Labomed Lx POL User manual

To ensure proper use of this instrument as well as to avoid injury while operating
instrument, understanding this manual completely before use is highly recommended.
User Manual
Lx POL
Research Microscopy
R
R
Lx POL

CONTENTS
2 SAFETY INFORMATION 2-5
a. General Instructions
b. Symbol Used
c. Maintenance and Care
d. Health Risks
e. Electric Data
1 INTRODUCTION 1
6 STANDARD COMPONENTS 9
5 UNPACKING YOUR MICROSCOPE 8
4 Lx POL TRINOCULAR 7
3 Lx POL BINOCULAR 6
7 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES & INSTALLATION 10-11
8 DETAILED INTRODUCTION OF ASSEMBLIES 12-14
a. Flip Top Abbe Condenser
b. Round Stage
c. Centerable revolving nose piece
d. Objectives
e. Eye pieces
f. Bertrand Lens
9 INITIAL SETUP 15-16
a. Observation Head
b. Eye Pieces
c. Mounting the Day Light (Blue) Filter
d. Connecting Power Cords

CONTENTS
10. CENTRATION 17-19
a. Preparation for centration
b. Kohler illumination centration
c. Flip Top Abbe Condenser centration
d. Objective centration
e. Extinction adjustment
f. Conoscopical adjustment
11. SUMMARY OF POLARISED OBSERVATION PROCEDURE 20
12. SUMMARY OF POLARISED OBSERVATION PROCEDURE 21-24
a. Placing the specimen on stage
b. Adjusting the focus
c. Adjusting the Interpupillary Distance
d. Adjusting the Diopter
e. Adjusting the Condenser position and Aperture Iris Diaphragm
f. Switching the objectives
g. Using the 100x Immersion Objective
13. TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE 25-26
14. SPECIFICATIONS 27

INTRODUCTION
1
1
The Lx POL is a research polarizing microscope reflecting a modern design as well as the latest in optical and mechanical
advancements. Designed for professionals, this microscope offers many features and functions for a diverse set of
applications. It is a truly professional polarizing Microscope that meets, and indeed exceeds the quality of some of the
competing Microscopes. Here are a few points highlighting the benefits of the Lx POL:
- Extra clarity and contrast is provided through a 360 degree rotatable viewing body inclined at 30 degree with IPD
adjustments.
- The pressure die cast stand consists of ball bearing, frictionless sideways focusing to avoid any loss in motion.
- The sturdy new stylish design provides a high degree of comfort as well as stability.
- The high powered objectives are spring loaded to prevent accidental damage to specimen slides.
- The highly precision Parfocalized & Parcentered reverse angle quadruple nosepiece has the provision of centering for
all objectives .
- The round ball bearing Rotatable Stage has smooth 360 degree travel and has 1 degree graduations on the scale which
provides accurate location of the specimen.
- High power illumination is delivered through our well crafted Universal Power Supply and operates on 100V- 240V AC
constant input.
- Halogen bulb (6V-20W) has an average life span of up to 2,000 hours.
- The Lx POL is equipped with a Flip Top Abbe Condenser N.A. 1.25 and a swing in and swing out provision for the Top
Lens to attain for brighter illumination levels. An iris diaphragm is also provided for better resolution and contrast control.
- High quality Polarizer & Analyzer filters for perfect extinction level.
- Polarizer: This is provided below the condenser and is 360 degree graduated and lockable in any desired position.
- Analyzer : The advances Analyzer module is located below the viewing tube and provides specific cross polarization
through the full 90 degree quadrant.
- A center adjustable focusable Bertrand lens is a standard feature in the module which provides conoscopic observation.
- A set of high quality compensators for advanced polarized observation include Gypsum full wave length Quartz Wedge
and a Mica 1/4 wave plate.

1. A microscope is a precision instrument with delicate glass components, please handle with care
2. Do not use the microscope where it is subjected to direct sunlight, high temperature, humidity, dust and
vibrations.
3. The microscope is ventilated by natural convection. Be sure to leave enough space (10 cm or more) around
body when installing the unit.
4. Arm handle is provided for carrying the microscope.
To prevent damage, do not hold the microscope by the stage or observation tube. Be sure to remove the specimen
from the stage clip while transporting unit to avoid damage to the specimen slide.
Symbol Explanation
This surface has a tendency to heat up and should not be touched unless
system has completely cooled down.
Before use, carefully read the instruction manual. Improper use could result in
injury to the user and/or damage to the equipment.
Main switch is ON.
Warning against risk of electric shock.
Main switch is OFF.
The following symbols are found on the microscope. For optimal use, it is recommended that users understand
these symbols and always use the equipment as prescribed.
|
!
SAFETY INFORMATION
2
2
Lx POL
if the microscope is used in a manner not specified by this manual, the safety of the user may not be warranted. In
addition, the equipment may also suffer damage. Always use the equipments as outlined in this instruction manual.
I) General Cleaning
Your Microscope has been engineered for a long and safe operational life with the least amount of maintenance
required. In general, routine maintenance is limited to keeping the microscope working parts lubricated and optics
clean.
 Clean all glass components by wiping gently with cleaning cloth provided. To remove fingerprints or oil
smudges, wipe with cleaning cloth slightly moistened with a mixture of petroleum (85%) and isopropanol
(15%)
Since solvents such as petroleum and isopropanol are highly flammable, they must be handled carefully. Be
sure to keep these chemicals away from open flames or potential sources of electrical sparks - for example,
electrical equipment that is being switched “ON” or “OFF”. Also remember to always use these chemicals
only in a well-ventilated room.
 Do not attempt to use organic solvents to clean the microscope components other than the glass
components. To clean non-glass components, use a lint-free, soft cloth slightly moistened with a diluted
neutral detergent.
AGeneral Instructions
BSafety Symbols
CMaintenance and Care

3. Do not disassemble any part of the microscope as this could result in malfunction or mitigated performance.
4. When not using the microscope, ensure that the frame is fully cooled before storing the unit in a dry locker or
covering with a dust cover (provided).
5. To clean the Flip Top Condenser, fully loosen the securing thumb screw (1) and remove the condenser then, wipe
the front lens of the condenser with optical cleaning solution (mixture suggested above) and lens tissue.
The Flip Top Abbe can be re-attached in its seat, by tightening securing thumb screw, and raising condenser
bracket to desired position. (As shown in picture)
6. Be sure to observe you local rules / regulations for product disposal.
7. Always cover the Microscope with the provided dust cover when not in use
II) Optical Cleaning
1. The objectives have been adjusted for a tight fit to prevent any damage during transportation. To remove an
objective, rotate it counterclockwise while gripping it with a rubber sheet, etc. to avoid any slippage.
2. To clean the lens surfaces, remove dust using a soft brush or compressed air (cans available at your local electronic
store). For removing finger marks or grease, soft cleaning cloth or lens tissue lightly moistened wit cleaning solution
(85% petroleum ether and 15% isopropanol) should be used. For cleaning the objective optics, use Meathanol.
Observe sufficient caution in handing Methanol. Place the Objectives and / or eyepieces on a dust free surface (e.g.
aluminium foil). All other optical components to be cleaned should be as accessible as possible.
3. Blow all loose dust particles away with compressed air of mini dust blower.
4. Remove all water-soluble dirt with distilled water. If this is unsuccessful repeat using a solution of diluted hand soap
liquid. Remove any remaining residue with a dry cotton slab.
5. To remove oil, use a solution of diluted hand-soap liquid initially. If this does not produce a satisfactory result, repeat
the cleaning using a solvent (Optical Cleaning Solution 85% petroleum ether and 15% isopropanol).
6. Grease must always be removed using a solvent.
7. Cleaning is achieved by using a spiral motion from the center to the rim. Never wipe using zig-zag movements as
this will only spread the dirt. With larger optical surfaces (e.g. tube lenses) the spiral motion starts initially at the rim
before moving to the middle and is then followed by a center to rim cleaning motion. Normally several spiral wipes
are recommended.
We recommend pure, volatile petroleum ether or Optical Cleaning Solution as explained in point 3 above.
Wipe using a spiral movement Donot use a zig-zag motion
III) Cleaning of Painted Surfaces
Avoid the use of any organic solvent (e.g. thinner, xylene, ether, alcohol etc.) for cleaning of painted surfaces of the
instrument. Painted surfaces can be cleaned with a very lightly moistened micro fiber cloth. Loose dust and other dirt
particles can be removed using a soft bristle brush used exclusively for this purpose.
3
1

This microscope has an ergonomic design that ensures minimum exertion of the user. However, some of the
risks that the user should keep in mind are:
i) Risk of Infection:
After the microscope has been used for observation of a specimen containing bacteria, clean all parts coming in
contact with the specimen to prevent infection.
1. Be sure to remove the specimen before moving this product.
2. In case the specimen is damaged by erroneous operation, it is important to clean all surfaces that may
come in contact with the specimen.
ii) Electrical Hazards:
To avoid potential electrical hazards when replacing halogen bulb turn the microscope’s main switch to the OFF
position and disconnect power cord from wall outlet in advance. Whenever you replace your microscope bulb,
allow lamp socket and bulb to cool before touching.
I) General Instructions:
1. Install microscope on a sturdy, level table or bench and aovid any restriction of air vents in the base of the
unit. Do not place microscope on a flexible surface as this could result in blocking the air vents and cause
overheating.
2. Always use the power cord provided by LABOMED. If the proper power cord is not used, product safety
performance cannot be warranted.
3. When installing the Microscope, route the power cord away from the microscope frame, Should the power
cord come in contact with the Microscope base, the power cord could melt due to overexposure heat.
4. Always ensure that the grounding terminal of the Microscope and that of the wall outlet are properly
connected. If the unit is not grounded. LABOMED can not warrant electrical safety.
5. Never allow metallic objects to penetrate the air vents of the Microscope frame as this could result in user
injury and damage to the Microscope.
6. After operation of Microscope, be sure to disconnect power cord from connector socket of the Microscope
or from the wall power outlet.
DHealth Risks
EElectrical Data
4

1. Before attaching the lamp bulb, remove the parts that may drop
such as the filter and specimen from the Microscope frame, and
place the Microscope on its back so that the bottom plate is
exposed.
2. Pull the lock know (1) on the bottom to open lamp housing door
(fig. 1)
3. Hold the halogen bulb (2) without taking it out of the polyethylene
bag so as not to taint the bulb with fingerprints and push the bulb
into the pin holes on the socket (3). After attaching, remove the
polyethylene bag.
4. With the lock knob pulled out, close the lamp housing door, then
push the lock knob back to lock the cover. Always use the
designated bulb. Using a bulb other than those specified by
LABOMED may lead to a fire hazard. Fingerprints or stains on the
lamp bulb reduce its life. If contamination occurs, wipe bulb
surface with a cloth slightly moistened with alchohol.
Applicable Bulb: 6V20W Halogen Bulb P/N CX-013
Fig. 1
Caution: For Fuse replacement
Set the main switch to “O” (OFF), disconnect the power cord from the
wall outlet.
Before replacing the fuse, remove the parts that may drop such as the filter
and specimen from the microscope frame. Turn around the microscope to
its back so that the AC inlet is visible.
1. Use a flat head screw driver to open the fuse holder (1).
2. The fuse tray will come out with (2) live fuse and (3) spare fuse. Do
not pull out the fuse tray with force as it is locked and will not be out
completely.
3. Replace the primary fuse (2) with the spare fuse.
4. Engage the fuse tray back in.
Always use the designated Fuse. Using a fuse other than those
specified by LABOMED may lead to a fire hazard.
iv
Fig. 2
1
23
1
2
3
5
II) Bulb Replacement
III) Installing or Replacing the Fuse

6
Lx POL Binocular
3Lx POL
R
Binocular viewing tube 30° inclined
Eyepieces
Intermediate Analyzer Kit
Bertrand Lens centering screw
Centerable Revolving Nosepiece
Polarizing Objectives
Specimen Holder
Vernier Scale
Flip Top Abbe Condenser
Polarizer
Koehler mount
Coarse and
fine focus knob
Polarizer locking screw
Intensity regulator
Bertrand lens focusing knob
Bertrand lens on/off
Allen keys for
objective centering
Parking for additional
wave plates (2)
Analyzer on/off
Stage locking screw
Circular stage
with vernier
Port of wave plate
Day light blue filter
Condenser Centering Screw
Lx POL

7
Lx POL Trinocular
4
R
Eyepieces
Centerable Revolving Nosepiece
Polarizing Objectives
Specimen Holder
Flip Top Abbe Condenser
Koehler mount
Intensity regulator
Coarse and
fine focus knob
Stage locking screw
Circular stage
with vernier
Port of wave plate
Analyzer on/off
Parking for additional
wave plates (2)
Allen keys for
objective centering
Trinocular viewing tube, 30° inclined
Bertrand lens focusing knob
Bertrand lens on/off
Intermediate Analyzer Kit
Bertrand Lens centering screw
Vernier Scale
Polarizer
Day light blue filter
Polarizer locking screw
Lx POL
Condenser Centering Screw
Lx POL

8
UNPACKING YOUR MICROSCOPE
5
Microscope Arm
Observation head
Eyepieces
Power Cord

9
 After removing your microscope from its packaging, make sure that all of the following contents are present.
“Please note that the contents of your microscope may vary as the optional configuration, contrasting method or
viewing body opted for may not be of the standard configuration highlighted here”
STANDARD COMPONENTS
6Lx POL
Daylight (blue) filter
Power Cord
Allen Wrench 3mm
Polarizing attachment
Paired Eyepieces
6V 20W Halogen bulb
R
Binocular viewing tube 30° inclined
Eyepieces
Intermediate Analyzer Kit
Bertrand Lens centering screw
Centerable Revolving Nosepiece
Polarizing Objectives
Specimen Holder
Vernier Scale
Flip Top Abbe Condenser
Polarizer
Koehler mount
Coarse and
fine focus knob
Polarizer locking screw
Intensity regulator
Bertrand lens focusing knob
Bertrand lens on/off
Allen keys for
objective centering
Parking for additional
wave plates (2)
Analyzer on/off
Stage locking screw
Circular stage
with vernier
Port of wave plate
Day light blue filter
Condenser Centering Screw
Lx POL

10
System Diagram of Optional Accessories
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
7
Binocular head
Flip Top Abbe Condenser Blue filter
RP 2.5x RP 10x
RP 20x RP 40x (SL) RP 100x (SL, Oil)
Trinocular head WF 10x WF 16x WF 20x
Halogen Bulb
iVu 5100 iVu 7000
R
R
RP 4x
Polarizing kit
Analyzer Module

11
Installation and Operation of Optional Accessories
1. Mount the Video adapter 1/2” (part # 3143300-912) Fig. 4 on
Trinocular observation head (Fig. 5).
2. Mount iVu Camera Module System (Fig. 3) on video adapter.
1iVu Camera Module System
10X eyepieces are provided. To replace:
1. Pull out the 10x eyepieces out from the observation heads ocular
tube.
2. Insert desired eyepieces in empty ocular tube.
2Optional Eyepieces
Fig. 3
Lx POL
Fig. 6
Fig. 5
Fig. 4

1Flip Top Abbe Condenser
Lx POL Flip Top Abbe condenser is has three very important basic
requirements i.e.
1. Stain free optical system.
2. The feature to swing in & out the top lens of the Abbe Condenser in
the light path in order to achieve almost parallel illumination wave
fronts for low magnification and birefringence observation. Also
equipped with iris diaphragm (as shown in fig. 7 respectively).
3. Rotate knurled ring to open and close IRIS Diaphragm for
respective Objective magnification in order to match numerical
aperture.
3Round Stage
Lx POL round stage has both the key feature of rotatability & centerability
(Fig. 9). Lx POL round stage is equipped with the key features of
rotatability and centerability (Fig 9). It provides a 360 degree circular
rotation which allows the user to study the orientation by coinciding the
objective centration with the microscope's optical axis. This makes the
center of rotation coincide with the center of field of view. Rotatibility
allows the user to observe the specimen in the diagnol position ( the
brightest position of anisotropy).
It is equipped with a vernier scale to measure the accuracy of 0.1 degree
and locking provision to stop the stage at desired location. Lx POL round
mechanical stage is based on hard steel ball bearing which provides even
and smooth jerk free motion across 360 degree.
DETAILED INTRODUCTION OF ASSEMBLIES
8
Lx POL
Lx POL
Fig. 7
(Top lens out from Light Path)
Top Lens
Iris shifter
(Top lens in Light Path)
(Polarizer out of Light Path)
This high quality primary polarizer (1) is 360 degree rotatable with fiducial
marking (2) for quick identification of Polarized / Cross Polarized positions.
It is ideally located below condenser and with a lockable mechanism (3) to
stop polarizer filter at desired position for comfortable observation
experience.
Lx POL Polarizer is also equipped with a mechanism of swing in / out the
polarizer from the light path
2Polarizer
1
2

5Objectives
Lx POL objectives are free from stress & both type of 'strain' i.e. glass
characteristics during various stages of the assembly like cementing or
mounted in close proximity with tightly fitted frames. Lx POL objectives are
marked P on objectives barrel only after passing the strict testing.
Lx POL comes with standard 4x, 10x, 40x objectives that solve the
purpose of viewing specimen in conoscopic & orthoscopes modules.
These objectives are anti-refraction coated. Some other objectives like
2.5x, 20x & 100x are also available.
Fig. 11
LABOMED
USA
RP POL PLAN ACHRO
40X / 0.65 / 0.17
9124040
LABOMED
USA
RP POL PLAN ACHRO
10X / 0.25 / 0.17
9124010
4Centerable revolving nose piece
Lx POL comes with a centerable revolving nose piece to compensate
optical axis of each objective as they vary from one assembly to another.
Lx POL Nose Piece is fully equipped with centering mechanism for each
objective to make sure that each object is centered to the stage and
microscopic optical axis so that the specimen remains in the center when
the stage is rotated. Movement of the turret is based on hard steel ball
bearing which provides smooth and jerk free motion around 360 degree.
This nose piece is highly precision parfocalized and par centered.
Fig. # 10
1. Objective Centering Allen Screws.
2. Nose Piece Cover
3. Port for Lamda Plate
Centerable revolving turret is also equipped with a Nose Piece cover
which provides a click stop lockable port for Gypsum Lambda wave plates
fig. 10-a. This feature provides comfort while using different Lambda Wave
Plates. It is ideally located in between specimen & the Analyzer. It allows to
introduce compensator & retardation plates between the cross polarizer
which can enhance optical path differences in the specimen details.
Lx POL
Lx POL
Fig. 10
1
Fig. 10-a
3
2
13
Quartz Wedge
1-4 Order
4

7Bertrand Lens
Lx POL comes with a Bertrand Lens that projects an interference pattern
formed at the objective rear focal plane into focus at the microscope
image plane. It is capable of examining the objective rear focal plane, to
ensure exact adjustment of the illuminating aperture diaphragm and to
view interference images. These images form in the objective rear focal
plane when an optically anisotropic specimen is viewed between cross
polarizer using a high numerical aperture objective / condenser
combination. It is ideally located between analyzer and eye pieces for an
easy in and out movement from the light path. Lx POL Bertrand lens is also
centerable with respect to the optical axis of the microscope and has
focusable mechanism for a comfortable viewing experience.
Fig. # 13 & 14
1. Bertrand Lens Focusing Knob
2. Bertrand Lens Operating Lever
3. Analyzer Operating Lever
4. Gypsum wave Plate
5. Allen wrench for Objective centering.
6. Allen screw for Bertrand Lens Centering.
Fig. 13 : Bertand Lens lever (2) in out “O” position i.e. away from light
path.
Analyzer Lever (3) in out “O” position i.e. away from light
path.
Fig. 14 : Bertand Lens lever (2) in “BL” position i.e. in light
path.
Analyzer Lever (3) in “A” position i.e. in light path.
Fig. 13
14
Fig. 14
1
2
3
4
5
6
2
3
6Eye Pieces
Lx POL comes with a pair of Eye Pieces. One of the eyepieces has a
crosshair reticule to mark the center of the field of view and the second for
normal viewing. Orientation of the Eye Piece with respect to the Polarizer
and Analyzer is ensured by the eye tube lower that slides into the
observation Bino Body tube. These eye pieces also have a focusing
mechanism for diopter correction & foldable eye guards to prevent
ambient light from entering into your line of vision.
Fig. 12
5

INITIAL SETUP
9
1
2
Observation Head
Eyepieces
Install the observation head using the following procedure:
1. Using the 3mm allen wrench (provided), loosen the Head Locking
Screw (1) and remove the dust cover cap provided in the dovetail
cavity.
2. Mount the Analyzer attachment by engaging the dovetail provided on
the attachment into the dovetail cavity on the microscope arm and
tighten the Head Locking Screw (1) See figure 15.
3. Remove the Dust Cover Cap from Observation Head Dovetail and
mount the Observation Head by engaging the dovetail provided at the
bottom of the head into the dovetail cavity on the analyzer attachment.
4. Tighten the Head Locking Screw (2) after positioning the Observation
Head as desired. See figure15.
Fig.15
Fig.16
Insert the eyepieces into the ocular tube of Observation Head using the
following procedure:
1. Remove the protective caps from the observation tube
(See figure16).
2. Insert eyepieces into the ocular sleeve for use (See figure17).
1
2
15
Lx POL
Fig.17

4
Fix Stage Clips on round rotatable stage for holding the pol specimen.
5
Attach the power cord and plug it into a grounded electrical outlet.
1. Flip the main switch to ”I” (ON) as shown in Figure 20.
2. Rotating the light intensity adjustment knob in the direction of the
arrow increases brightness and rotating knob in the opposite
direction decreases brightness. The intensity bar next to the knob
indicates the direction of intensity level.
Note: Never use an adapter between the power cord and the power
source; it will render the microscopes grounding feature ineffective.t
Stage Clips
Connecting Power Cord
Fig. 19
Fig. 20
On/Off SwitchElectrical outlet
Fig. 18
3
R
This filter modifies the color of observation light into a natural (daylight)
color.
Place Blue filter on Koehler Mount.
Mounting the Daylight (Blue) Filter
I
O
16