Polarisation
Microscopes with polarisation are a critical tool for modulating light and examining materials in a variety of ways. Dino-Lite USB microscopes with polarisation filters are designed to reduce reflections, reveal invisible layers and improve contrast.
When used with a backlight, users can also detect mechanical stresses and identify optically anisotropic materials. Dino-Lite USB microscopes that have a polarising filter are used in a variety of fields. These include forensics, manufacturing, health, mineralogy, research and biology.
USB Microscopes with Polarisation
Traditionally, most polarised light microscopes are equipped with two polarisers to produce the linearly polarised light and create different light polarisation configurations. One polariser is placed in front of the light source to polarise the light. The other polariser is placed between the target and the camera sensor or observation tube, blocking or transmitting the light reflected or transmitted from the target.
Microscopes with polarised light can produce different polarisation configurations depending on the relative orientation between the polarisers: Parallel polarisation is the configuration for polarisers aligned parallel to each other, and cross polarisation is the configuration for polarisers aligned perpendicular to each other. Depending on the polarisation configuration and the interaction of the incident light with the target, the light is transmitted or blocked.
Design of the Dino-Lite polarisation
The Dino-Lite USB microscopes with polarisation are equipped with an adjustable polariser and a fixed polariser, as shown in the picture below. The adjustable polariser, located in front of the Dino-Lite's LEDs, polarises the microscope's light source. The fixed polariser, located behind the lens of the Dino-Lite, polarises the light between the target and the camera sensor.
The degree of alignment between the polarisers can be controlled by turning the wheel of the adjustable polariser. The dial has an arrow pointing to the current degree of alignment between the polarisers, where "0" is parallel polarisation and "90" is cross polarisation.
Applications of Dino-Lite microscopes with polarisation
Reducing reflection and inspection of glass and other materials
Light reflection hinders inspections in a wide range of applications. Dino-Lite polarising digital microscopes can reduce glare to provide clearer images.
Any user inspecting materials with smooth surfaces or surfaces covered with grease, oil or liquids will benefit from using Dino-Lite's polarising digital microscopes.
Identify and characterise optically anisotropic materials
By combining a BL-ZW1 backlight and a Dino-Lite polarising digital microscope, observers can identify and characterise optically anisotropic materials.
Crystals, many plastics and biological tissue are some examples of optically anisotropic materials that can be studied with Dino-Lite polarising digital microscopes.
Observation of upper and lower skin layers
The upper skin layer reflects light while maintaining its polarisation, while the lower layers scatter and randomise the polarisation.
Consequently, parallel polarisation emphasises the upper skin layers, while cross polarisation emphasises the lower skin layers.
The most popular USB microscope with polarisation
