In-line retro-reflective polarizing contrast scope for translucent objects

Sarun Sumriddetchkajorn

doi:10.1117/12.981928

21 November 2012 In-line retro-reflective polarizing contrast scope for translucent objects

Sarun Sumriddetchkajorn

Proceedings Volume 8558, Optoelectronic Imaging and Multimedia Technology II; 85580G (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.981928
Event: Photonics Asia, 2012, Beijing, China

Abstract

We propose a very-low-cost fixed interferential polarizing phase contrast scope suitable for the study of translucent objects. Our key design approach is relied on the arrangement of a circular polarizer sheet, a mirror, and a digital camera in a retro-reflective optical structure. The linear polarizer embedded in the circular polarizer sheet acts as both a polarization beam splitter and a polarization beam combiner. Meanwhile the quarter waveplate inside the circular polarizer sheet functions as a fixed phase plate but without narrowing the field of view of the digital camera. The retroreflective configuration amplifies the phase difference between the two orthogonal polarized optical beams twice, thus automatically creating an initial dark background. Experimental demonstration using an off-the-shelf digital microscope with built-in white light emitting diodes and a specified 400x maximum magnification, a circular polarizer sheet, and a mirror shows that onion cells and Steinernema Thailandense nematodes can be clearly observed with striking color, high contrast, and three-dimensional appearance.

Citation Download Citation

Sarun Sumriddetchkajorn "In-line retro-reflective polarizing contrast scope for translucent objects", Proc. SPIE 8558, Optoelectronic Imaging and Multimedia Technology II, 85580G (21 November 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.981928

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