Polarization Microscopy: A Useful Tool for Biological Imaging

Abstract

Polarized light microscopy allows for detailed imaging of birefringent structures, such as cell membranes, that are not visible with bright-field imaging. The goal of this project was to view the structure of an onion skin using a polarization microscope. We built the microscope using a light source, condenser lens, 20× objective, and two polarizers. The setup produced about 33× magnification. Compared to bright-field imaging, the polarized image showed a darker background and clearer cell outlines.