[The application of interference contrast microscopy in biology (author's transl)].

Like phase contrast, Nomarski interference contrast microscopy can be used to examine unstained specimens in biology and medicine. The properties of both contrast enhancement techniques are illustrated by various examples. The phase contrast method is especially suited for thin specimens with small differences in refractive index, whereas the interference contrast method supplies good results even of thick specimens. Interference contrast is a valuable supplement to the phase contrast method, and expands the application of microscopy in biology