Meiji MT6120-SP Polarising Microscope for Asbestos Fibre Identification

The MT6120 is a binocular polarising light microscope (PLM) designed for asbestos fibre identification. It features strain-free Plan optics and supports phase contrast dispersion staining to assist with fibre identification.

Supplied Configuration

• Binocular polarising light microscope
• KHW10XCP eyepiece with cross-line graticule
• MA936 Strain-Free Plan 10× objective
• MA936D Strain-Free Plan Dispersion Staining 10× objective
• Condenser with centreable phase slider for use with the dispersion staining objective

Phase Contrast Dispersion Staining

The MT Series uses a phase contrast method for dispersion staining. When using this technique, the analyser and compensator are withdrawn, the illumination intensity is increased, and the dispersion staining objective is used with the corresponding phase annulus in the condenser.

Different colours are observed when a fibre is orientated parallel or perpendicular to the polariser’s vibration direction. The appearance of two complementary colours within the same image can help the analyst determine the wavelength at which the fibre’s refractive index matches the mounting liquid.

Compared with the objective-stop method used by the older ML Series, this phase contrast method is designed to provide results that are easier to interpret.

Application

The MT6120 is configured for asbestos fibre identification using polarised light microscopy and phase contrast dispersion staining techniques.

For further information on asbestos sampling and analysis procedures, refer to the Health and Safety Executive publication Asbestos: The Analysts’ Guide for Sampling, Analysis and Clearance Procedures.