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Dark Field Light Microscopy

In this case, a dark background is established, and only the object is illuminated. A special condenser scatters the light and causes the light to hit the object from different directions. Some light is reflected from the object into the lens, and the object is seen clearly, but since there is no direct background light, the surrounding area appears dark

This microscopy is important in the diagnoses of certain diseases when small live organisms near the limit of resolution of the microscope must be observed. For example, the syphilis spirochete, Treponema pallidum may be seen in scrapings taken from a skin lesion. Since stain is not used, the organisms may be seen moving about with a characteristic rotary motion.