Skip to content

JASCO JASCO

  • News
  • Events
  • E-Store
  • My Account
  • Contact Us
  • Worldwide
Search
Click to view menu
MENUMENU
  • Products
    • Chromatography
      • HPLC
      • RHPLC
      • UHPLC
      • LC-MS
      • Preparative LC
      • Analytical SFC
      • Semi-Preparative SFC
      • Hybrid SFC
      • Fuel Analysis by SFC-FID
      • Preparative SFC
      • Supercritical Fluid Extraction
      • Chromatography Software
    • Molecular Spectroscopy
      • Circular Dichroism
      • High-Throughput CD
      • Vibrational CD
      • Circularly Polarized Luminescence (CPL)
      • Polarimeters
      • FTIR Spectrometers
      • FTIR Microscopy
      • FTIR Portable
      • Raman Microscopy
      • Palmtop Raman Spectrometer
      • Probe Raman
      • UV-Visible/NIR Spectrophotometers
      • UV-Visible/NIR Microscopy
      • Fluorescence Spectrophotometers
      • Film Thickness
      • Spectra Manager™ Suite
    • Refurbished
      • Refurbished HPLC Systems
      • HPLC Switching Valves
      • FTIR Accessories
  • Service
    • Service and Support Plans
    • Service Request Form
  • Applications
  • KnowledgeBase
  • Learning Center
    • Best Practice
      • Circular Dichroism Tips & Tricks for Biological Samples
      • CD Scale Calibration with ACS
      • Fluorescence Tips & Tricks
      • Raman Spectroscopy Tips & Tricks
    • Training Videos
      • ChromNAV
      • SF-NAV
      • Circular Dichroism
      • UV-Visible/NIR
      • Fluorescence
    • Training Seminars
      • Training Registration Form
    • Webinars
    • eBooks
    • Theory
      • Theory of Molecular Spectroscopy
      • Chromatography
  • About Us
    • President’s Message
    • Contact
    • History
    • Careers
  • News
  • Events
  • Worldwide
  • Shop
  • My Account
  • Contact Us

Home / Applications / Observation and Measurement examples using Dark-field and MIX observation

  • Industry

  • Technique

Observation and Measurement examples using Dark-field and MIX observation

By Carlos Morillo

PDF IconDownload This Application

January 5, 2024

Introduction

In Raman microscopy, the quality of sample observation is essential for identifying suitable measurement points. The NRS Series of Raman spectrometers can be used with various types of observation: Bright-field (epi-illumination), Bright-field (transmitted illumination), Dark-field, MIX, Polarized and Differential Interference.

This application note introduces two of these methods: Dark-field and MIX observation, which are recommended for observation of colored and heterogeneous samples.

What is Dark-field observation?

Bright-field observation is most common, and uses light irradiated from the center of the objective lens, and the reflected light is collected. Dark-field observation differs in that the light is irradiated from outside of the objective lens by using ring-illumination, and the scattered light and diffracted light are collected. This results in observation of the scattered and diffracted light reflected from the sample in a dark field of view.

Advantage #1 Observation of colored sample

In Dark-field observation, the color (except for black) of the sample can be observed clearly. Since the background will become dark, black samples can be difficult to observe.

Advantage #2 Observation of heterogeneous sample

Dark-field observation is very effective for observing heterogeneous samples (several 10 nm). Although Differential Interference observation is often used for this type of sample (several nm), its observation filter has to be removed when performing the measurement, because of the difference between the optical path for observation and that for Raman measurement. On the other hand, Dark-field observation enables Raman measurement with the same objective lens without changing filters.

What is MIX observation?

MIX observation is the attractive technique combining both “Bright-field” and “Dark-field” observation, and offers excellent observation of images by utilizing the unique advantages of both methods. Especially, MIX mode observation can be used to observe black samples, which the Dark-field observation is not well suited to.

Figure 1. Examples of sample observation (Bright-field, Dark-field and MIX)

Experimental

Dark-field and MIX observation are performed using a dedicated objective lens with LED illumination arranged in a ring*. Since the objective lens and the illumination can be mounted/dismounted easily, other observation methods such as the Bright-field can be easily exchanged. In addition, the direction of illumination for Dark-field observation can be changed, and the target in the observed image can be selectively emphasized.

* Dark-field and MIX observation only work with a dedicated objective revolver (factory option only).

Figure 2. NRS-4500 Raman Spectrometer

Observation and measurement example: Multivitamin

An NRS-4500 Raman spectrometer (Figure 2) was used for this measurement, and particles in a vitamin capsule were observed using Dark-field and MIX modes. Using Dark-field mode the white and yellow particles could be clearly identified against a dark background, and in MIX mode the white and yellow particles could be clearly identified against a bright background (Figure 3). These particles were measured at appropriate excitation wavelengths (white: 532 nm, yellow: 785 nm), and a database search was performed on the obtained spectra. From the result of the database search, the white particles were identified as vitamin C, and yellow particles as vitamin B2. Identifying the color when observing the sample provides additional useful information about the components and their correlation with the obtained Raman spectra.

Figure 3. Raman measurement of multivitamin
Observation image (left), Raman spectra and database search results (right)

Using Dark-field and MIX observation modes, it is possible to more clearly observe the color and surface heterogeneity such as sample color, surface scratches/defects, and shapes that were difficult to see with conventional observation methods. Enhancement of observation helps with better identification of the measurement point, and enables faster, more reliable measurement of spectral data. These observation modes are recommended for the following sample types.

–  Color information on fabrics, particles, printing etc.

–  Heterogeneous information on rocks and minerals, scratches on color panels etc.

System ConfigurationModelDescriptionPart Number
Main UnitNRS-4500-532Raman Spectrometer7118-J051A
OptionsRMIX4MIX observation unit
(Factory Option)
7118-J255A
LMPLFLN20xBDObjective lens, x20, for Dark-field (Vis range)1108-0134
785 nm laser upgrade package (Factory Option)7118-J201A

Keywords

260-AN-0020

This document has been prepared based on information available at the time of publication and is subject to revision without notice. Although the contents are checked with the utmost care, we do not guarantee their accuracy or completeness. JASCO Corporation assumes no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage incurred as a result of the use of any information contained in this document. Copyright and other intellectual property rights in this document remain the property of JASCO Corporation. Please do not attempt to copy, modify, redistribute, or sell etc. in whole or in part without prior written permission.

Featured Products:

  • NRS-4500 Confocal Raman Microscope

  • NRS-5000 Series Confocal Raman Microscope

About the Author

Dr. Carlos Morillo received his Post Doc at Advanced Industrial Science & Technology in Fukuoka and was a Research Scientist at Kyushu University in Japan where he lived for several years. Carlos received his Doctor of Engineering from Kyushu University and his Masters and BS from Simon Bolivar University in Caracas Venezuela. He is an Applications Scientist at JASCO.

JASCO Application Note

Observation and Measurement examples using Dark-field and MIX observation

Introduction

In Raman microscopy, the quality of sample observation is essential for identifying suitable measurement points. The NRS Series of Raman spectrometers can be used with various types of observation: Bright-field (epi-illumination), Bright-field (transmitted illumination), Dark-field, MIX, Polarized and Differential Interference.

This application note introduces two of these methods: Dark-field and MIX observation, which are recommended for observation of colored and heterogeneous samples.

What is Dark-field observation?

Bright-field observation is most common, and uses light irradiated from the center of the objective lens, and the reflected light is collected. Dark-field observation differs in that the light is irradiated from outside of the objective lens by using ring-illumination, and the scattered light and diffracted light are collected. This results in observation of the scattered and diffracted light reflected from the sample in a dark field of view.

Advantage #1 Observation of colored sample

In Dark-field observation, the color (except for black) of the sample can be observed clearly. Since the background will become dark, black samples can be difficult to observe.

Advantage #2 Observation of heterogeneous sample

Dark-field observation is very effective for observing heterogeneous samples (several 10 nm). Although Differential Interference observation is often used for this type of sample (several nm), its observation filter has to be removed when performing the measurement, because of the difference between the optical path for observation and that for Raman measurement. On the other hand, Dark-field observation enables Raman measurement with the same objective lens without changing filters.

What is MIX observation?

MIX observation is the attractive technique combining both “Bright-field” and “Dark-field” observation, and offers excellent observation of images by utilizing the unique advantages of both methods. Especially, MIX mode observation can be used to observe black samples, which the Dark-field observation is not well suited to.

Figure 1. Examples of sample observation (Bright-field, Dark-field and MIX)

Experimental

Dark-field and MIX observation are performed using a dedicated objective lens with LED illumination arranged in a ring*. Since the objective lens and the illumination can be mounted/dismounted easily, other observation methods such as the Bright-field can be easily exchanged. In addition, the direction of illumination for Dark-field observation can be changed, and the target in the observed image can be selectively emphasized.

* Dark-field and MIX observation only work with a dedicated objective revolver (factory option only).

Figure 2. NRS-4500 Raman Spectrometer

Observation and measurement example: Multivitamin

An NRS-4500 Raman spectrometer (Figure 2) was used for this measurement, and particles in a vitamin capsule were observed using Dark-field and MIX modes. Using Dark-field mode the white and yellow particles could be clearly identified against a dark background, and in MIX mode the white and yellow particles could be clearly identified against a bright background (Figure 3). These particles were measured at appropriate excitation wavelengths (white: 532 nm, yellow: 785 nm), and a database search was performed on the obtained spectra. From the result of the database search, the white particles were identified as vitamin C, and yellow particles as vitamin B2. Identifying the color when observing the sample provides additional useful information about the components and their correlation with the obtained Raman spectra.

Figure 3. Raman measurement of multivitamin
Observation image (left), Raman spectra and database search results (right)

Using Dark-field and MIX observation modes, it is possible to more clearly observe the color and surface heterogeneity such as sample color, surface scratches/defects, and shapes that were difficult to see with conventional observation methods. Enhancement of observation helps with better identification of the measurement point, and enables faster, more reliable measurement of spectral data. These observation modes are recommended for the following sample types.

–  Color information on fabrics, particles, printing etc.

–  Heterogeneous information on rocks and minerals, scratches on color panels etc.

System ConfigurationModelDescriptionPart Number
Main UnitNRS-4500-532Raman Spectrometer7118-J051A
OptionsRMIX4MIX observation unit
(Factory Option)
7118-J255A
LMPLFLN20xBDObjective lens, x20, for Dark-field (Vis range)1108-0134
785 nm laser upgrade package (Factory Option)7118-J201A

Keywords

260-AN-0020

This document has been prepared based on information available at the time of publication and is subject to revision without notice. Although the contents are checked with the utmost care, we do not guarantee their accuracy or completeness. JASCO Corporation assumes no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage incurred as a result of the use of any information contained in this document. Copyright and other intellectual property rights in this document remain the property of JASCO Corporation. Please do not attempt to copy, modify, redistribute, or sell etc. in whole or in part without prior written permission.
28600 Mary’s Court, Easton, MD 21601 USA • (800) 333-5272 • Fax: (410) 822-7526 • jascoinc.com/applications

Close

Designed in Tokyo. TRUSTED globally.

View our support plans

Connect with JASCO

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • JASCO Sales
  • 800-333-5272

Receive the latest promotions and special offers

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Careers
  • Press Kit
  • JASCO Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Environmental Policy

© , JASCO. All Rights Reserved.