Conoscopic interference pattern: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 20:39, 15 September 2015

Revision as of 23:32, 7 January 2016

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:''This page is about the geology/optical mineralogy term. For general information about interference, see [[Interference (wave propagation)]] or [[Interference pattern]]s''.

A '''conoscopic interference pattern''' or '''interference figure''' is a pattern of rings caused by optical interference observed when diverging light rays travel through a non isotropic substance. It is the best way to determine if a [[mineral]] is uniaxial or biaxial and also for determining optic sign and optic angle in [[optical mineralogy]]. The observed interference figure essentially shows all possible [[birefringence]] colors at once, including the extinctions (in dark bands called isogyres).

In [[optical mineralogy]] a [[petrographic microscope]] and cross-[[polarized light]] are often used to view the interference pattern. This is done by placing a [[Bertrand lens]] (Emile Bertrand, 1878) between a high-power microscope objective and the eyepiece. The microscope's condenser is brought up close underneath the specimen to produce a wide divergence of polarized rays through a small point. There are many other techniques used to observe the interference pattern.

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A uniaxial mineral will show a typical 'Maltese' cross shape and its isogyres, which will revolve/orbit around a projection of the optical axis as the stage is rotated.

A biaxial mineral will typically show a saddle-shaped figure (with one isogyre thicker than the other, typically) that will often morph into two curved isogyres (called brushes) with rotation of the stage. The difference in these curved isogyres is known as the ''optic angle'', or"2V" angle. In minerals that have far-off-center optic axes, only one part of the above sequence may be seen. On either side of the saddle the interferences rings surround two eye like shapes called melanotopes. The closest bands are circles, but further out they become pear shaped with the narrow part pointing to the saddle. The larger bands surrounding the saddle and both melanotopes are figure 8 shaped.<ref name="hartshorne">{{cite book|last1=Hartshorne|first1=N. H.|last2=Stuart|first2=A.|title=Practical Optical Crystallography|year=1964|publisher=Edward Arnold|___location=London|pages=210–211}}</ref> By combining interference pattern microscopy with use of a [[sensitive tint plate]], the optic sign and optic angle can be determined together. This information can help both with mineral identification, and with interpreting the chemical composition of some minerals (for example, feldspars).

A [[Interference colour chart|Michel-Levy Chart]] is often used in conjunction with the interference pattern to determine useful information that aids in the identification of minerals.