Rediscovering Polarized Light Microscopy

American Laboratory, oct. 2003 p. 56-61One may be surprised to learn that a microscope with these capabilities has existed for more than 170 years. The polarized light microscope (PLM) has demonstrated its value as an indispensable analytical instrument with continuous usage and the development of new applications since its earliest reported use circa 1834.1 However, although the modern PLM is more useful than ever, there has been a general decrease in the awareness of its operation and capabilities in materials analysis.