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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye

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 it is use in the observation and photography of specimens for there 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 2nd polarizer, is positioned in the optical pathway betwixt the observation/camera ports and the objective rear aperture

The picture contrast comes from the interaction of the plane-polarized light with the doubly- refracting specimen, which will so generate two individual wave components. In turn, those art polarized in perpendicular planes. The velocities and the propagation direction of those components vary depending on the specimen below study.

After exiting the specimen, verbalized 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 dull field illumination, phase contrast, Hoffman modulation contrast, differential interference contrast, and fluorescence, the technology be hind 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 really similar to the bright field microscope. However, there art significant differences especially in the additional components, which are unique in microscopes of this kind.

Said extraordinary components include the abovementioned polarizer and analyzer, the objectives and condenser, the Bertrand lens, the circular graduated stage doable to fulfilled a 360-degree rotation, and the opening in the microscope anatomy. The latter may as well be used or the intermediate tube for compensators, which include could be a full-wave retardation plate, or quarter-wavelength plate, or a quartz wedge.

When the polarizer and analyzer art removed, the polarized light microscope becomes equal in applications as the customary bright field microscope in terms of it is 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 really critical factor in the proper magnification and observation of the specimens. Thus, proper alignment must be performed just 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 numerous uses and applications for students and researchers alike. The trick is in using the microscope the proper way, of which experience and popular sense in following instructions art the a lot important in this respect.