How Do Polarized Light Microscopy and Fluorescence Microscopy Utilize Optical Properties?
Polarized light microscopy takes advantage of birefringence—where certain materials split light into two rays. It is useful for examining fibrous tissues like collagen. Fluorescence microscopy involves labeling tissues with fluorophores that emit light when excited by a specific wavelength. This technique is extremely sensitive and allows for the visualization of specific molecules within cells.
