Figure 1.

Temperature-dependent changes in the birefringence patterns of a model wax ester behenyl oleate. (A1–A4) Observations made in polarized light without the compensator (red tint plate). (B1–B4) The same sample was analyzed with the compensator in the light path. Matching photographs of the same sample (A1–B1), (A2–B2), (A3–B3), (A4–B4) were taken at matching temperatures by inserting or removing the compensator from the light path. (A1, B1) Solid sample at 25°C, freshly loaded from the manufacturer's vial. (A2, B2) Melted sample at 38°C. (A3, B3) Resolidified sample at 25°C. (A4, B4) Remelted sample at 38°C. Note that after the first melting–cooling cycle, the footprint and shape of the lipid droplet did not change.