OPERATION
ZEISS
Illumination and contrast methods in transmitted light …
Axioscope 5/7/Vario
100
430035-7344-001
03/2018
4.2.6.2
Determination of the polarization direction n
γ
'
(1) Application
The determination of the polarization direction of n
γ
or n
γ
'
respectively (polarization direction with the
absolute or relative largest index of refraction) and n
α
or n
α
'
respectively (polarization direction with the
absolute or relative smallest index of refraction) relative to the morphological directions, e.g. of crystal
surfaces, crystal needles or fibers, provide an important signature of the material. This method is also
used in the diagnosis of bio-crystals (e.g. gout and pseudo-gout).
Fig. 4-10
Determination of the polarization direction n
γ
'
in a synthetic fiber
(2) Instrumentation
−
Eyepiece with reticle
−
Strain-free objectives
−
Rotary stage (
1
)
−
D polarizer (rotatable or fixed), if not using a condenser with an integrated polarizer
−
ACR P&C analyzer module for transmitted light in the reflector turret/slider or analyzer slider D
fixed or with lambda plate
−
Pol adjusting tool sample for polarization microscopy (453679-0000-000)
(3) Setting the microscope
•
Adjust the microscope as described in section 4.2.1
650H
(3) for transmitted light brightfield microscopy.
Make sure the inter-pupillary distance is adjusted correctly on the binocular tube (see section
•
Center the rotary stage Pol (
1
) and objectives (see sections 3.1.10.5 and 3.1.10.6).
•
Swivel the polarizer (
3
) into the beam path and position it to 0° if you are using a rotatable
polarizer.
•
Swivel in the analyzer module on the reflector turret (
2
) (or insert the analyzer slider into the
intermediate plate). Because of the crossed polarizers the field of view now appears dark.
•
Place the Pol adjusting tool sample on the microscope stage and turn until the sample appears dark.
•
Remove the analyzer from the beam path and align the reticle along the split cracks of the sample.
