ABSTRACT
Interference microscopes are modified microscopes such that whilst an object is under view, the instrument simultaneously behaves as an interferometer. In other words an interference microscope combines the two functions of the interferometer and the microscope in a single instrument. This modification allows one to draw additional useful information to that obtainable using a conventional microscope. Objects in optical microscopy can be classified as amplitude or phase objects. Amplitude objects vary in their light absorption with respect to the medium that surrounds them, thus exhibiting a certain amount of natural contrast. Transparent microscopic objects including polymeric and optical fibres are viewed by transmitted light. Many interference microscopes using transmission systems are available. In the Jamin interferometer the front surfaces of the two plates act as beam dividers and the rear surfaces as plane mirrors, but these elements cannot be adjusted independently and the separation of the two beams is limited by the thickness of the plates.
