This is the full index of resources on polarized light microscopy by the same authors.  It includes basic concepts, microscope configuration, history of the technique and its applications, and full tutorials on optical birefringence and polarization of light.  Also included are links to more than a dozen related interactive Java simulations.

This is an additional interactive Java simulation by the same authors on the topic of birefringence.  It simulates light being passed through a crystal of calcite, which has strong birefringent properties.  The user will see a double image from the refracted light rays.