Polarising Microscopes
Polarising microscopes are a specialised type of optical microscope that utilise the properties of polarised light to analyse and observe the physical properties of specimens. They are commonly used in fields such as geology, mineralogy, metallurgy, and biology to study the internal structure and composition of materials.
The Standard Microscope Model is an advanced instrument that boasts top-notch features to deliver exceptional results. It comes equipped with infinity optics, a trinocular head, and a comprehensive set of first-class objectives that offer a magnification range of 40X to 600X with an optional magnification of up to 1000X. One of the eyepieces is fitted with a measurement reticle that features a crosshair for precise centring and measurement, and it also comes with a focus adjustment mechanism for added convenience.
The model features polarisers of the highest calibre, providing exceptional extinction results when using crossed polars. The optics are also fully corrected, ensuring that changes in the viewing angle from the prism in the head during interocular distance adjustments do not result in any colour changes.
In addition, the microscope is equipped with an adjustable condenser that features 30W illumination sources, Koehler illumination, and coarse and fine focus knobs that come with limit stoppers and tension adjustment. The microscope frame is robust, providing high stability and making it ideal for photomicrography.
Our collection of Polarising Microscopes encompasses a variety of models designed to meet diverse needs. Our range includes transmitted light microscopes, incident light microscopes, and dual-illuminated models. Our more advanced models are equipped with cutting-edge features such as waveplate inserts and Bertrand lenses that enable more in-depth analysis, including conoscopy. These advanced features allow users to conduct sophisticated studies and produce highly accurate results. With our range of polarising microscopes, you can be confident that you have the tools you need to achieve the best results.
Applications and Advantages of Polarising Microscopes
Polarising microscopes have a wide range of applications and offer many advantages over other types of optical microscopes. Some of the key applications and advantages of polarising microscopes include:
- Mineral and Geological Analysis: Polarising microscopes are commonly used in geology and mineralogy to study the internal structure and composition of minerals and rocks. They are particularly useful for analysing the birefringence and optical properties of mineral specimens.
- Metallurgical Analysis: Polarising microscopes are also used in metallurgy to analyse the microstructure of metals and alloys. They are especially useful for identifying phases and grain structures.
- Biological Analysis: Polarising microscopes are used in biology to study the structure and composition of biological tissues and fibres. They are particularly useful for analysing the birefringence of biological specimens.
- Improved Image Quality: Polarising microscopes produce high-quality images with good contrast and clarity. This is due to the use of polarised light, which reduces the amount of scattered light and improves the overall image quality.
- Enhanced Analysis: Polarising microscopes offer a range of advanced analysis capabilities, including the ability to determine the optical axis of specimens and to analyse the crystal form and birefringence of specimens.
Polarising microscopes are a versatile and powerful tool for analysing and observing the physical properties of specimens. With a wide range of applications and advanced analysis capabilities, they offer many advantages over other types of optical microscopes. Whether you are a geologist, mineralogist, metallurgist, or biologist.
| Type/Head | Eyepieces and Objectives |
|---|---|
| Monocular Transmitted | 10X FN18 Eyepiece, 4X, 10X, 40X DIN. Achromatic Objectives.Coaxial coarse/fine focus system minimum division of fine focusing: 2μm. 360° rotatable stage and rotatble polariser. Rotatable stage (Diameter 120mm). |
| Binocular Transmitted | 10X Widefield FN18 Eyepieces, 4X, 10X, 40X & 100X oil. Achromatic Objectives. Optional Objectives: 20X & 40X. 6V 20W Adjustable Halogen. Brinocular Head with interpupiliary adjustment and diopter adjustment for the eyepiece tubes. Coarse/Fine focus mechanism, limit stopper and tension adjustment. 360° rotatable 30mm x 40mm travel, centerable. |
| Trinocular Transmitted | 10X Widefield FN20 Eyepieces, 4X, 10X, 20X & 40X. Achromatic Objectives. Optional Objectives: 60X &100X oil. 6V 20W Adjustable Halogen. Trinocular Head suitable for use with a camera (requires the appropriate adapter) with interpupiliary adjustment and diopter adjustment for the eyepiece tubes. Coarse/Fine focus mechanism, limit stopper and tension adjustment. 360° rotatable 30mm x 40mm travel, centerable. |
| 10X Widefield Eyepieces, 4X, 10X, 40X, 60X. 4 Plan Achromatic, POL Objectives. Trinocular head with interpupillary distance adjustment. 5MP ScopePad attaches via C-mount adapter to the trinocular. photoport. Coaxial Coarse/Fine Focus Mechanism, Tension Adjustable, Limit Stopper | |
| 10X Widefield Eyepieces, 5X, 10X, 40X, 60X. 4 Plan Achromatic Objectives. 30W halogen lamp with adjustable intensity. Substantial Stand, with coaxial Coarse/Fine Focus Mechanism, Tension Adjustable, Limit Stopper. 30 degree inclined eyepiece tubes, with interpupillary distance adjustment. 5MP ScopePad attaches via C-mount adapter to the trinocular photoport |
Principles of Polarising Microscopy
Polarised light is light that oscillates in a single plane. This is in contrast to unpolarised light, which oscillates in all directions. In a polarising microscope, a polariser is used to produce polarised light, which is then directed towards the specimen. The light that passes through the specimen is then analysed by a second polariser, known as the analyser. By manipulating the orientation of the polariser and the analyser, it is possible to determine the optical properties of the specimen, such as its birefringence and optical axis.
Components of a Polarising Microscope
A polarising microscope typically consists of the following components:
- Polariser: This is a device that produces polarised light.
- Specimen stage: This is the platform upon which the specimen is mounted for observation.
- Eyepiece: This is the lens that magnifies the image of the specimen and presents it to the observer.
- Objective lens: This lens is located near the specimen and is used to form an image of the specimen.
- Analyser: This is the second polariser that analyses the light passing through the specimen.
- Bright field illumination: This is the source of light that illuminates the specimen.
- Bertrand lens: This lens is used to observe the crystal form of the specimen and to determine its optical axis.
