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06:29
Workflow and Tools for Crystallographic Fragment Screening at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin
Published on: March 3, 2021
Polarimetric imaging of crystals
Werner Kaminsky1, Kacey Claborn, Bart Kahr
1Department of Chemistry, Box 351700, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-1700, USA.
Chemical Society Reviews
|October 14, 2004
Summary
Recent advances in optical microscopy and polarimetry enable new measurements in crystal optics. These techniques analyze linear and circular birefringence and dichroism in crystals for materials science applications.
Area of Science:
- Crystal optics
- Materials science
- Optical physics
Background:
- Classical crystal optics is experiencing a resurgence due to technological advancements.
- Sensitive imaging CCD cameras and personal computers facilitate the analysis of polarized light.
- New analytical methods separate convolved optical effects in micrographs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent developments in measuring principal crystallo-optical quantities.
- To discuss new optical effects in unusual mixed crystals.
- To highlight applications in crystallography and materials design.
Main Methods:
- Advanced optical microscopy techniques.
- Polarimetry for analyzing polarized light.
- Measurement of linear birefringence, linear dichroism, circular birefringence, and circular dichroism.
Main Results:
- Enabling analytical separation of optical effects in polarized light.
- Characterization of optical properties in mixed crystals.
- Application to crystallographic twinning, phase transformations, and stress birefringence.
Conclusions:
- New microscopies and polarimetries offer powerful tools for crystal optics research.
- These methods advance the understanding of crystallographic phenomena.
- The techniques support the design of novel crystalline materials.
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