Infrared color photomicrography of soil microorganisms

Abstract

The infrared color photomicrography technique for detecting unstained microbial cells in soil is revised for use with Kodak's recently introduced Ektachrome infrared film. This new version of the film required achromatic objectives instead of apochromats, and the use of a blue filter in addition to the previously required red filter. These filters also improve the visual focus capability of the operator. It was found that dry soil smears can be photographed as either immersion oil or aqueous mounts. Several makes of bright-field transmitted-light microscopes gave similar results. Phase microscopy, however, produced deteriorated image quality although the proper 'false' colors were produced.