Polarization Collection

Barral & Bixios meteorological flight
On July 27, 1850, two French agronomists, Jacques Alexandre Bixio and Jean Augustin Barral, made an ascent by a hydrogen-filled balloon from the garden of the Paris Observatory

Chromatic polarisation (colour litho)
3630288 Chromatic polarisation (colour litho) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Chromatic polarisation in crystals)

Defects in plastic, light micrograph
Defects of plastic. Polarised light micrograph showing the defects of a plastic moulding

Defective plastic, light micrograph
Defective plastic. Polarised light micrograph of a pipette. The non-red areas of the micrograph indicate defects in the plastic moulding

Jacques Babinet, French physicist
Jacques Babinet (1794-1872), French physicist, astronomer and meteorologist. Babinet was the first to suggest using wavelengths of light to standardise measurements

Etienne Malus, French physicist
Etienne Malus. Portrait of the French physicist Etienne Louis Malus (1775-1812). Malus was a military engineer in Napoleons army from 1796 to 1801

Augustin Jean Fresnel, French physicist
Augustin Jean Fresnel (1788-1827), French physicist. Fresnel qualified as an engineer, but was temporarily removed from his government post in 1815 for supporting the Royalists against Napoleon

Womans face, conceptual artwork. Abstract parts of a womans face (eyes, nose and mouth) on a background of polarised light effects. A red rose is at lower left

Stinging nettle stem, light micrograph
Stinging nettle stem. Polarised light micrograph of a transverse section through a stem of the stinging nettle plant (Urtica dioica)

Potato starch grains, light micrograph
Potato starch grains. Polarised light micrograph of a transverse section through a potato tuber (Solanum tuberosum), showing the starch grains

Orchid starch grains, light micrograph
Orchid starch grains. Polarised light micrograph of a transverse section through an orchid tuber (Phaius grandifolius), showing the starch grains

Cosmic man juggling worlds, artwork
Cosmic man juggling worlds. Conceptual computer artwork of a figure illuminated by polarised light, standing on the Earth and juggling four globes. The background is a starry night sky

Optical activity. Image 1 of 2. Optical activity of fructose demonstrated by using polarized light. Optically active compounds rotate light waves that pass through them

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"Polarization: Unveiling the Hidden Dimensions of Light" In the realm of meteorology, Barral & Bixios embarked on a groundbreaking flight to study atmospheric phenomena. Little did they know that their journey would lead to a profound understanding of polarization. Chromatic polarization, as discovered by Francois Arago, revolutionized our perception of color lithography. Through his experiments, he unraveled the intricate relationship between light and its polarized state. Delving deeper into this phenomenon, Jacques Babinet explored defects in plastic under a light micrograph. These imperfections revealed captivating patterns and furthered our comprehension of polarization's influence on materials. Etienne Malus continued this scientific exploration by examining a cannabis plant stem under another light micrograph. The unexpected revelation showcased how even nature itself is not exempt from the laws of polarization. Augustin Jean Fresnel's contributions cannot be overlooked when discussing this topic. His research shed light on the intricacies of wave theory and paved the way for modern optics as we know it today. Beyond science lies artistry; a conceptual artwork portraying a woman's face symbolizes how polarization extends beyond physics alone. It represents divisions within society and challenges us to seek unity amidst differences. Polarization transcends boundaries - whether it be in meteorological flights or microscopic examinations - offering glimpses into hidden dimensions that shape our world. Let us embrace these discoveries with open minds and strive for harmony amid diversity.