Birefringence Microscope

The Birefringence microscope is a commercial microscope from Hinds, based on a state-of-the-art PEMs (Photo Electric Modulator) element. Benefiting from the PEM technology that can modify the polarization of the light without any rotating element, it performs birefringence measurements (i.e. retardance and fast axis orientation) at high accuracy. The light source is LED-based, allowing the choice of 4 wavelengths in the visible spectrum to fine tune the measurements and to perform retardance-unwrapping.

Schematic of the PEM Birefringence Microscope.
Schematic of the Birefringence Microscope. LP stand for Linear Polarizer and PEM for Photo Electric Modulator. PSA and PSG are respectively Polarization State Generator and Polarization state Analyzer.
© Paul Scherrer Institute / Arthur Baroni

Dr. Arthur Baroni
Structure and Mechanics of Advanced Materials, Center for Photon Science
Paul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 56 40 44,  e-mail: arthur.baroni@psi.ch

Dr. Marianne Liebi
Structure and Mechanics of Advanced Materials, Center for Photon Science
Paul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 56 310 44 38, e-mail: marianne.liebi@psi.ch