Polarizing microscopes use a circular stage and a Bertrand lens to facilitate the observation and analysis of birefringent materials under polarized light. These components play important roles in enhancing the capabilities of the microscope for studying the optical properties of materials.

1. Circular Stage:

   • Birefringent materials exhibit different refractive indices for light polarized in different directions. To fully understand the properties of these materials, it's essential to observe them under polarized light from various angles.
   • The circular stage allows the sample to be easily rotated in any direction while keeping it centered within the field of view. This rotation enables the researcher to analyze the sample's behavior under different orientations relative to the polarized light source.
   • This rotation is particularly important when studying minerals, crystals, and other anisotropic materials where the optical properties vary with the crystallographic orientation.

2. Bertrand Lens:

   • The Bertrand lens, also known as a conoscopic lens or a compensator, is an important component in polarizing microscopes used for advanced optical mineralogy and petrography.
   • It's inserted just above the objective lens and focuses on the back focal plane of the objective.
   • The Bertrand lens is used in conjunction with the analyzer to observe the various interference patterns created when the sample is illuminated with polarized light.
   • These interference patterns provide information about the optical properties and crystallographic features of the sample, including its birefringence, optic sign, and mineral composition.
   • The Bertrand lens helps to visualize optical characteristics such as isotropic, uniaxial, and biaxial interference patterns, allowing researchers to determine the mineralogy and optical behavior of the sample.

In combination, the circular stage and Bertrand lens enable researchers to manipulate the orientation of the sample and observe its optical properties under various conditions. This capability is crucial for accurately characterizing and identifying birefringent materials in fields such as geology, mineralogy, materials science, and biology.

One of the most popular polarizing microscope is the Olympus BX51.  We have several configurations in stock.  Including with and without reflected light