Polarization interference microscope

Details Polarization interference microscope Polarization interference microscope

2007-04-10

2009-12-01

Connolly, Patrick J (Department: 2877)

Optics: measuring and testing

By light interference

Having polarization

Reexamination Certificate

active

07626706

ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to a polarization interference microscope (1) for imaging objects (5). The polarization interference microscope (1) comprises a light source (2), an illumination beam path (6), an imaging beam path (7) and an objective (4). The illumination beam path (6) extends from the light source (2) to the object (5). The imaging beam path (7) extends from the object (5) to a detector or a tube (3). At least one polarization means (9) is provided in the illumination beam path (6) and/or in the imaging beam path (7), by which at least one polarization means the light of the respective beam path (6, 7) can be converted into a predeterminable polarization state. An analyzer means (10) is provided in the imaging beam path (7). A birefringent component is provided between the polarization means (9) and the analyzer means (10), by which birefringent component the light polarized by the polarization means (9) can be divided into two partial beams (13, 14) having different polarization directions. The component can produce a splitting between the two partial beams (13, 14). The present invention furthermore relates to a retrofit kit for a conventional microscope and for a conventional polarization interference microscope, respectively, and a method for imaging objects. In order to enable variable contrasting of the interference contrast, the polarization interference microscope (1) according to the invention is characterized by the fact that the component has a liquid crystal element (11, 21, 23) formed in such a way that the value of the splitting between the two partial beams (13, 14) is settable in a variable manner thereby.

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