Operating Manual Axiostar plus Transmitted-Light Microscope
Carl Zeiss Copyright Axiostar plus Knowledge of this manual is required for the operation of the instrument. Therefore please make yourself familiar with the contents of this manual and pay special attention to hints concerning the safe operation of the instrument. The specifications are subject to change; the manual is not covered by an update service. Unless expressly authorized, forwarding and duplication of this document, and the utilization and communication of its contents are not permitted.
Axiostar plus Contents Carl Zeiss CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION Title Page............................................................................................................. I Copyright ........................................................................................................... II Contents ........................................................................................................... III General Notes on Safety, Instrument Safety and EMC .................................
Carl Zeiss IV Contents Axiostar plus 2.8 Attaching condensers.....................................................................................2-14 2.8.1 2.8.2 2.8.3 2.8.4 2.8.5 Attaching Abbe condenser 0.9/1.25.............................................................................. 2-14 Inserting slider for phase contrast or darkfield.............................................................. 2-14 Attaching Abbe condenser with 5-position turret............................................
Axiostar plus Contents Carl Zeiss 3.9 Attaching photomicrography equipment ........................................................3-18 3.9.1 3.9.2 Attaching SLR camera, e.g. CONTAX ARIA ...................................................................3-18 Attaching MC 80 DX microscope camera (film cassette 35 mm) ....................................3-20 3.10 3.11 Attaching adapters for video cameras.............................................................
Carl Zeiss Safety General Notes, Instrument Safety and EMC Axiostar plus General Notes on Safety Before starting up the microscope, please ensure that you have familiarized yourself thoroughly with the contents of this manual. Further information can be obtained from our service department or from authorized representatives. The Axiostar plus microscope is an optical precision instrument which may be impaired in its performance or damaged if handled improperly.
Axiostar plus Safety Unpacking Transport, Storage, Operation Carl Zeiss Unpacking, Transport, Storage Operation Please observe the following safety notes when unpacking, transporting and storing the Axiostar plus microscope: Please observe the following safety notes when using the Axiostar plus microscope: – In accordance with standard practice, the microscope is supplied in a plastic container with cardboard packaging; only use the original packaging for transport.
Carl Zeiss Safety Care and Maintenance, Warranty Notes Axiostar plus Care and Maintenance Notes on Warranty Please observe the following safety notes when caring for and maintaining the Axiostar plus microscope: The Axiostar plus microscope, including its original accessories, may only be used for the microscope techniques described in this manual. The manufacturer cannot assume any liability for any other applications.
Axiostar plus Instrument description Contents, List of Illustrations Carl Zeiss INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION Contents 1 INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION..................................................................................... 1-3 1.1 Name and intended application .................................................................................. 1-3 1.2 Description and main features .................................................................................... 1-3 1.3 System overview.............
Carl Zeiss Fig.
Axiostar plus 1 1.1 Instrument description Intended application, Main features INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION Name and intended application Manufacturer‘s name: Axiostar plus microscope The Axiostar plus is a transmitted light microscope for the visualization of fine structures and forms in biology and medicine. Typical applications of the Axiostar plus include: 1.2 Description and main features Thanks to its pyramid design, the Axiostar plus is a compact transmitted-light microscope.
Carl Zeiss 1.
Axiostar plus 40-815 e 12/01 Instrument description System overview Carl Zeiss 1-5
Carl Zeiss 1-6 Instrument description System overview Axiostar plus B 40-815 e 12/01
Axiostar plus 1.4 Instrument description Objectives Objectives The objectives are the optical centerpiece of the microscope. The following is an example of how objectives can be labeled: CP-ACHROMAT 10×/0.25 ∞/-. where: 10× = objective magnification, with a defined color ring on the objective allocated to each magnification step (Carl Zeiss color code) 0.25 = numerical aperture ∞ = infinite tube length − = can be used with cover slip thickness D = 0 or 0.17 mm or 0.
Instrument Description Objectives Carl Zeiss Axiostar plus The following objectives are available for the Axiostar plus microscope: Magnification/ Numerical aperture Microscopy Technique Objective Transm.-light brightfield CP-Achromat 5×/0.12 CP-Achromat Phase contrast Transm.-light brightfield Phase contrast Transm.-light brightfield Phase contrast Transm.-light brightfield 1-8 Free working distance FAA [mm] Cover slip thickness D [mm] Cat.No. 11.2 - 440920-0000-000 10×/0.25 5.
Instrument description Eyepieces, Stage micrometers, Eyepiece reticles Axiostar plus 1.5 Carl Zeiss Eyepieces The following eyepieces are offered for the Axiostar plus: Eyepiece Image angle Cat. No. Eyepiece PL 10×/18 Br. 39° 444131-9901-000 Eyepiece PL 10×/18 Br. foc. 39° 444132-9901-000 Eyepiece E-PL 10×/20 Br. 43° 444231-9901-000 Eyepiece E-PL 10×/20 Br. foc. 43° 444232-9902-000 Eyepiece PL 16×/16 Br. 54° 444053-0000-000 Eyepiece PL 16×/16 Br. foc.
Instrument description Eyepieces, Stage micrometers, Eyepiece reticles Carl Zeiss 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Axiostar plus Crossline disk / d = 26 mm 474064-0000-000 Crossline micrometer disk 10:100 / d = 26 mm gradation length = 10 mm increments = 0.1 mm gradation tolerance ≤ 0.001 mm 474066-9901-000 9 10 Net micrometer 474068-0000-000 12.5× ×12.5/5;10 / d = 26 mm area 12.5 × 12.5 mm, divided in fields of 5 × 5 or 10 × 10 Photo reticle MC 2.
Axiostar plus Instrument description Technical Data 1.7 Technical data (1) Dimensions (width × depth × height) Carl Zeiss Stand with binocular tube......................................................................approx. 200 × 350 × 450 mm Stand with phototube............................................................................approx. 200 × 350 × 450 mm Overall height including T2 adapter and CONTAX ARIA SLR camera housing.............. approx.
Carl Zeiss (6) Instrument description Technical Data Axiostar plus Light sources Halogen lamp.............................................................................................................. HAL 6 V, 20 W Adjustment of the light source ........................................................ continuous, 1.5 to 6 V DC 1 Color temperature at 6 V ...........................................................................................2800 K Light flux .......................................
Axiostar plus (7) Instrument description Technical Data Carl Zeiss Opto-mechanical data 2 Stand with stage focusing........................................................................ with coarse drive (4 mm/U) and fine drive (0.4 mm/U) overall lift 15 mm Objective change...............................................................manually via 4/5-position objective revolver Objectives .............................................................................. ICS line of objectives with W 0.
Carl Zeiss Instrument description Technical Data Axiostar plus Binocular tube 30°/20 maximum field number .......................................................................................................20 interpupillary distance.........................................................can be set between 55 and 75 mm viewing angle.................................................................................................................... 30° viewing angle with ergonomic base plate............
Axiostar plus Start-Up Contents Carl Zeiss START-UP Contents 2 2.1 2.2 2.2.1 2.2.2 2.3 2.3.1 2.3.2 2.3.3 2.4 2.5 2.5.1 2.5.2 2.5.3 2.6 2.7 2.7.1 2.7.2 2.8 2.8.1 2.8.2 2.8.3 2.8.4 2.8.5 2.9 2.10 2.11 2.11.1 2.11.2 2.11.3 2.11.4 2.11.5 2.11.6 2.11.7 2.12 START-UP ..................................................................................................................2-3 Unpacking the instrument ...........................................................................................
Start-Up List of illustrations Carl Zeiss Axiostar plus List of illustrations Fig. 2-1 Fig. 2-2 Fig. 2-3 Fig. 2-4 Fig. 2-5 Fig. 2-6 Fig. 2-7 Fig. 2-8 Fig. 2-9 Fig. 2-10 Fig. 2-11 Fig. 2-12 Fig. 2-13 Fig. 2-14 Fig. 2-15 Fig. 2-16 Fig. 2-17 Fig. 2-18 Fig. 2-19 Fig. 2-20 Fig. 2-21 Fig. 2-22 Fig. 2-23 Fig. 2-24 Fig. 2-25 Fig. 2-26 Fig. 2-27 Fig. 2-28 Fig. 2-29 Fig. 2-30 Fig. 2-31 Fig. 2-32 2-2 Inserting base pods..............................................................................................
Axiostar plus 2 Start-Up Attaching and adjusting ergonomic base plate START-UP ☞ Before installing and starting-up the Axiostar plus, carefully read through and observe the notes on safety (page VI ff.). To prevent fingerprints, do not touch optical surfaces when unpacking! 2.1 Unpacking the instrument The Axiostar plus microscope, including accessories, is delivered in standard packaging. • Remove the microscope from the transport case and place it on the work table.
Carl Zeiss Start-Up Unpacking, Attaching ergonomic base plate 2.2.1 1 2 Plastic feet Base pod Fig. 2-1 2-4 Inserting base pods Axiostar plus Attaching the ergonomic base plate • Remove the tube if one is attached. • Tilt the stand back and set it down. • Remove the four plastic feet (Fig. 2-1/1) from the stand and replace with the four base pods included (Fig. 2-1/2). If necessary, clean adhesive or varnish remains from the drilled holes.
Axiostar plus 1 2 Start-Up Attaching and adjusting ergonomic base plate Carl Zeiss Ergonomic base plate Allen screws M4 x 30 Fig.
Carl Zeiss 2.2.2 Start-Up Attaching and adjusting ergonomic base plate Adjusting the ergonomic base plate Adjusting viewing height The viewing height of the microscope can be adjusted by turning the feet (2-3/3) on the base plate in four levels. The height difference is 10 mm per level (total lift 30 mm). When the viewing height is changed, the slope of the hand rest on the ergonomic base plate is changed automatically. The adjustment range is approximately 6.5°.
Axiostar plus 1 2 3 4 Start-Up Attaching and adjusting ergonomic base plate Carl Zeiss Top of stand Handle on back of ergonomic base plate Adjustment feet Locking button Fig.
Carl Zeiss Start-up Attaching tube Axiostar plus 2.3 Attaching tubes One knurled screw and one hexagonal screw each are supplied with the mount. Any of these screws can be used to clamp the tube (phototube) to the stand. • Screw the required screw into the threaded hole (2-4/6) in the stand. 2.3.1 1 2 3 4 5 6 Dust cap Binocular tube Binocular phototube Hexagonal screw Knurled screw Threaded hole for knurled or hexagonal screw Fig.
Axiostar plus 2.3.3 Start-up Attaching tube Carl Zeiss Attaching binocular tube 30°/20 ICS Using the binocular tube/phototube 30° ICS with the ergonomic base plate offers the best ergonomic conditions for microscope use. The adapter for 30° tubes is required to attach the binocular tube 30° ICS to the stand. If necessary, first remove the 45° ICS tube from the stand. • Remove dust cap from tube underside. Loosen knurled screw (2-5/4) or hexagonal screw on the stand.
Carl Zeiss Start-up Screwing in objectives, Inserting eyepieces 2.4 • Axiostar plus Screwing in objectives Remove dust caps (2-6/2) according to the number of objectives and screw objectives (2-6/3) into nosepiece (2-6/1) clockwise one by one, starting with the lowest magnification. ☞ Place dust caps on the unused objective openings in the nosepiece. 1 2 3 4- or 5-position nosepiece Dust cap Objective Fig. 2-6 Screwing in objectives 2.
Axiostar plus 2.5.1 Start-Up Inserting eyepieces Inserting eyepiece reticles The eyepieces PL 10×/18 Br. foc. and E-PL 10×/20 Br. foc. are intended for use with eyepiece reticles (see chapter 1.6). The slight image shift caused by the additional path through the glass is taken into account on the diopter scale by the fact that the zero point position is indicated not by the white dot (2-8/W) but by the red dot (2-8/R).
Carl Zeiss Start-Up Setting interpupillary distance and viewing height 2.5.3 Axiostar plus Attaching folding eyecups The eyepieces are equipped with rubber rings to protect eyeglasses from scratches. These rings can be replaced with folding eyecups, if desired. • Remove the rubber rings (2-8/2) from the eyepieces and attach the eyecups (2-8/1). Sometimes, the spectacle protection rings fit very tightly in the eyepiece groove so that a dull object (e.g. tooth pick) is required to press them out. 2.
Axiostar plus 2.7 Start-Up Setting mechanical stage 75 x 30 R/L Carl Zeiss Setting mechanical stage 75 x 30 R/L The Axiostar plus stand is delivered from the factory with right or left (R/L) drive operation. A specimen holder with spring lever is attached on the left of the mechanical stage. The verniers for x- and y- adjustment can be found on the right side of the mechanical stage. 2.7.
Carl Zeiss Start-Up Attaching condensers Axiostar plus 2.8 Attaching condensers 2.8.1 Attaching Abbe condenser 0.9/1.25 • Unscrew both centering screws (2-12/3) on the condenser carrier (2-12/1) until the Abbe condenser 0.9/1.25 (2-12/7) can be easily inserted into the condenser carrier. • Insert the condenser into the condenser carrier in such a way that 1.
Axiostar plus 2.8.3 Start-Up Attaching condensers Carl Zeiss Attaching Abbe condenser with 5-position turret Attachment is made in the same way as the Abbe condenser 0.9/1.25. • Loosen both centering screws (2-14/3) on the condenser carrier (2-14/1). • Press condenser with dovetail against the spring pin (2-14/2) in the condenser carrier. Make sure that the orientation screw (2-14/5) on the condenser engages in the groove (2-14/4) of the condenser carrier.
Carl Zeiss Start-Up Attaching condensers 2.8.4 1 2 3 4 Condenser carrier Centering screw LED illuminator Condenser drive Fig. 2-15 Attaching LED illuminator Axiostar plus Attaching LED illuminator • Insert LED illuminator (2-15/3) in the condenser carrier (2-15/1) in the same way as the Abbe condensers. • Tighten both centering screws (2-15/2) until the LED illuminator lies approximately in the center of the beam path.
Axiostar plus Operation with 9 V Alkaline (9 V / Ni Cd battery block) Start-Up Attaching condensers Carl Zeiss battery • Turn holding screw (2-16/8) on the cover (2-16/7) of the battery compartment to the left and remove the cover. • Insert 9 V Alkaline battery (2-16/6) into the battery compartment (2-16/5) with the terminals in front (plus pole points upwards). • Attach cover, press it on and fix it in position by turning the holding screw to the right.
Carl Zeiss Start-Up Attaching condensers 2.8.5 Axiostar plus Attaching darkfield condenser The darkfield condenser frame (for Axiostar plus) is required to place darkfield condensers in the condenser carrier. • Place darkfield condenser (2-17/6) in the darkfield condenser frame (2-17/5) and screw on fastening ring (2-17/7) ☞ The dry darkfield condenser (0.7/0.85, 465506000-000) is screwed directly into the darkfield condenser frame without the fastening ring.
Start-Up Darkfield condenser Axiostar plus Carl Zeiss Selection of recommended combinations: darkfield condenser – objective for best contrast when using transmitted-light darkfield technique Recommended darkfield condensers: A Ultracondenser 1.2 / 1.4 465500-0000-000 (applicable from 0.75 - 1) B Dry darkfield condenser 0.8 / 0.95 465505-0000-000 (applicable from 0.6 – 0.75) C Dry darkfield condenser 0.7 / 0.85 465506-0000-000 (applicable from 0.4 – 0.6) Objective Cat. No.
Carl Zeiss Start-Up Attaching colored disk carrier, polarizer or wide-angle unit 2.9 Axiostar plus Attaching colored disk carrier, polarizer or wide-angle unit The polarizer must be installed if you want to use polarization contrast. The wide-angle unit must be used with objectives having a magnification < 4x so that the entire visible field is illuminated.
Axiostar plus 2.10 Start-Up Inserting white-balance filter Carl Zeiss Inserting white-balance filter The white-balance filter can be used to balance differing, subjective color perceptions when observing a specimen and to increase contrast. ☞ The white-balance filter is only for subjective balancing for the user. For microphotography, remove the white-balance filter and use an appropriate conversion filter (e.g. conversion filter 3200 ... 5500 K).
Carl Zeiss Start-Up Attaching epi-fluorescence illuminator 2.11 Axiostar plus Attaching epi-fluorescence illuminator The epi-fluorescence illuminator can be used only in conjunction with a binocular tube/phototube 30°. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 • If necessary, remove the 45° tube or 30° tupe and adapter for 30° tubes. • Replace knurled screws on the stage mount with hexagonal screws (2-20/5). • Press epi-fluorescence illuminator (2-20/2) at a slight angle to the right into the spring of the stand mount.
Start-Up Attaching epi-fluorescence illuminator Axiostar plus 2.11.1 Carl Zeiss Filter stop carrier for epi-fluorescence illuminator The epi-fluorescence illuminator has two slots for filter stop carriers. The carriers can be inserted and accessed from the right or left. Filter stop carrier 1 (designated with one dot) has three positions (a, b, c) for filters with a 25 mm diameter. O-rings are used to hold the filters in the stop carrier.
Carl Zeiss Start-Up Attaching epi-fluorescence illuminator 2.11.2 1 2 3 Axiostar plus Attaching HBO 50 fluorescent lamp • Place HBO 50 fluorescent lamp (2-22/1) on the connection supports on the epifluorescence illuminator (2-22/3), align and tighten with clamping screw (2-22/2) . • Plug the HBO 50 connection cable into the power supply and plug the power supply into an outlet. • Use switch on the front of the power supply to turn the HBO 50 lamp on and off.
Axiostar plus 2.11.3 • Start-Up Attaching epi-fluorescence illuminator Carl Zeiss Replacing burner in fluorescent lamp Turn off power supply for HBO 50. Remove HBO 50 plug from the socket on the power supply. Danger of getting burned! Allow lamp housing to cool off at least 15 minutes. • Remove HBO 50 lamp from the epifluorescence illuminator and place it on a work surface. • Loosen clamping screw (2-23/1) with Allen key (SW 3) and lift up lamp housing.
Carl Zeiss • • Start-Up Attaching epi-fluorescence illuminator Hold the new burner on the labeled metal base and place it in the heat sink so that the reflective portion of the burner points down when placed in the lamp frame. If both sides are reflective, make sure that the electrode labeled “UP“ is at the top. If there is a sideways reflective melting position on the burner, it must point to the side in relation to the beam path. Axiostar plus The heat sink must be parallel to the lamp base.
Axiostar plus 2.11.4 Start-Up Attaching epi-fluorescence illuminator Carl Zeiss Adjusting burner in fluorescent lamp Since the Axiostar plus epi-fluorescence illuminator has an adjustment guide (filter stop carrier 2, 2-24/5), the HBO 50 can remain on the illuminator while adjusting the burner. • Turn on completely connected fluorescent lamp via the power supply unit. The burner will ignite automatically.
Carl Zeiss Start-Up Attaching epi-fluorescence illuminator Axiostar plus 2.11.5 Changing P&C reflector module The reflector carriage in the epi-fluorescence illuminator must be removed to change the P&C reflector module. Removing the reflector carriage: • Push the reflector carriage lever (2-25/5) to the left or middle position. • Push up the protective cap (2-25/2) on the epi-fluorescence illuminator (2-25/1) along the groove. • Push the reflector carriage lever (2-25/5) to the right.
Start-Up Attaching epi-fluorescence illuminator Axiostar plus Carl Zeiss Inserting a P&C reflector module: • Hold the module (2-26/4) with thumb and index finger as shown in Fig. 2-26 and insert at a slant from the top with the right and left holding supports (2-26/5) into the bottom spring clamps (2-26/2) in the reflector carriage (2-26/3). • Press on the top of the module until it engages in the top spring clamps (2-26/1).
Carl Zeiss Start-Up Attaching epi-fluorescence illuminator 2.11.6 Axiostar plus Changing filter set in P&C reflector module You can combine and attach the filter sets for the P&C reflector module as needed. Filter sets or completely equipped P&C reflector modules can be ordered from Carl Zeiss. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Fastening ring Locking filter P&C reflector module Orientation groove Excitation filter Mounting sheet Fig.
Axiostar plus Start-Up Attaching epi-fluorescence illuminator Carl Zeiss We recommend the following procedure if you need to install filters without direction markings (arrow): Filters with reflective, dielectric layers should be installed so that the reflective layer – Points out for an excitation filter (in relation to the reflector module) and – Points in for an emission filter (Fig. 2-28). 2.11.
Carl Zeiss Start-Up Attaching epi-fluorescence illuminator Axiostar plus • Tip the top module half up (Excitation) (2-30/1) and remove the bottom module half (Emission) from the holding supports (2-30/5b). • Remove color splitter (2-30/2) and spring frame (2-30/3) from bottom module half. • Remove old color splitter and carefully place the new one on the spring frame (2-30/3) with the reflective side pointing up. Place both parts together in the bottom module half.
Axiostar plus 2.12 Start-Up Connecting the instrument to the line Carl Zeiss Connecting the instrument to the line The microscope can be operated using line voltages of 100 - 240 V without conversion. • Connect the line cable with connector (2-32/2) to the instrument socket (2-32/1) and connect the earth-contact plug (2-32/3) to the line. • Switch on the instrument via the on/off switch (2-32/4) on the left-hand side of the instrument.
Start-Up Carl Zeiss 2-34 Axiostar plus B 40-815 e 12/01
Axiostar plus Operation Contents Carl Zeiss OPERATION Contents 3 3.1 3.2 3.2.1 3.2.2 3.2.3 3.3 3.3.1 3.3.2 3.3.3 3.4 3.4.1 3.4.2 3.4.3 3.5 3.5.1 3.5.2 3.5.3 3.5.4 3.6 3.6.1 3.6.2 3.6.3 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.9.1 3.9.2 3.10 3.11 3.11.1 3.11.2 3.11.3 3.11.4 3.12 OPERATION ...............................................................................................................3-3 Switching on the instrument........................................................................................
Operation List of illustrations Carl Zeiss Axiostar plus List of illustrations Fig. 3-1 Fig. 3-2 Fig. 3-3 Fig. 3-4 Fig. 3-5 Fig. 3-6 Fig. 3-7 Fig. 3-8 Fig. 3-9 Fig. 3-10 Fig. 3-11 Fig. 3-12 Fig. 3-13 Fig. 3-14 Fig. 3-15 Fig. 3-16 Fig. 3-17 3-2 Switching on the instrument........................................................................................3-3 Inserting filters ............................................................................................................
Axiostar plus Operation Switching on the instrument 3 OPERATION 3.1 Switching on the instrument • Switch on the instrument via the On/Off switch (3-1/1). • The green LED integrated in the on/off switch lights up to indicate that the instrument is ready for operation (switch in "I" position). The integrated 6 V 20 W longlife halogen lamp must also be on. Carl Zeiss ☞ The Axiostar plus microscope is supplied with factory-aligned illumination.
Operation Transmitted-light brightfield Carl Zeiss 3.2 Using the transmitted-light brightfield technique 3.2.1 General principle Transmitted-light brightfield microscopy is the most usual of all the optical microscopy techniques, since it allows the easy and fast viewing of high-contrast or stained specimens (e.g. blood smears).
Axiostar plus Operation Transmitted light brightfield • Swivel 10x objective into beam path via knurled ring (3-4/5) of the nosepiece. • Look through the fixed eyepiece of the binocular tube (3-4/6) first and focus on the object via the focusing drive (3-4/1). • Then set the focus for the other eye by turning the eyelens of the focusing eyepiece if necessary. • Close luminous-field diaphragm (3-4/2) until it is visible in the field of view, even if not in focus (3-4/A).
Carl Zeiss Operation Transmitted-light phase contrast 3.3 Axiostar plus Using transmitted-light phase contrast 3.3.1 General principle The phase contrast technique is ideal for examinations of thin, unstained specimens, e.g. culture cells.
Axiostar plus 3.3.3 Operation Transmitted-light phase contrast Carl Zeiss Setting transmitted-light phase contrast Requirements: – – As described in chapter 2, the microscope is ready for operation and switched on according to section 3.1. The microscope must be set for transmitted-light brightfield, as described in section 3.2. Settings: • Swivel phase contrast objective, e.g. 40×/0.65 Ph 2 (3-5/10), into the beam path.
Operation Transmitted-light darkfield Carl Zeiss 3.4 Using the transmitted-light darkfield technique 3.4.1 General principle Darkfield is mainly used for small or minute objects such as bacteria, but also for emulsions or unstained objects in watery solutions. In transmitted-light brightfield, unstained biological specimens, such as bacteria or living cell cultures, are often barely identifiable – if at all – on account of their light transmission.
Axiostar plus 3.4.3 Operation Transmitted-light darkfield Setting transmitted-light darkfield Before starting: – As described in section 2, the microscope is ready for operation and switched on according to section 3.1. Carl Zeiss ☞ Darkfield specimens require a considerably higher level of cleanliness than specimens for other methods; fingerprints, dirt and dust in particular brighten the background and reduce the contrast of the object image.
Carl Zeiss Operation Transmitted-light darkfield Setting darkfield contrast with dry darkfield condensers • If necessary, swivel open the wide-angle unit, colored disk carrier, polarizer or λ plate. • Move condenser carrier down until it makes contact. • Place dry darkfield condenser in darkfield condenser carrier (see section 2).
Axiostar plus Operation Transmitted-light darkfield Setting darkfield contrast with immersion oil darkfield condensers • • If necessary, swivel open the wide-angle unit, colored disk carrier, polarizer or λ plate. Move condenser carrier down until it makes contact. • Place immersion oil darkfield condenser in darkfield condenser carrier (see section 2).
Operation Transmitted-light polarization Carl Zeiss 3.5 Using transmitted-light polarization contrast 3.5.1 General principle The transmitted-light polarization technique is used with specimens that change the polarization state of light. Such specimens, e.g. crystals, minerals or polymers, are termed as birefringent. If birefringent substances are viewed between crossed polarizers (polarizer ⊥ analyzer), they appear bright while their surrounding remains dark.
Axiostar plus • • Operation Transmitted-light polarization If necessary, correct the orientation of the analyzer to achieve an optimal, dark viewing field. Move the object to be examined into the field of view. Birefringent (anisotropic) objects now usually exhibit the optical effects described above. ☞ The orientation of the analyzer to the polarizer changes when you turn the tube, which in turn influences the contrast. 3.5.
Operation Setting epi-fluorescence Carl Zeiss 3.6 Setting epi-fluorescence 3.6.1 General principle The epi-fluorescence method displays fluorescent substances with strong contrast in typical fluorescent colors. In an epi-fluorescence microscope, this occurs through a light generated via a heat protection filter on the excitation filter (bandpass). The filtered shortwave excitation beam is reflected by a dichromatic beam splitter and focused on the specimen via the objective.
Axiostar plus Operation Setting epi-fluorescence Carl Zeiss The first epi-fluorescence setting is significantly easier if you use the Plan-Neofluar 20x/0.50 objective and a strong fluorescent specimen. Demonstration specimens can be used first. • First leave the illumination beam closed; move the filter stop carrier 2 (3-10/2) to the closed position. • Turn on the HBO 50 with the power supply and let it warm up to operating temperature for about 15 minutes.
Operation Measurement of lengths Carl Zeiss 3.7 Measurement of lengths Before starting: The measurement of lengths using the Axiostar plus requires the following, for example: – stage micrometer, positive 5 + 100/100 y D = 0.17 mm – eyepiece crossline micrometer 10 : 100, d = 26 mm – An overview of available stage micrometers and eyepiece reticles is provided in chapter 1.6.
Axiostar plus 3.8 Operation Attaching ICS double tube Carl Zeiss Attaching ICS double tube • Loosen knurled screw (3-12/4) on the stand and remove binocular tube, if available. • Remove dust cover from the underside of the tube. • Press the ICS double tube (3-12/1) to the right in a slightly inclined position into the spring of the stand mount. • Then set the double tube ICS by lowering the left side into the dovetail of the stand mound. This will secure the double tube ICS from falling out.
Carl Zeiss Operation Attaching photomicrography equipment 3.9 ☞ For the use of the photomicrography equipment, please observe the relevant separate manuals in addition to the information provided in this manual. Attaching photomicrography equipment The Axiostar plus microscope with phototube can be changed from observation to photomicrography via the control knob (3-13/7 and 3-14/8) attached to both sides of the phototube (photomicrography position: turned counterclockwise until stop: 100 % doc).
Axiostar plus Operation Attaching photomicrography equipment Carl Zeiss When artificial light color reversal film is used, the CB 3 conversion filter provides the correct color temperature of 3200 K. The filter must be placed on the dust cover of the luminous-field diaphragm (3-2/2), as mentioned in chapter 3.1. For daylight color reversal film, the CB 12 conversion filter must be used in addition to the CB 3 conversion filter.
Carl Zeiss Operation Photomicrography equipment 3.9.2 Axiostar plus Attaching MC 80 DX microscope camera (film cassette 35 mm) • Loosen hexagonal screws (3-14/7) and remove dust protection cap (3-14/9) from the phototube. • Insert adapter 60 for microscope camera (3-14/5) (456006-0000-000) into phototube (3-14/6) and fix it using three hexagonal screws (3-14/7). • Insert P 2.5× projection lens (3-14/4) into adapter 60 for microscope cameras (3-14/5).
Operation Attaching adapters for video cameras Axiostar plus 3.10 Carl Zeiss Attaching adapters for video cameras The following video adapters and video zoom adapters with interface 60 permit the attachment of 1-chip b/w and color cameras Tube and 3-chip CCD cameras to the phototube of the Axiostar plus. Adapter 456105-0000-000 456107 000000-1069-414 Cameras 456106 456106-0000-000 456105 456108 60 C 2/3“ 1.0× 60 C 2/3“ 0.63× 456108-0000-000 452989-0000-000 60 C 1/3“ 0 .
Operation Attaching adapters for video cameras Carl Zeiss The connecting piece 60 - 44 also allows video adapters with 44 mm interface to be used with Video adapter (Cat. No.) 456140 Axiostar plus the phototube of the Axiostar plus with 60 mm interface. Suitable for Comments Microscopes with interface 60 mm and all video adapters for 44 mm interface. Connects video adapters for 44 mm interface to microscopes with 60 mm interface.
Axiostar plus 3.11 Operation Attaching adapters for digital compact cameras Carl Zeiss Attaching adapters for digital compact cameras Tube Adapter AXIOSTAR 000000-1096-522 000000-1108-984 PLUS PHOTOTUBE WITH INTERFACE 60 MM D40 M52x0.75 44 M52x0.
Carl Zeiss Operation Attaching adapters for digital compact cameras Axiostar plus 3.11.1 Digital cameras with 37 mm filter thread, e.g. SONY DCRPC100 / SONY DSC – S50 When delivered, the sliding mount with thread M37 (3-15/2) and the lens mount (3-15/4) are premounted. The drawing on the right shows the disassembled components. • Remove threaded adapter ring M37/M52 (3-16/3). • Plug connector 60 (3-15/6) onto the binocular phototube (3-15/7) and tighten the 3 set screws (3-15/8).
Axiostar plus Operation Attaching adapters for digital compact cameras • Zoom camera lens from wide-angle position (W) through to tele position (T). • Perform test until image is format-filling without trimming or vignetting. • Tighten the set screw (3-15/3) again. Carl Zeiss No untrimmed image may be obtained when a camera adapter combination is used which is not recommended by Carl Zeiss. 3.11.2 Digital cameras with 52 mm filter thread, e.g.
Carl Zeiss Operation Attaching adapters for digital compact cameras Depending on the microscope configuration or camera used, the distance between the camera lens and the lens mount (3-16/6) must perhaps be optimized (see double arrow). This is required in particular if an untrimmed image cannot be achieved in any zoom position of the camera lens. Make the following settings on the camera: • Switch off the autofocus. • Set the distance to ∞. • Set the automatic exposure control to time priority.
Axiostar plus 3.12 Operation Packing the mount Axiostar plus - Packing the mount • Pull the binocular tube (3-17/6) completely apart and slide the rubber foam component (3-17/7) between the eyepiece tubes until stop. It might be necessary to apply some pressure on the rubber foam component until the holding flaps (3-17/8) are flush with the upper stand part.
Carl Zeiss 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Operation Packing the mount Axiostar plus Case cover Case floor Velcro fasteners Rubber foam component Condenser Binocular tube 45° ICS Rubber foam component Holding flaps Stand Fig.
Axiostar plus Care, maintenance and trouble-shooting Contents, List of illustrations Carl Zeiss CARE, MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING Contents 4 4.1 4.2 4.2.1 4.2.2 4.2.3 4.2.4 4.3 CARE, MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLE-SHOOTING.................................................. 4-2 Care and maintenance of the instrument .................................................................... 4-2 Troubleshooting .........................................................................................................
Carl Zeiss Care, maintenance and trouble-shooting Care and maintenance of the instrument 4 CARE, MAINTENANCE TROUBLE-SHOOTING 4.1 Care and maintenance of the instrument Axiostar plus AND Care of the Axiostar plus is limited to the following operations: When using the Axiostar plus in humid climatic zones, proceed as follows: • Cover the instrument with the dust cover after every use. • • Do not set up the instrument in a damp room, i.e. max. humidity < 85 %.
Axiostar plus 4.2 Care, maintenance and trouble-shooting Troubleshooting Carl Zeiss Troubleshooting Troubleshooting for the Axiostar plus is described in further detail using the following two examples: − changing the fuses and − changing the 6 V, 20 W halogen lamp Further measures are summarized in the table under4.2.2. 4.2.1 Changing the fuses • Switch off the instrument via the on/off switch (4-1/1), disconnect line plug from the line and disconnect line connector from instrument socket.
Carl Zeiss Care, maintenance and trouble-shooting Troubleshooting 4.2.2 Axiostar plus Changing the 6 V, 20 W halogen lamp Do not touch the lamp bulb with your bare hands; if required, clean the bulb with clean alcohol before switching it on for the first time to prevent dirt from burning in. The following procedure exchange the lamp: 1 2 Halogen lamp Cover When changing the lamp, it is not necessary to remove the microscope from the ergonomic base plate (in the event the base plate is being used).
Axiostar plus 4.2.3 Care, maintenance and trouble-shooting Troubleshooting Carl Zeiss Troubleshooting Problem Vignetting or inhomogeneous image brightness in the field of view; the field of view is not entirely visible Cause Remedy The vis/doc knob on the phototube is not in the correct position (intermediate position) Move the vis/doc knob on the phototube to the correct position (end position), see p.
Care, maintenance and trouble-shooting Troubleshooting Carl Zeiss Problem Image aberration Cause Axiostar plus Remedy Condenser not set correctly Set condenser correctly, see p.
Axiostar plus Problem The 6 V, 20 W halogen lamp does not function although the on/off switch is in “on“ position The 6 V, 20 W halogen lamp flickers, unstable brightness Care, maintenance and trouble-shooting Troubleshooting Cause Carl Zeiss Remedy Line cable not connected to the line Connect line cable to the line and make sure to check the instrument and line voltage, see p. 2-33 6 V, 20 W halogen lamp not installed Install 6 V, 20 W halogen lamp, see p.
Care, maintenance and trouble-shooting Troubleshooting Carl Zeiss 4.2.4 Axiostar plus Spares, wearing parts and tools Description Cat. No.
Axiostar plus 4.3 Care, maintenance and trouble-shooting Requesting service Carl Zeiss Requesting service All repairs of mechanical, optical or electronic components inside the instrument and of the electrical components of the Axiostar plus may only be performed by Carl Zeiss service staff or specially authorized personnel.
Care, maintenance and trouble-shooting Carl Zeiss 4-10 Axiostar plus B 40-815 e 12/01
Axiostar plus Appendix Carl Zeiss APPENDIX Index......... .................................................................................................................................. A-2 List of Abbreviations ..................................................................................................................... A-4 Physical and Technical Units ..........................................................................................................
Carl Zeiss Appendix Index Index A Abbe Condenser ....................2-14, 2-15, 2-16, .....................................................3-4, 3-6, 3-7 Adapter................ 3-17, 3-18, 3-19, 3-21, 3-23 Ambient conditions ...................................1-11 Ametropia .................................................2-11 Analyzer ....................................................3-12 Aperture diaphragm .............................3-4, 3-7 Aperture diaphragm lever ...................
Axiostar plus Appendix Index Carl Zeiss L S LED illuminator ............................................3-3 Line voltage......................................1-11, 2-33 Luminous-field diaphragm ...................3-3, 3-4, .....................................................3-5, 3-7, 3-9 Service ........................................................4-9 Slider for darkfield .......................................3-8 Slider for phase contrast ..............2-14, 3-4, 3-6 Slider for phase darkfield ..
Appendix Abbreviations Carl Zeiss Axiostar plus List of Abbreviations A-Plan Achromatic objectives featuring improved image flatness (ICS line) Br.
Appendix Physical and Technical Units Axiostar plus SLR SW s/w Single Lens Reflex wrench opening black-and-white T T2-Adapter slow-blow (fuse type) standard adapter for 35 mm cameras VObj VDE vis magnification of the objective association of German electrotechnicians visual W 0,8 Whitworth-type thread (inch thread) 0.
Appendix Carl Zeiss A-6 Axiostar plus B 40-815 e 12/01
