A new illuminator from OGGLAB has come into the world: the UL100WB, a universal system for being able to make acquisitions in reflected light (diffused light), grazing light, and dark field, of small subjects.
This system is built around a 10-watt LED illumination with a color temperature of 6500K (4500K and 6500K are available on the larger model), whose light is reflected on the internal aluminum cylindrical walls and the inclined walls of the reflector (made of PETG, which has interesting heat-resistant properties), in the function of the set-up selected.
Cooling is provided by an aluminum heat sink mounted on a 3 mm-thick HPC phenolic laminate, which guarantees perfect isolation from the base.
Light intensity is managed both via a special controller (the same one used for the DB120EB model), allowing optimal acquisition depending on the type of subject to be photographed, or by a direct power supply from the 220V-12V and 2A systems.
The subject is supported by a glass subject holder with dimensions of 150 by 100 mm.
The system is particularly useful in acquiring subjects that possess an approximate size of less than 3 centimeters (unless the illuminator is moved in an XY motion). It is also easily used coupled with a stereo microscope for analysis and study of subjects such as small insects, foraminifera, plants, micro-fossils, and minerals.
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Reflected light
For use with reflected light configurations, two domes with different heights and diameters (90 and 60 mm, respectively) are available to maximize compatibility with optical systems and different sample sizes. If you have subjects that possess a significant sample height, two extensions are available to help focus light on the top of the sample, bringing the domes and extension assemblies to a height of 60mm (40mm + 20mm) and 45mm (35mm + 10mm), respectively. A reflector disk with a diameter of 60 mm, located between the transparent base and the dome, improves the efficiency of the dome, minimizing losses due to the smaller diameter.
The use of diffuse light eliminates the presence of shadows, and the whole subject is evenly illuminated.
Grazing light
The configuration used to acquire images in grazing light is the same as that used with scattered light, with the exception of the two domes that are replaced by two truncated cones that can be coupled with extensions in case relatively high samples were to be encountered.
The cone can be moved off the central axis in order to illuminate according to preferential directions the subject and give rise to different lighting effects that can better highlight particular structures.
The use of incident light, as opposed to scattered light, is used if fine reliefs, textures, and structures that are related to the roughness of the analyzed surface are to be highlighted.
Dark field
The configuration that is used to make dark field acquisitions requires the removal of the inner reflector, the use of the special dark field ring, and the glass stand on which the subject to be observed or photographed will be placed. The light is reflected on the polished circular aluminum wall.
In dark field photography, light reaches the subject at a steep angle, and this technique is used to highlight the edges of the subject, which is illuminated against a dark background (hence the name).
If you are interested in purchasing this lighting system, you can refer to this address: https://www.mjkzz.de/collections/light-solutions/products/ogglab-versatile-led-illumination-system-rd100wb?variant=43472053043445
Image of a shark tooth from the Upper Cretaceuos of Morocco. Image acquired in dark field 
Image of a ostracod from the Pliocene of the Argille di Ortovero (Liguria, Italy), acquired in dark field 
Image of a globigerinid (Foraminifera) from the Pliocene of the Argille di Ortovero (Liguria, Italy), acquired with diffused light 
Conodont (Bryantodus sp.) from the Beechwood Limestone Fm., Upper Middle Devonian, Speed, Indiana acquired in diffuse light 
Conodont (Bryantodus sp.) from the Beechwood Limestone Fm., Upper Middle Devonian, Speed, Indiana acquired in grazing light 
Conodont (Bryantodus sp.) from the Beechwood Limestone Fm., Upper Middle Devonian, Speed, Indiana acquired in dark field
Extreme macro and Paleontology 