Abstract

Several different demonstrations will be shown, including the following: (1) A microscope made of a simple glass sphere. The resolving power of such a microscope, similar to those of Van Leuwenhock, is remarkable. For example, 2 m lines and spaces can be easily seen with a 5 mm sphere. (2) A four-mirror kaleidoscope between polarizers whose azimuth can be varied. By virtue of the change of phase shift upon reflection with angle, polarization, and wavelength, a pattern with a variety of colors can be created. (3) An inexpensive system for viewing crystal interference figures. Rather than spending $50,000 for a polarized light microscope, many of the same phenomena can be observed with a system made up of a security-door peephole, two pieces of Polaroid sheet, and a light box. A piece of mica between the Polaroids shows a crystal interference figure.

© 1990 Optical Society of America