Methods of capturing improved-contrast mode spectra of a double ion-exchanged (DIOX) glass sample using prism coupling of index np. The DIOX glass sample has a refractive index profile with a first region adjacent the surface that satisfies 0.0005 ≤  λ n ⁢ ⅆ n ⅆ x  ≤ 0.0009 , where λ is a wavelength of measuring light. The prism-sample interface includes an interfacing liquid of index nf that differs from np by no more than 0.03, and that can exceed np. The mode spectra have a contrast that is higher than that obtained by conventional prism coupling by using gradient illumination or partially blocked illumination that reduces the amount of background reflected light from the coupling prism. The improved-contrast mode spectra can be processed using conventional means to determine at least one stress characteristic of the DIOX glass sample.