What is a Polarizing Microscope?

Polarizing microscope (Polarizing microscope) is a microscope used to study the so-called transparent and opaque anisotropic materials. It has important applications in science and engineering majors such as geology. All materials with birefringence can be clearly distinguished under a polarizing microscope. Of course, these materials can also be observed by staining, but some are not available, and a polarizing microscope must be used. Reflective polarizing microscope is an indispensable instrument for research and identification of birefringent substances by using the polarization characteristics of light. It can be used by users to observe single polarized light, orthogonal polarized light, and cone light. ^[1]

Change ordinary light to

(A) single refraction and

To ensure the service life and reliability of the system, note the following:

1. The laboratory should be equipped with three protection conditions: anti-vibration (away from the source), anti-moisture (using air conditioners, dryers), dust-proof (pave the floor); power supply: 220V + -10%, 50HZ temperature: 0-40 degrees.

2. Be careful not to let the objective lens touch the specimen when focusing, so as not to scratch the objective lens.

3. When the center of the round hole of the stage pad is close to the center of the objective lens, do not switch the objective lens to avoid scratching the objective lens.

4. The brightness adjustment should not be too big or too small, and it should not be too bright, which will affect the service life of the bulb and damage the eyesight.

5. All (function) switch, the action should be light and in place.

6. Turn the brightness to the minimum when shutting down.

7. Non-professionals should not adjust the lighting system (filament position light) to avoid affecting the imaging quality.

8. When replacing the halogen lamp, pay attention to the high temperature to avoid burns; be careful not to touch the glass body of the halogen lamp directly with your hands.

9. When not in use, adjust the objective lens to the lowest state through the focusing mechanism.

10. When not in use after shutdown, do not cover the dust cover immediately, cover it after cooling down, pay attention to fire prevention.

11. Place infrequently used optical components in a dry dish.

12. Non-professionals should not try to wipe the objective lens and other optical components. The eyepiece can be dipped with a 1: 1 ratio (absolute alcohol: ether) of absorbent cotton swab and dried after wiping. Do not use other liquids to avoid damaging the eyepiece.

Polarized light

Polarized light microscope is an important instrument for studying the optical properties of crystals.

Application 2 (4 photos)

The basis of volume optics research methods (oil immersion method, Fresnel method, etc.).

A polarizing microscope is an indispensable instrument for the research and identification of birefringent substances by using the polarization characteristics of light. It can be used for single polarized light observation, orthogonal polarized light observation, and cone light observation. A method of changing ordinary light to polarized light for microscopic examination to identify whether a substance is unirefringent (isotropic) or birefringent (anisotropic).

Birefringence is a basic feature of crystals. Therefore, polarizing microscopes are widely used in the fields of minerals and chemistry. In human and zoology, polarized light microscopy is often used to identify bones, teeth, cholesterol, nerve fibers, tumor cells, striated muscle and hair. Today, introduce the application fields of polarizing microscope.

1. Biological field:

In organisms, different fibrin structures show significant anisotropy, which can be obtained using a polarizing microscope

Application 3

To the details of the molecular arrangement in these fibers. Such as collagen, spinning reeling during cell division and so on.

2. Identification of various biological and non-biological materials: such as starch property identification, drug component identification, fiber, liquid crystal, DNA crystal, etc.

3. Medical analysis: such as stones, uric acid crystal detection, arthritis, etc.

4. Geological analysis:

Application 4

In addition to common biomedical applications, polarizing microscopes can also be used for polarized detection of various minerals and crystals, and are widely used in the petroleum, mining, and semiconductor industries. LED lighting and special filters can be used in quality control and industrial analysis.

Application 5

Application 6

Application 7