Discussion Category: Stereo Microscopes
Is a Leica DMIRB suitable for teaching petrographic polarising microscopy?
We have acquired a secondhand Leica DMIRB Type 090-132.102 inverted microscope. Has any one used one of these for petrographic polarized light microscopy? We don't need to do anything fancy, we are an educational institution for high school students. We just need to show the changes in the view of thin sections as the polarized filter is rotated. Genuine petrographic microscopes have non-polarizing optical elements. How well does this instrument compare?
Reply byThe inverted microscope is more suitable for the study of live cells such as aquatic organisms, cultured cells. No, the Leica DMIRB is not what you want for petrographic work using thin mineral sections in polarized light. This microscope with a HD video camera would be perfect for the biology folks.
You need a polarized light microscope....upright design with a rotating stage would be best. Good luck!