| | PlasDIC | | Details |
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The differential interference contrast for laboratory routines and reproductive medicine
PlasDIC is the name of the first polarization-optical differential interference contrast which allows the use of plastic dishes for microscopic examinations. The innovative relief contrast, a new version of Nomarski differential interference contrast, is ideal for the routine observation of living cells and for micromanipulation, e.g. ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection). It can, therefore, be applied to a variety of fields, including all cellular biology or molecular biology laboratories at universities, pharmaceutical companies and hospitals, or institutes for reproductive medicine.
All examinations using PlasDIC deliver an impressive quality of optical imaging.
PlasDIC provides the user with more information about the cells to be examined. In particular, it allows better assessment of thick cells which lie in close proximity or form groups. Detailed imaging of thick cell areas is a considerable supplement to current images. Specific cell characteristics during growth, interaction, apoptosis and death can now be more easily recognized. |  Overview Contrasting Methods
 The Principle
Press Release
R&D Award for Carl Zeiss
 PlasDIC
an Innovative Relief Contrast... (205 KB)
PlasDIC
a useful modification of DIC... (700 KB)
Brochure (186 KB)
 Deutsche Version |
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HEK (human embryonal kidney) cells, contrasted with Phase contrast (left) and PlasDIC (right). The same image section is shown. | | |
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| PlasDIC also offers major benefits for ICSI with the Axio Observer. Its high resolution allows better recognition of details (oolemma, fine structures of the zona pellucida, etc.), i.e. as a result ICSI is now even more secure. The high depth of focus provides sufficient information to allow an optimum overview and safe micromanipulation. From assessing the quality of oocytes and sperms, to fertilization control and the ICSI procedure, all necessary steps can be performed easily. | | |
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ICSI (before injection) | 
Embryos after two cell divisions. |
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| A further benefit of PlasDIC is its user friendliness. It is not necessary to change the diaphragm after changing the objective. Centering of the diaphragm is also not required.
The PlasDIC (patent pending) is a low-cost contrasting technique. Unlike with Nomarski DIC a condenser prism is not required. Furthermore, standard objectives can be used. The use of PlasDIC simply requires a coherence diaphragm for the condenser, LD A-Plan objectives, a "PlasDIC slider" and an analyzer. | | |
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 | October 2004, Carl Zeiss Microscopy is one of the winners of the renowned R&D 100 Awards granted every year by the R&D Magazine. |
| | Press Release
R&D Award for Carl Zeiss |
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