What effect does a special condenser have in dark field microscopy?

In dark field microscopy, a special condenser is utilized to allow only reflected light from the specimen to enter the objective lens, which creates a bright image against a dark background. This setup is particularly advantageous for observing live specimens and transparent organisms that would otherwise be difficult to see with standard bright field microscopy. By blocking direct light and only allowing scattered light from the specimen, the dark field technique enhances the visibility of edges and details, making it easier to identify structures that might be indistinct in other types of microscopy. This mechanism of using reflected light is what distinguishes dark field microscopy from other methods, effectively highlighting the specimen while keeping the background dark.