Olympus WI-DICTHRA2 DIC Prism for WI-SRE3/WI-SNPXLU2

The Olympus WI-DICTHRA2 is the version 2 high resolution Nomarski differential interference contrast (DIC) prism for the Olympus BX51WI and BX61WI upright water immersion microscopes, compatible with the WI-SRE2, WI-SRE3, WI-SSNP, and WI-SNPXLU-2 water immersion nosepieces. As a Nomarski DIC prism, the WI-DICTHRA2 converts refractive index and thickness gradients in the specimen into amplitude contrast, producing a high-contrast pseudo-three-dimensional relief image of transparent, unstained living specimens. The high resolution designation indicates this prism is optimized for maximum spatial resolution — essential for resolving individual neurons, fine dendritic processes, and subcellular structures in live brain slices and acute tissue preparations. The WI-DICTHRA2 uses a Sénarmont DIC configuration: all contrast adjustments are performed via the ¼ wave plate positioned below the condenser rather than by rotating the prism, eliminating any risk of disturbing the stage, specimen, patch pipettes, or manipulators during contrast optimization. The BX51WI and BX61WI platforms are the gold standard for physiological experiments including patch-clamp electrophysiology and intravital microscopy, and support infrared (IR) DIC imaging for deeper penetration into thick tissue slices. This unit is in excellent condition with flawless optics at a significant discount from the list price. Built to Olympus factory specifications (catalog number U-P2452).