A Brewster angle microscope (BAM) is a microscope for studying thin films on liquid surfaces, most typically Langmuir films. In a Brewster angle microscope, both the microscope and a polarized light source are aimed towards a liquid surface at that liquid's Brewster angle, in such a way for the microscope to catch an image of any light reflected from the light source via the liquid surface. Because there is no p-polarized reflection from the pure liquid when both are angled towards it at the Brewster angle, light is only reflected when some other phenomenon such as a surface film affects the liquid surface.[1] The technique was first introduced in 1991.[2]
Brewster angle microscopes enable the visualization of Langmuir monolayers or adsorbate films at the air-water interface for example as a function of packing density. They can be used either to study the properties of the Langmuir layer, or to indicate a suitable deposition pressure for Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) deposition. They can be used for example in the LB deposition of nanoparticles. Applications include:[3]
Monolayer/film homogeneity. When combined with a Langmuir-Blodgett Trough, observation can be performed during compression/expansion at known surface pressures.
Optimizing the deposition parameters. Selecting optimal deposition pressure and other deposition parameters for LB coating.