Editing Optical microscope (section)

===Illumination techniques===
{{main|Microscopy}}
Many techniques are available which modify the light path to generate an improved [[contrast (vision)|contrast]] image from a sample. Major techniques for generating increased contrast from the sample include [[Polarized light microscopy|cross-polarized light]], [[dark field]], [[phase contrast]] and [[differential interference contrast]] illumination. A recent technique ([[Sarfus]]) combines [[Polarized light microscopy|cross-polarized light]] and specific contrast-enhanced slides for the visualization of nanometric samples.{{cn|date=December 2024}}
<gallery caption="Four examples of transilumination techniques used to generate contrast in a sample of [[tissue paper]]. 1.559 μm/pixel." align="center">
File:Paper Micrograph Bright.png|[[Bright field microscopy|Bright field]] illumination, sample contrast comes from [[absorbance]] of light in the sample.
File:Paper Micrograph Cross-Polarised.png|[[Polarized light microscopy|Cross-polarized light]] illumination, sample contrast comes from rotation of [[Polarization (waves)|polarized]] light through the sample.
File:Paper Micrograph Dark.png|[[Dark field]] illumination, sample contrast comes from light [[scattered radiation|scattered]] by the sample.
File:Paper Micrograph Phase.png|[[Phase contrast]] illumination, sample contrast comes from [[Interference (wave propagation)|interference]] of different path lengths of light through the sample.
</gallery>