The polarized light microscope works in different ways to produce an image. Here are the different phases for the production of an image by the light microscope. It can be used to enhance the contrast of the image and improve the quality of the images produced. Here is how the polarized light microscope in Singapore works to magnify objects.
Polarized Light
When the light waves are produced, they vibrate in two different directions that are usually at perpendicular angles to each other. If the light produced moves in more than one direction, it is usually referred to as ‘unpolarized light’. The light waves that move in only one direction are referred to as ‘polarized light’. The human eyes are not sensitive to the vibration of the light waves.
Conversion of Non-Polarized Light
The polarized light microscope converts the unpolarized light to polarized light waves. The best way through which this is achieved is the absorption of the light waves in only one particular direction. It is carried out by natural minerals such as tourmaline and in some cases the synthetic films.
The Polaroid filters also have crystallites that are embedded in the same direction as the polymeric filter. The embedment is carried out to avoid migration and the change in the arrangement of the crystals. The polarizer is used to select the plane-polarized from the natural source of light or the unpolarized light.
Principle of Polarized Light Microscope
The polarizer works with the source of light and the sample being observed. Polarized light is then converted into the light from the plane polarized before hits the sample under observation. The polarized light will fall on the specimen to generate two different light waves that are perpendicular to each other. They are commonly referred to as extraordinary and ordinary rays of light.
These light waves will go through the specimen in different phases. They will then be combined through the destructive and constructive mechanisms interference through the use of the analyzer. Finally, a high contrast image will be generated.
What are the Components of Polarized Light Microscope?
Polarizers
The polarizer filters are critical for the working of polarized light microscope and there are usually two different filters that are the analyzer and the polarizer. The polarizer which is located below the specimen and it can be rotated at 360 degrees. It can polarize the light falling on the specimen.
The analyzer is located at the objective and it can be rotated in some cases. It can combine the different rays of light that are emerging from the specimen for the generation of the final image.
Specialized Stage
It is usually the specimen stage and it can be rotated at 360 degrees to facilitate the rotation of the sample or the specimen when it is at the objective plane. In most cases, a Vernier scale is used to provide accuracy of 0.1 at the rotational angle while on the stage.
Strain-Free Objectives
The occurrence of stress on the objective during the installation process can lead to a change on the optical properties thus reducing its performance. Strain can also occur if the mounting of the lens is tight at the frame. The anti-reflection coatings and the refractive properties can also be assessed to increase contrast and polarization.
Revolving NosePiece
Since the stage and the objective can evolve in the polarizing microscope, a revolving nose piece will be fitted with the specimen which can be visualized at the center of the view even if there is a rotation of the stage.
Compensator
Most of the polarization microscopes have retardation plates or the compensator. It is located between crossed polarizers to increase difference on the optical path of the specimen. It can play a great role in increasing the contrast of the image and its quality.
The polarizing microscopes are used to increase the contrast of the image and also visualize the sub-cellular structures.
The polarized microscope is one of the microscope in Singapore used widely by the researchers to establish the structures of the cell. The main reason why it is popularly used is due to its ability to create high contrast images of great quality that can help the researchers to clearly identify structures found within the cell.