confused about retarders

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Maryfox
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confused about retarders

#1 Post by Maryfox » Fri Aug 28, 2020 8:28 pm

If I have a retarder, where do I put it?
Please no technical notes about optics or wave plates. I'm just trying to understand how to use a retarder.
Thanks,\
Mary

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Wes
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Re: confused about retarders

#2 Post by Wes » Fri Aug 28, 2020 8:41 pm

Maryfox wrote:
Fri Aug 28, 2020 8:28 pm
where do I put it?
Somewhere between the polarizer and analyser.
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mrsonchus
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Re: confused about retarders

#3 Post by mrsonchus » Fri Aug 28, 2020 9:11 pm

I think it goes between the specimen and the analyser. On my BX50 it sits under the analyser and may be slid in/out.
John B

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Wes
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Re: confused about retarders

#4 Post by Wes » Fri Aug 28, 2020 9:27 pm

mrsonchus wrote:
Fri Aug 28, 2020 9:11 pm
I think it goes between the specimen and the analyser. On my BX50 it sits under the analyser and may be slid in/out.
By design yes but you get the same effect if you put it between the polarizer and specimen.
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Scarodactyl
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Re: confused about retarders

#5 Post by Scarodactyl » Sat Aug 29, 2020 3:53 am

Some setups put it right above the polarizer, some right below the analyzer.

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Maryfox
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Re: confused about retarders

#6 Post by Maryfox » Sat Aug 29, 2020 12:02 pm

Thanks to you all.
So many articles and posts that mention retarders do not have a clear explanation for beginners. I truly appreciate your quick and simple responses.
Mary

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