Characterization of dark-field microscopy performance under a transmissive LCD as a programmable photomask

Abstract

A dark-field microscopy setup with a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel as a photomask was constructed for the study. Varying photomask diameters were displayed on the LCD, and microscope images were acquired. Different photomask patterns were displayed as well to demonstrate other microscopy techniques. Results show that a transmissive LCD is capable of blocking illumination for dark-field microscopy.