Darkfield illumination is comparable to viewing star or clusters of stars on a dark night. They seem so near in spite of their great distance from the Earth. Sounds appealing? Well, this is due to a dark background in contrast to the sparkling light of the stars. But this magnificent view can only be seen during night time and with the use of a telescope. Scientists or some science majors on the other hand use darkfield light microscopes; similarly they can give the same magnificent view; only that it can be seen anytime with proper equipment and lighting effects. 

Darkfield microscopes are classified as light microscopes which use dispersed light to exhibit particles that are very small to be seen with regular microscopes. Traditional darkfield microscopy requires only blockage of the light that passes through thus permitting only indirect rays to reach the specimen mounted on the slide of the microscope.  The dark field microscopes divert illumination and light rays thus, making the details of the specimen appear luminous. Aside from the lamination and astounding light rays that dark field light microscopes can produce, they can also be used to many significant activities such as:

1. In the area of human health, particularly in medical investigation. Dark field light microscopes provide good results, especially through the examination of live blood samples.  In the laboratories and clinics, dark field microscopy is highly used to examine blood samples of human. Dark field microscopes can also be used to know the causes of the various health problems in the human body.

Dark field light microscopes make it easier for health professionals to evaluate the properties and other shapes of the human blood vessels.  Through this, health professionals can indicate the nutritional conditions of blood; furthermore, the condition which can have an adverse effect on a person’s health can also be examined. Through dark field microscopy any nutritional disorders can be detected sooner; thus any disorders can be prevented.

2. In biological investigation. Effectively, the dark field light microscopes can yield high magnifications of living bacteria and low magnifications of the tissues and cells of certain organisms. Marine biologists for example, continuously utilize darkfield light microscopes to record and observe salt and fresh water organisms like plankton and algae.

3. In bacteriology laboratory. Certain bacteria and fungi can be studied with the use of dark field microscopes. The color, composition and movement of fungus and bacteria are studied to identify any harmful or useful benefits these organisms can bring.

4. In initial surveying of the pond water samples. Observers can clearly examine the defects on the volume of waters and the geometrical profile of the water surfaces. Living organisms that can affect the pond water can also be classified and pond water samples may be studied by microbiologists for aquatic life survival in the area..

5. In finding cells that are in suspension. Dark field light microscopes are used in initial examination of suspensions of cells like blood cells, chloroplasts, bacteria and mitochondria. This is because live samples in suspension usually appear colorless and will only be visible in a dark background.

6. In schools. Dark field microscopes are obviously useful in school set ups and experiments for student majoring in science courses. Their study on the different specimens may require observations in dark-field to make the images visible. Also, students will be better exposed to technology if they are given the chance to use these types of high-end microscopes.

7. In the study of pollens. Dark field light microscopy can serve very useful in the study of pollen grains. Pollen has been proven to be a major source of allergies. With the advent of dark field microscopy, the characteristics of pollens have been thoroughly studied so that prevention of allergic attacks may be avoided by most patients.

8. In prescribing food supplements. This is done through the study of live blood cells to determine any vitamin or mineral deficiency. With the use of a dark field light microscope, the visibility of the blood cells is at its maximum making its contents recognizable.

So why use dark field light microscopes? The answers are very evident. It is relevant in the many aspects of human life. Even with a simple set up of dark field microscopy, the results can be are very impressive. Most of the time, live specimens will appear invisible. But with the aid of dark-field light microscopy, shadows will create outlines of the specimens, thereby, making them take shape. In other words, normal illumination may not be enough to make the specimen appear visible.