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Three-Dimensional Imaging Analysis of Confocal and Conventional Polarization Microscopes by Use of Mie Scattering (CAT#: STEM-ST-0087-YJL)

Introduction

Polarization microscopes are widely used for the analysis of the polarization properties of liquid crystals, birefringent crystals, magneto-optical materials, and biological specimens. The resolution of a conventional polarization microscope is limited because the higher-numerical-aperture (higher-NA) lenses give the lower-contrast images. High-NA lenses themselves distort the polarization state of incident light. The confocal-type polarization microscope did not reduce the contrast of an image when a high-NA lens was used to observe polarizing specimens. A pinhole in a confocal system eliminates the light components whose polarizations are distorted by the lens. As a result, confocal-type polarization microscopes can achieve a higher resolution and higher contrast than can a conventional polarization microscope. Confocal-type polarization microscopes generate, however, a rather complicated observed image to understand.




Principle

Mie scattering is defined as the type of scattering in which the diameter of the particle is the same or more than the wavelength of the radiation. Mie scattering gives a generalized solution for a system where a scattering of light takes place by a homogenous spherical medium. And this medium should have a refractive index different from that of the medium through which the light is traversing.
Unlike Rayleigh scattering, Mie scattering is not a physically independent phenomenon rather, it is a solution to Maxwell's equations for situations where the phase of the incident angle can change within the dimension of the scattering particles. Mie scattering is more commonly known as Mie solution, and it is named after Gustav Mie, a German physicist.
Mie scattering is also known as aerosol particle scattering, takes place in the atmosphere below 1,500 feet. In Mie scattering, the diameter of the spherical particles through which the light is scattered is approximately equal to the wavelength.

Applications

Mie scattering occurs in a variety of applications, including atmospheric science, cancer detection and treatment, metamaterials, and parasitology. Another application is the characterization of particles by optical scattering measurements.

Procedure

1. Sample preparation
2. Measurement by scattering detection instrument
3. Data analysis

Materials

Mie scattering measurement system
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