Interactive Java Tutorials

Michel-Levy Birefringence Chart (Large Version)

Interactive Java Tutorial
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The tutorial initializes with a classical Michel-Levy graph appearing in the window, which contains interference colors from the first to the sixth order, and the associated diagonal birefringence lines traversing the entire chart from the lower left-hand corner to the upper and right-hand boundaries of the graph. A small white circle appears upon initialization at the coordinates (displayed in yellow boxes): Birefringence = 0.02; Thickness = 0.03 millimeters; and, Path Difference = 570 nanometers (first order). The specific interference color (magenta) associated with these values is displayed in the lower right-hand side of the window. In order to operate the tutorial, click the mouse cursor anywhere within the Michel-Levy graph to display the corresponding values and interference color for that region of the chart.

A smaller version of the Michel-Levy tutorial is also available.

BACK TO OPTICAL BIREFRINGENCE

BACK TO POLARIZED LIGHT MICROSCOPY

Contributing Authors

Kenneth R. Spring - Scientific Consultant, Lusby, Maryland, 20657.

Matthew J. Parry-Hill and Michael W. Davidson - National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, 1800 East Paul Dirac Dr., The Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, 32310.