Polarized Light Imaging in Life Sciences

Polarized light imaging (PLI) is an imaging technique used to investigate the birefringent properties of samples. When examining biological samples under a microscope, the anisotropy in their interaction with light can arise from regular arrangements at either the molecular or macroscopic level. This information can be used to study the organization of fibers in connective tissues, neurons in grey and especially white matter of the brain, or to detect cancerous or abnormal tissues.