Polarized Light Microscopy Web Resources
Web Articles
Introduction to the Petrographic Microscope
As reference material for a course on petrography taught at the University of British Columbia in Canada, this site offers a glimpse of several optical petrography techniques. Included are an introduction to Becke lines and oblique illumination in polarized light microscopy.
Introduction to Polarizing Light Microscopy
Developed by Janel L. Schrenk and John L. Bordley for students in the course Chemistry and Art at the University of the South, this tutorial explores the basics of polarizing light microscopy, in particular as it pertains to identification of pigments.
Light Microscopy Forum: Polarized Light Gallery
A nice feature of Canadian microscopist Ron Neumeyer's web site, this gallery contains digital images of birefringent crystals captured with a polarized light microscope. Also included is a brief introduction to the technique.
Minerals Under the Microscope
Created and maintained by Charlotte Gladstone with the help of Paul Browning, this introduction to polarized light microscope also touches on various aspects of mineralogy and crystallography. The website is operated by the Earth Sciences Department at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom.
Polarization and Birefringence
Sponsored by Halbo Optics in the United Kingdom, this site contains useful information about birefringence, polarized light, and includes a discussion of materials that display double refraction (birefringence). Although only a few paragraphs in size, this discussion serves as good reference material on these subjects.
Polarized Light Island
Describing an exhibition containing a multitude of props that can be used to explore various polarization effects, this website is sponsored by the Exploratorium in San Francisco. A large light-box provides adequate illumination for all experiments, and there are links to the individual concepts covered in the exhibit.
Polarized Light Microscopy of Asbestos
Providing a comprehensive analysis of asbestos identification with a polarized light microscope, this site also reviews OSHA regulations on asbestos. Included are a detailed description of how a polarized light microscope works to identify asbestos fibers and specific instructions for preparing specimens.
Polarized Light in Nature and Technology
Sponsored by Polarized.Com, this web site covers a broad spectrum of topics in polarized light, both in theory and application. Topics included are: Polarized Sunglasses, Are Rainbows Polarized?, the Incredible Edwin Land, the Viking Sunstone, and a Modern Light Compass.
Polarized Light Microscopy
Published by the Heart Valve Laboratory in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Lerner Research Institute, this discussion covers basic aspects of polarized light microscope. Included are a brief description of the technique with emphasis on applications in biology and medicine.