My Polarized Light Filters

 

 

 

The basic idea for the polarized light filters I use came from an article by Dave Walker, in the June 1999 issue of the online magazine "BEYOND".

To make my version of the filters, you only need three (3) things.

They are:

1.   One (1) pair of POLARIZED sun glasses. Use the kind that clip onto prescription glasses. (they're cheaper)

2.   One (1) 35mm film can

3.   A file card or business card

 

 

 

The Polarizer!

This is the easy part, so I'll describe it first.

Step one (1): Cut a circle (or whatever shape), that fits your filter holder, from the flattest part of one of the sun glass lenses.

Step two (2): Build the analyzer!

You say you don't have a filter holder?!?! Well.... You can put the polarizer anywhere in the light path, before the light hits the specimen, even on the mirror.

 

 

 

 

The 35mm Analyzer!

1.   Take the film can, and make a 7/8-in. hole centered in the bottom.

2.   Cut a disk from the other sun glass lens that is a tight fit in the bottom of the film can. Push the disk into the can, against the hole.

3.     Cut a strip of a business or file card to roll up and line the film can, so it fits the eyepiece without moving. The strip's width is about 3/4 the can height so I can still put the cap on. (The cap on mine snaps inside the can.)

 

 

 

 

 

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