification.
The D-line refractive index along the length of this sample of amosite asbestos is about 1.706. It matches the
refractive index of the Cargille High Dispersion 1.680 liquid at a wavelength of about 440 nanometers. At this
wavelength the Cargille liquid has a refractive index of about 1.723, as does the amosite. This Type of Dispersion
Staining produces two colors, one for the body and one for the halo outside the particle. The body color here is a
dark gray/blue. The halo color is yellow. The two colors provide a comparison for assigning the wavelength at which
the liquid and the particle match. Phase contrast dispersion staining has a very shallow depth of field and retains
the high resolution of the particle image. This type of dispersion staining works best with small particles or fibers.
It is ideal for asbestos fiber identification.
