Function: The Split Polarizing Mirror is an invention that is able to split the viewing field of a reflection in the mirror into two components. Half of the mirror will reflect parallel-polarized light and the other half will reflect cross-polarized light. Polarizing filters and light are configured to allow this simultaneous view of two distinct compartments.

Purpose: When viewing semi-turbid layer-based materials, such as the skin, visualization of both surface and subsurface details is desirable. By using a cross-polarized lighting orientation, subsurface details such as pigment and vascularity are illuminated. By using a parallel-polarized orientation, surface features such as wrinkles and xerosis are illuminated. The purpose of the mirror is to examine skin or other layer-based materials with polarized light. One potential use may be for cosmetic evaluation of the facial skin.

Appearance: The Split Polarizing Mirror is an illuminated mirror that is either handheld, on a stand, or mounted. It can be circular or rectangular in shape.

Components: It consists of a mirror surrounded by bright light; it is fitted with polarizing filters that cover both the light and the mirror in specific orientations. The mechanism of the mirror is combining linear and circular polarizers configured to orient incoherent light into two separate coherent polarization states.

Configuration: The polarizers are configured as follows:

·        Circular polarizer covers the light

·        Two linear polarizers cover the mirror, arranged at 0o and 90o

Sequence: The circular polarizer first orients the light into a corkscrew shape, where it reflects off the skin and returns to the mirror. Before being reflected by the mirror (back to the eye), the linear polarizer divides the light into two compartments, P and S. This is achieved by orienting one half of the linear polarizer in a vertical manner and the second half horizontally. These two compartments are also referred to as parallel and crossed, or plane and perpendicular (relative to plane of incidence). Upon reflection to the eye, half of the viewing field will have the surface details visible, while the other half will have the subsurface features visible.