These are crystals formed from a mix of Beta-Alanine and Monosodium Glutamate. This image is a mosaic of 25 tiles; each tile was captured with a 10x/0.3 objective. In addition to the analyzer and polarizer, a 1/4 lambda compensator was used to create the interference colors visible in the image.

PURPOSE
Capturing images of crystals in this way might seem irrelevant for technical or scientific purposes, but this microscopical technique is required to push the limits of conventional microscopy. In this way, new contrast techniques and protocols can be developed, and new scientific advances might be identified.

EQUIPMENT / TECHNIQUE
A photomicroscope with polarizers and a ¼ lambda compensator were used.