An illumination system for a microscope, including a light source for
generating light to illuminate a sample for microscopic observation, at
least one collimating lens for collimating light generated by the light
source, and a darkfield condenser for receiving collimated light and
directing a hollow cone of light onto the sample under observation. The
system optionally includes an adapter for enhancing economy of light
transmission from the light source to the specimen, the adapter having a
centrally disposed spacer and a plurality of optical fibers surrounding
the spacer, to generate a hollow cylinder of light for transmission to
the darkfield condenser. The system provides improved resolution and
contrast, and is well suited for adaptation to fluorescence microscopy
techniques.