ARC-microscopy--a novel microscopic technique used in microbiological studies.

ARC-microscopy (azimuth relief contrast; a new method of optical microscopy in transmitted light developed in cooperation with Lambda Ltd. Prague) was used to study fungi and algae at both low and higher (480-2880x) magnification. The novel ARC condenser features a higher resolving power, higher contrast and stronger three-dimensional effect than the standard condenser particularly when studying elongated structures that are present in a random orientation in the specimen. The results of these microscopic observations can be used for both morphological (taxonomical) and ecological studies of microorganisms.