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Things to Know About the Polarized Light Microscope

The polarized light microscope, which sadly is one of the undervalued investigative tools, offers a wealth of opportunities and potentials. For one thing, it brings with it the benefits of bright field microscopy. For another thing, it exploits the optical characteristics of anisotropy in order to reveal the detailed information regarding the composition and structure of the materials, which are indeed invaluable for diagnostic and identification purposes.

Components of the Microscope

Due to its use in the observation and photography of specimens for their optically anisotropic properties, the polarized light microscope must be equipped with the following components:

* The polarizer is positioned in the light path of the specimen
* The analyzer, which acts as the second polarizer, is positioned in the optical pathway between the observation/camera ports and the objective rear aperture

The image contrast comes from the interaction of the plane-polarized light with the doubly- refracting specimen, which will then generate two individual wave components. In turn, these are polarized in perpendicular planes. The velocities and the propagation direction of these components vary depending on the specimen under study.

After exiting the specimen, said light components subsequently become out of phase. However, the constructive and destructive interference of the analyzer recombine these light components to form a cohesive and detailed image.

When compared with techniques such as bright field and dark field illumination, phase contrast, Hoffman modulation contrast, differential interference contrast, and fluorescence, the technology behind the polarized light microscope is such that it significantly improves on the quality of the specimen image obtained.

Configuration of the Microscope

It must be emphasized that the microscope using polarized light is very similar to the bright field microscope. However, there are significant differences especially in the additional components, which are unique in microscopes of this kind.

Said special components include the abovementioned polarizer and analyzer, the objectives and condenser, the Bertrand lens, the circular graduated stage able to complete a 360-degree rotation, and the opening in the microscope body. The latter may also be used or the intermediate tube for compensators, which include can be a full-wave retardation plate, or quarter-wavelength plate, or a quartz wedge.

When the polarizer and analyzer are removed, the polarized light microscope becomes equal in applications as the common bright field microscope in terms of its optical characteristics. Of course, the other components stay in place.

Alignment of the Microscope

When using the microscope, the proper alignment of all mechanical and optical components is a very critical factor in the proper magnification and observation of the specimens. Thus, proper alignment must be performed before undertaking quantitative analysis either with crossed polarizers or in combinations with compensators and retardation plates. Each specimen requires a different set of alignment so it is always best to refer to the users' manual in this respect.

Indeed, the polarized light microscope has many uses and applications for students and researchers alike. The trick is in using the microscope the proper way, of which experience and common sense in following instructions are the most important in this respect.

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why should a microscope be stored with the objective lens tuned to the lowest power?

please help me on this question thanks alot!! xD

I would think that position would have the lens the farthest away from the stage and therefore away from potential damage.

NASA ISS On-orbit Status Report 20 April 2010
All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below.

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