Cambridge Research Instrumentation, Inc.

David Fletcher-Holmes

Peter J Miller

Clifford C Hoyt

Cathy M Boutin

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for viewing low-birefringence structures within samples directly, with the eye, in real-time. The sample is placed between an entrance polarizer and analyzer polarizer, the transmission state of one of which is changed dynamically to create a modulated view of the scene; against this background, birefringent structures are visible because of their different appearance when modulated. Modulation rates of 4 or more states per second; use of 4 or more states, or even a continuum of states, which lie substantially on a latitude line on the Poincare sphere; and orientation of the polarization components to produce a uniform background; produce a clear view that does not produce operator fatigue. Broad-band wavelength operation spanning 50 nm or more, or the whole visible range, is achieved, and it is compatible with integration into other microscopy modes such as Hoffman relief contrast.

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Boston, MA, United States of America

David Fletcher-Holmes