Polarized Light Microscopy Argonne National Laboratory Fall 2008
	Sponsored by:
MicroChem Consulting		State Microscopical Society of Illinois

Purpose of Polarized Light Microscopy

"PLM" is a useful, relatively inexpensive analytical tool that may be applied to problem solving in biology and medicine, chemistry, physical optics, forensics, art restoration and authentication, and pharmaceuticals, to name a few.

Who May Participate

Any student, grade 6-12, and interested high school teachers who have a strong interest in understanding how a part of our world works.

When to Apply

Now! This introductory course is limited to the first 20 applicants. Others will be placed on a waiting list and notified as to course availability. Classes for this course that will meet six Saturday mornings will begin on October 25, 2008, and continue through December 6, 2008, excluding November 29, 2008. Deadline for application is October 23, 2008. To obtain an application, please call either India Gordon at (630) 252-5448 or Patty Zriny at (630) 252-1550.

Scope of Instruction

 This course is problem based, integrating all of the physical sciences wherever possible. Except for the last week when students will demonstrate what they have learned, all meeting dates will include lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on laboratory experiences.

Notification

  Students or teachers who send in the completed application form by conventional or e-mail will be notified by e-mail and by telephone as to course availability/enrollment. Limit: first 20 applicants.

Costs / Fees

Samples, optical materials, a laboratory notebook and lecture notes are provided. The fee is $60 and a desire and dedication to learn about polarized light and polarized light microscopy.

Class Location

Classes will meet at Argonne National Laboratory in Room A-034 of Building 223 at 9:00 AM beginning Saturday, October 25, 2008.

Lecture Topics

The Microscope: Its history and use:

Types of microscopes and their applications. The nature of polarized light and microscopy and more (refractive index, the Becke line, etc). Photomicrography vs. microphotography (which end of a light microscope do you look into and why).

Maintaining a laboratory notebook:

What did you see? What does it mean?

Component parts of a compound microscope and their purpose : Setting up the microscope for optimal viewing (Koehler lumination). Micrometry: how big it?

Optics of the microscope;

Lenses and mirrors, orthoscopy (normal viewing of samples) vs conoscopy (optical measurements of samples). Specimen preparation, observing isotropic (direction independent) and anisotropic (direction dependent) materials.

The Microscopist's Tools of the Trade:

The Michel-Levy color chart ( Newton 's colors), elementary fusion techniques (thermal melting) and crystallization from solution, states of matter, classes of crystals, symmetry and the optical indicatrix (3-D graphical descriptions of specific optical Information)

Chemical Microscopy and Fibers:

Animal (silk, human), synthetic polymers (rayon, polyester, acrylics), glass, plant (cotton, hemp), and mineral fibers (asbestos). DDT, cholesterol acetate, TNT, and various starches. Observe pollens, diatoms (skeletal remains of algae), paint pigments.

Microchemical Tests:

Trace evidence explosive residues (TNT, plastics, etc.), dispersion staining techniques (staining with light), art forgery and restoration, licit and illicit drugs, palynology (pollen grain identification) for forensics and oil exploration.

Minerals, meteorites, tektites, air pollutants, blood, epithelial cells, dust, combustion products, water pollution, strain birefringence and photoelasticity: bridges and French cathedrals, acid fucsin and bow ties. Determination of unknowns.

Instructors & Guest Lecturers

Instructors and guest lecturers will be professionals from industry and academia specializing in microscopy, chemistry, biochemistry/molecular biology, forensic science and art.

Class Schedules and Facilities

Classes will be held on six Saturday mornings from 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon . Laboratory, lecture, and demonstrations will be integrated. These sessions will be held in Room A-034 of Building 223 at Argonne National Laboratory.

Argonne 's Location

Argonne National Laboratory is located just off Interstate 55 at Cass Avenue , about 25 miles southwest of downtown Chicago . Maps and more detailed directions can be found on Argonne 's website.