Re: DIY phase contrast annulus

Posted by Smith, Benjamin E. on
URL: http://confocal-microscopy-list.275.s1.nabble.com/DIY-phase-contrast-annulus-tp7584253p7584261.html

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So, I tried reprinting the same image twice on a laser printer compatible transparency and it worked great.  The background is a little blue due to the residual light transmitting through the ink, but the phase contrast image is top notch!  The best part is we can make replacement annuli at about $0.001 per annulus and in about 1 minute to both print and cut out , rather than the going market rate of $200 and a couple days in shipping.

Thanks for all the input,
   Ben Smith
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From: Confocal Microscopy List [[hidden email]] on behalf of Smith, Benjamin E. [[hidden email]]
Sent: Monday, September 28, 2015 6:53 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: DIY phase contrast annulus

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Hey Microscopists,
    A lab here has a nice phase objective but no annulus, so I decided to see if I could make one for them.  I measured the phase plate diameter at the focal plane, and printed out an annulus that lined-up perfectly.  However, too much light gets through the ink to be of much use, so I was wondering if anyone had experience with an easy way to make a fully opaque annulus.

Cheers,
   Ben Smith

Benjamin E. Smith, Ph.D.
Samuel Roberts Noble Microscopy Laboratory
Research Scientist, Confocal Facility Manager
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK 73019
E-mail: [hidden email]
Voice   405-325-4391
FAX  405-325-7619
http://www.microscopy.ou.edu/