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Cognex Corp. - Smart Sensor 3-24 GIF LB

Polarized Light Reveals Detail and Beauty of Ice

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Daniel S. Burgess

Using polarized light to reveal the crystallographic structure of a thin cross section of an ice core enables a reconstruction of how the ice formed over the course of a season, with the layers bearing evidence of colder and warmer trends and of precipitation. Beyond its scientific utility, the technique also produces brilliant kaleidoscopic images. The polarized light images of ice samples are offered as works of art called Frizions. Courtesy of Peter J. Wasilewski. Ice is a doubly refracting hexagonal crystal with a long axis and three identical, short ones. Its anisotropy causes a...Read full article

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    Published: April 2006
    FrizionsLaboratory for Extraterrestrial PhysicsLighter SidePeter J. Wasilewskipolarized light

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