We propose a novel implementation of the Lau and Talbot effects. It employs a grating registered as modulation of birefringence in a Bi<SUB>12</SUB>SiO<SUB>20</SUB> crystal. The systems proposed allow to control the visibility and in particular to reverse the contrast of the self images and Lau fringes by rotating an analyzer. A theoretical approach is outlined and the predicted behavior is confirmed by results obtained under different experimental conditions. We have taken advantage of the arrangements to demonstrate some applications.