Techniques for fast and sensitive measurements of two-dimensional birefringence distributions.

We propose image processing algorithms for measuring two-dimensional distributions of linear birefringence using a pair of variable retarders. Several algorithms that use between two and five recorded frames allow us to optimize measurements for speed, sensitivity, and accuracy. We show images of asters, which consist of radial arrays of microtubule polymers recorded with a polarized light microscope equipped with a universal compensator. Our experimental results confirm our theoretical expectations. The lowest noise level of 0.036 nm was obtained when we used the five-frame technique and four-frame algorithm without extinction setting. The two-frame technique allows us to increase the speed of measurement with acceptable image quality.

[1]  R. Oldenbourg,et al.  New polarized light microscope with precision universal compensator , 1995, Journal of microscopy.

[2]  Werner Kaminsky,et al.  An automatic optical imaging system for birefringent media , 1996, Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences.

[3]  M. Mansuripur,et al.  Polarization microscopy of magnetic domains for magneto-optical disks. , 1999, Applied optics.

[4]  Y Zhu,et al.  Two-dimensional measurement technique for birefringence vector distributions: measurement principle. , 1999, Applied optics.

[5]  S. Inoué,et al.  Polarization aberrations caused by differential transmission and phase shift in high- numerical-aperture lenses: theory, measurement, and rectification , 2002 .

[6]  P. S. Hauge.  Recent developments in instrumentation in ellipsometry , 1980 .

[7]  Tsuyoshi Ishikawa,et al.  Measurement of 2D birefringence distribution , 1992, Other Conferences.

[8]  Rudolf Oldenbourg,et al.  Fast imaging polarimetry with precision universal compensator , 1994, Optics & Photonics.

[9]  J. L. Pezzaniti,et al.  Mueller matrix imaging polarimetry , 1995 .

[10]  R. Palazzo,et al.  Reconstitution of centrosome microtubule nucleation in Spisula. , 2001, Methods in cell biology.

[11]  Andrzej L. Bajor,et al.  Automated polarimeter–macroscope for optical mapping of birefringence, azimuths, and transmission in large area wafers. Part I. Theory of the measurement , 1995 .

[12]  Toru Yoshizawa,et al.  Return-path polarimeter for two-dimensional birefringence distribution measurement , 1999, Optics + Photonics.

[13]  A. Kinbara,et al.  Continuous Ellipsometric Determination of the Optical Constants and Thickness of a Silver Film during Deposition , 1969 .

[14]  Yongchang Zhu,et al.  Two-dimensional optical measurement techniques based on optical birefringence effects , 2002 .

[15]  E D Salmon,et al.  Birefringence of single and bundled microtubules. , 1998, Biophysical journal.

[16]  Michael Shribak.  Autocollimating detectors of birefringence , 1996, Other Conferences.

[17]  Toru Yoshizawa,et al.  Two-dimensional birefringence measurement using the phase shifting technique , 1994 .