Nikon Eclipse 50i POL User manual

Polarizing Microscope
ECLIPSE 50i POL
Instructions
M362E 05.8.NF.1

1
Preface
Thank you for purchasing this Nikon product.
This instruction manual is intended for users of the Nikon’s Polarizing Microscope ECLIPSE 50i POL.
To ensure correct use, please read this manual carefully before operating the product.
• No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the prior consent of Nikon.
• The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.
• Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this manual. If you find that any portion of this
manual is unclear or incorrect, please contact your nearest Nikon representative.
• This manual may describe products not included in the set purchased.
• Also be sure to read the manuals for any other products that you are using with this system (the super
high-pressure mercury lamp power supply, high-intensity light source, and such).
WARNING and CAUTION Symbols
Although Nikon products are designed to provide the utmost safety during use, incorrect usage or failure to follow the
safety instructions provided may cause personal injury or property damage. Damage or injury that may occur due to
mishandling is unwarranted. To ensure correct use, read the instruction manual carefully and thoroughly before using
the instrument. Do not discard the manual; keep it handy for easy reference.
Safety instructions within this manual are accompanied by the following symbols to highlight their importance. For
your safety, always follow the instructions accompanying these symbols.
Symbol Meaning
Disregarding instructions accompanying this symbol may lead to serious injury or
death.
Disregarding instructions accompanying this symbol may lead to injury or property
damage.
WARNING
CAUTION

Preface
2
Meaning of symbols used on the equipment
The symbol appearing on the product indicates the need for caution at all times during use. Always refer to the
instruction manual and read the relevant instructions before manipulating any part to which the symbol has been
affixed.
Biohazard
This symbol on the microscope main unit calls your attention to the following:
• Warning: If a specimen is spilled onto the microscope body, it may cause the danger of
biohazard.
• To avoid biohazard contamination, do not touch the contaminated portion with your bare
hands.
• Decontaminate the contaminated portion according to the standard procedure of your facility.
Caution for heat
This marking on the lamphouse of the Eclipse 50i POL calls your attention on the following;
• The lamp and its surroundings (including the lamphouse) become very hot during and
immediately after the illumination.
• Do not touch the lamp and its surroundings during and immediately after the illumination to
prevent the risk of burns.
• Make sure that the lamp and its surroundings are sufficiently cool before the lamp
replacement.

3
Safety Precautions
Take note of the following points to use this product safety and correctly.
1. Intended product use
This microscope is intended primarily for microscopy and photomicrography of stones, rocks, minerals,
high-polymer materials, and biomedical materials using a polarized light illumination.
Besides, this microscope is intended for use in optical property analysis for laboratories, hospitals, and
other facilities in the fields of mineralogy, high polymer chemistry, and biomedicine.
2. Do not disassemble
Disassembling this product may result in electric shock or malfunctions. Damage or injury that may
occur due to mishandling is unwarranted.
Never attempt to disassemble any part other than the parts described in this manual. If you experience
problems with the product, contact your nearest Nikon representative.
3. Read the instructions carefully
To ensure safety, carefully read this manual and the manuals provided with any other equipment used
with this product. In particular, observe all warnings and cautions given at the beginning of each
manual.
4. Cautions about the power cord
Be sure to use the specified power cord. Using a wrong power cord may result in malfunctions or fire.
The product is classified as subject to Class I protection against electrical shock. Make sure it is
connected to an appropriate ground terminal (protective earth terminal).
Refer to Chapter 8 for the specified power cord.
To prevent electrical shock, always turn off the main power switch (press is to the “O”position) of the
product before attaching or detaching the power cord.
5. Cautions about heat from the light source
The lamp and its surroundings (including the lamphouse) become very hot during and immediately
after lighting.
• Do not touch the lamp and its surroundings during and immediately after lighting. They become
very hot and may cause burn injuries.
• Always mount the lamphouse cover when using the product.
• Make sure that the lamp and its surroundings are sufficiently cool before the lamp replacement.
• Do not allow cloth, paper, or highly flammable volatile materials, such as gasoline, benzine, paint
thinner or alcohol, to come near the lamphouse while the lamp is lit or within 30 minutes after
switching off the power. They become very hot and may cause fire or burn injuries.
6. Hazardous specimen
This microscope is intended primarily for microscopy of stones, rocks, minerals, high-polymer
materials, and biomedical materials using a polarized light illumination.
Check to determine whether the specimen is hazardous before handling. If the specimen is hazardous,
follow your standard facility procedures. If the specimen is a biomedical material and potentially
infectious, wear rubber gloves and avoid touching specimens. If the specimen is spilled onto this
product, decontaminate the portion according to the standard procedure of your facility.
WARNING

Safety Precautions
4
1. Isolate the products from the power source during assembly, connection/disconnection of cords,
lamp replacement, and maintenance
To prevent electric shock and/or malfunctions, always turn off the power switches of the product (press
to the “O”position) and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet before assembly, connecting or
disconnecting of cords, lamp replacement, and cleaning of the product and the objective.
2. Cautions in replacing lamps
To prevent burn injuries, wait at least 30 minutes after the lamp is turned off to give it sufficient time to
cool when replacing lamps. And, to avoid electric shock or malfunctions, never attempt to replace lamps
without turning off the power switches for the product and the peripheral devices (press them to the “O”
position). And then, unplug the power cords from the wall outlet.
Make sure the lamphouse cover is securely fitted to the lamphouse after replacing lamps. Never turn on
the lamp while the lamphouse cover is open.
When you dispose of the replaced lamp, do not break it up. Instead, dispose of the used lamp as special
industrial waste or dispose of it according to the local regulations and rules.
3. Use the specified lamp
The product's built-in power source is used for the halogen lamp that is a light source for the diascopic
illumination. A halogen lamp up to 6V-30W can be lit. But, always use the specified halogen lamp. Using
an unspecified lamp may cause malfunctions.
• Specified lamp: 6V-30W (PHILIPS 5761)
4. Prevent contact with moisture
Never allow water to come into contact with the product. And do not use the product in circumstances
where the product is splashed with water. Water splashed onto any component of this product may
cause short circuits, resulting in malfunction or abnormal over heat. If the product is subject to contact
with water, turn off the power switches for the product and the peripheral devices (press them to the
“O”position). And then, unplug the power cords from the wall outlet. And then, wipe off the water with
a piece of dry cloth. If water enters a component, immediately suspend use of this product, disconnect
the power cord from the outlet, and contact your nearest Nikon representative.
5. Do not place any object on top of the product
Do not place any object on top of the product or cover it with a piece of cloth or so on. The system
temperature will rise, resulting in malfunctions.
6. Cautions in assembling, installing, and carrying the product
• Take care to avoid pinching your fingers or hands during the product assembly and installation.
• Scratches or fouling such as fingerprints on optical components (such as lenses and filters) will
degrade microscope images. Be careful to avoid scratches or direct contact with the lenses and
filters when assembling the product.
• The main unit weighs approximately 11 kg. Grasp the main unit by the handle on the back of the
product and the recess at the base on the opposite side from the handle.
• Remove all attachments (if mounted) from the microscope before carrying the microscope.
• Do not install the product in a locker or cabinet.
CAUTION

Safety Precautions
5
7. Cautions as to conditions for operation, transportation, and storage
The product must be operated, transported, or stored under the following conditions. Using or storing
the product in hot, humid locations may result in mold formation or condensation on lenses,
performance degradation, or malfunctions.
• Operating conditions: temperature (0 to 40°C), humidity (85% RH max., no condensation)
• Transportation/storage conditions: temperature (-20 to +60°C), humidity (90% RH max., no
condensation)
8. Remove any covers from the product before switching on.
Do not use the product while covered with a piece of cloth or so on, as this will result in abnormal heat
and fire hazards.
9. Cautions at to concerning long, sustained observations
To relieve fatigue resulting from long observation sessions, limit continuous observations to one hour.
Take at least 10- to 15-minute breaks between observation sessions. Adjust the layout of other
equipment and the height of your chair.
10. Disposal of the product
To avoid biohazard risks, dispose of the product as contaminated equipment according to the standard
procedure specified for your facility.
CAUTION

Notes on handling the product
6
Notes on handling the product
1. Handle with care
This product is a precision optical instrument. Avoid subjecting it to sudden impact and shocks.
Even relatively minor impacts are capable of affecting the precision of the objective.
2. Weak electromagnetic waves
The product emits weak electromagnetic waves. Do not install the product near precision electronic
devices to avoid degrading their performance. If a TV or radio reception is affected, move the TV or radio
farther from the product.
3. Dirt on the lens
Scratches or fouling such as fingerprints on optical components (such as lenses and filters) will degrade
microscope images.
If these parts become dirty, clean them as described in “7. Care and Maintenance”at the end of this
manual.
4. Dirt on the lamp
Never touch the lamp with bare hands. Dirt or fingerprints on the lamp will result in uneven illumination
and reduce the service life of the lamp. Always wear gloves when handling lamps.
5. Installation location
This product is a precision instrument. The usage or storage in an inappropriate environment may result
in malfunctions or poor performance. Consider the following factors when selecting an installation
location:
• Select a vibration-free location. Install the product on a level surface.
• Install the product at least 10 cm away from walls.
• Choose a location less exposed to hazards in the event of collisions, earthquakes, or other potential
disasters. To keep the product from falling, use strong wire or other means if necessary to secure it
to the working desk or to another heavy, stable item.
• Avoid locations exposed to direct sunlight, locations immediately under room lights, and other bright
locations.
• Select a dust-free location.
• To avoid splashes, do not use the product near water.
• Make sure the ambient temperature is 0 to 40°C and humidity is 85% or less. And, to transport or to
store the product, the ambient temperature must be -20 to 60°C and humidity is 90% or less (with
no condensation). Using or storing the product in hot, humid locations may result in mold formation
or condensation on lenses, performance degradation, or malfunction.
• Do not install the product in a locker or cabinet.
• Select a layout that allows easy removal of the power cord from the product's AC inlet in the event of
an emergency.
• Room lights just above the product may enter the objective as extraneous light. If possible, switch
off room lights directly above the product when making observations.
• Do not use on a desk mat or the like.

Notes on handling the product
7
6. Focusing knobs
• Never turn the focus knobs on the left and right sides of the product in opposite directions at the
same time. Doing so may damage the product.
• Turning the coarse focus knob past its farthest point will damage the product. Never use excessive
force when turning the knob.
7. Protect the ports from dust and extraneous light (when the trinocular eyepiece tube is attached).
To keep out extraneous light and dust, always attach the supplied cap to any port not currently in use.

Expressions Used in This Manual
8
Expressions Used in This Manual
The product names and expressions used in this manual are given below.
The manual uses the following expressions:
Name of device Expressions
Microscope Eclipse 50i POL 50i POL
P-TB binocular eyepiece tube Binocular eyepiece tube
P-TT trinocular eyepiece tube Trinocular eyepiece tube
P-I intermediate tube Polarizing intermediate tube
P-N quintuple centering nosepiece Nosepiece or centering nosepiece
P swing-out condenser P swing-out condenser
PT polarizer Dia polarizer
LV-UEPI universal epi illuminator LV-UEPI or epi illuminator
YM-PO polarizer Epi polarizer
LV-LH50PC halogen precentered lamphouse Lamphouse
Power supply device for the lamp Lamp power supply
P-ANH attachable mechanical stage Attachable mechanical stage
Y-TV TV vertical tube adapter TV vertical tube adapter
T-TV55 TV vertical tube adapter 0.55x TV vertical tube adapter 0.55x
DS camera head DS-5M Camera head
DS camera control unit DS-L1 DS-L1
DS camera cable Camera cable

Contents
9
Contents
Preface ................................................................................................................ 1
WARNING and CAUTION Symbols ................................................................................... 1
Meaning of symbols used on the equipment ..................................................................... 2
Safety Precautions ................................................................................................ 3
WARNING ...................................................................................................... 3
CAUTION ....................................................................................................... 4
Notes on handling the product ......................................................................... 6
Expressions Used in This Manual ...................................................................... 8
1. Part Names.................................................................................................. 11
1.1 Components and Controls .................................................................................. 12
1.1.1 Front Left Side .......................................................................................... 12
1.1.2 Front Right Side ........................................................................................ 13
1.2 Microscope with the Epi Illuminator ..................................................................... 14
1.3 Rear Side ......................................................................................................... 15
1.3.1 Rear Side of the Microscope ........................................................................ 15
1.3.2 When the Lamphouse Cover Is Opened ........................................................ 15
2. Microscopy .................................................................................................. 16
2.1 Diascopic Bright-field Microscopy ............................................................................. 16
2.2 Orthoscopic Observation .................................................................................... 20
2.3 Conoscopic Observation ..................................................................................... 21
2.4 Episcopic Microscopy (with the Epi Illuminator Option)........................................... 22
2.5 Photomicroscopy............................................................................................... 26
3. Individual Operations .................................................................................... 17
3.1 Power ON/OFF .................................................................................................. 29
3.1.1 Power Supply for the Microscope ................................................................. 29
3.1.2 Power Supply for the Epi Illuminator ............................................................ 29
3.2 Brightness Adjustment....................................................................................... 30
3.2.1 Adjusting the Brightness Control Knob ......................................................... 30
3.2.2 Adjustment Using the Preset Switch ............................................................. 31
3.2.3 Adjustment Using the ND Filter IN/OUT Lever ............................................... 31
3.2.4 Adjustment Using the Brightness Control Knob on the Power Supply
for the Illuminator ..................................................................................... 31
3.2.5 Adjustment Using ND Filters on the Epi Illuminator ........................................ 32
3.2.6 Transmitted Image in the Episcopic Microscopy.............................................. 32
3.2.7 Camera Adjustment (Adjusting the Brightness of the Image on the Monitor) ..... 32
3.3 Optical Path Selection (for Trinocular Eyepiece Tube)................................................... 33
3.3.1 Light Distribution ....................................................................................... 33
3.3.2 Vertical Tube Adapter ................................................................................. 33
3.3.3 Disabling the Clicking of the Optical Path Selection Lever ................................ 33
3.4 Stage Vertical Movement (Focusing) .................................................................... 34
3.4.1 Prohibited Actions ...................................................................................... 34

Contents
10
3.4.2 Knob Rotation and Stage Movement............................................................. 34
3.4.3 Number of Knob Turns and Distance of Stage Travel....................................... 34
3.4.4 Adjusting the Rotating Torque of the Coarse Focus Knob................................. 35
3.4.5 Coarse Focus Stopper Ring ......................................................................... 35
3.5 Stage Rotation.................................................................................................. 36
3.5.1 Stage Rotation .......................................................................................... 36
3.5.2 Attachable Mechanical Stage (Option) .......................................................... 36
3.6 Diopter Adjustment ........................................................................................... 37
3.7 Interpupillary Distance Adjustment ..................................................................... 37
3.8 Adjusting the Condenser Position ........................................................................ 38
3.9 Adjusting the Aperture Diaphragm ...................................................................... 39
3.9.1 For the Bright-field Microscopy and the Orthoscopic Microscopy ....................... 39
3.9.2 For Conoscopic Microscopy.......................................................................... 40
3.10 Selecting a Condenser ....................................................................................... 40
3.11 Adjusting the Field Diaphragm ............................................................................ 41
3.12 Setting a Filter on the Field Lens ......................................................................... 41
3.13 Centering the Objective ..................................................................................... 42
3.14 Oil Immersion Operation .................................................................................... 43
3.15 Water Immersion Operation ............................................................................... 44
3.16 Polarization Microscopy ...................................................................................... 45
3.16.1 Operation of the Polarizers .......................................................................... 45
3.16.2 Operation of the Analyzer ........................................................................... 46
3.16.3 Azimuth adjustment of the polarizer and analyzer.......................................... 47
3.16.4 Bertrand Lens Operation ............................................................................. 48
3.16.5 P-CL 1/4λ& Tint Plate ................................................................................ 49
3.17 Episcopic Microscopy ......................................................................................... 51
3.17.1 Switching the Episcopic Illumination............................................................. 51
3.17.2 Field Diaphragm in the Epi Illuminator.......................................................... 51
3.17.3 Aperture Diaphragm in the Epi Illuminator .................................................... 52
3.17.4 Operating Filter on the Epi Illuminator .......................................................... 53
3.18 Image Capturing ............................................................................................... 54
3.18.1 Adjusting Light Intensity............................................................................. 54
3.18.2 Adjusting the Condenser............................................................................. 54
3.18.3 Confirming the Photomicrographic Range...................................................... 54
3.18.4 Confirming the Focus ................................................................................. 54
3.18.5 Making Adjustments to Keep out Ambient Light ............................................. 55
3.18.6 Anti-vibration Measures .............................................................................. 55
4. Assembly..................................................................................................... 18
4.1 System Configuration ........................................................................................ 56
4.2 Assembly Procedure .......................................................................................... 57
5. Replacing Consumables ................................................................................. 24
5.1 Replacing the lamp............................................................................................ 62

Contents
11
6. Troubleshooting............................................................................................ 27
6.1 Optical System ................................................................................................. 65
6.2 Mechanical System............................................................................................ 67
6.3 Electrical System .............................................................................................. 67
7. Care and Maintenance................................................................................... 30
7.1 Lens Cleaning ................................................................................................... 68
7.2 Cleaning the Product ......................................................................................... 68
7.3 Disinfecting the Product ..................................................................................... 68
7.4 Storage ........................................................................................................... 69
7.5 Periodical Inspection (Fee Charged)..................................................................... 69
8. Specifications............................................................................................... 32
8.1 Specifications ................................................................................................... 70

12
Part Names
1
1.1 Components and Controls
1.1.1 Front Left Side
*1 It can be changed to the optional P-CS Senarmont compensator or P-CQ quartz wedge.
Analyzer slider
P-CL 1/4λ& tint plate *1
Centering nosepiece
Objective
Vernier
Stage rotation clamp screw
Stage clamp screw
Condenser
(P swing-out condenser)
Dia polarizer
(bottom of the condenser)
Orientation
p
late
Trinocular eyepiece tube
Polarizing intermediate tube
C mount adapter (option)
TV vertical tube adapter (option)
Microscope main body
Condenser focus knob
Coarse focus torque
adjustment knob
Coarse focus knob
Fine focus knob
Power switch
Binocular part

Chapter 1 Part Names
1.1 Components and Controls
13
1.1.2 Front Right Side
*2 They are removed when the optional attachable mechanical stage is used.
Eyepiece
Optical path selection lever
(only for the trinocular
eyepiece tube)
Bertrand lens centering screws
(both sides)
Diopter adjustment
i
Bertrand lens turret
Bertrand lens focus ring
Specimen holders *2
Circular graduated stage
Condenser aperture scale
Condenser aperture
diaphragm ring
Condenser centering screws
Field lens part
Microscope main body
Condenser focus knob
Coarse focus stopper ring
Coarse focus knob
Fine focus knob
ND filter IN/OUT levers
Brightness control knob
Preset brightness control
Preset switch
Power indicator
Field diaphragm control

Chapter 1 Part Names
1.2 Microscope with the Epi Illuminator
14
1.2 Microscope with the Epi Illuminator
*3 The power supply for the epi illuminator is also required.
Lamphouse *3
Filter slider
Dummy slide
r
Epi illuminator (LV-UEPI) Aperture diaphragm
open/close lever
Field diaphragm
centering screws (both sides)
Field diaphragm
open/close lever
Polarizer slider or
dummy slider
Illumination selection lever
(bright-field/dark-field)

Chapter 1 Part Names
1.3 Rear Side
15
1.3 Rear Side
1.3.1 Rear Side of the Microscope
1.3.2 When the Lamphouse Cover Is Opened
Halogen lamp
Tool
Handle
Lamphouse
AC inlet
Input voltage indication
Lamphouse cover

16
Microscopy
2
.
2.1 Diascopic Bright-field Microscopy
This section describes the diascopic bright-field microscopy using the built-in lamp of the
microscope.
1 Turn on the power.
When the microscope has power applied to it, the
power indicator on the right side of the microscope
is lit.
⇒P.29
2When the episcopic illuminator is
attached, turn off the episcopic
illuminator. And then, pull the
illumination selection lever to set
the dark-field position for it.
⇒P.51
3 Rotate the bri
g
htness control knob
to adjust the brightness.
Or, push the preset switch to apply the voltage that
wil make good color reproducibility.
⇒P.30
4 Push in the analyzer slider on the
polarizing intermadiate tube to
remove the analyzer from the
optical path.
⇒P.46
Remove the
analyzer from
the optical path.
Push the power switch to
the “I” position.
Adjust the brightness, or
push the preset switch.
Set to the DF position.

Chapter 2 Microscopy
2.1 Diascopic Bright-field Microscopy
17
5 Move the Bertrand lens turret to
the “O” position to remove the
Bertrand lens from the optical
path.
⇒P.48
6 Move the 10X objective into the
optical path.
7 Set the specimen in place with the
cover glass facing up.
8 Raise the condenser as high as it
will go.
9 Fully open the field diaphra
g
m and
the condenser aperture
diaphragm.
10 Set the optical path to make
100% light go into the binocular
part when using the trinocular
eyepiece tube.
⇒P.33
Remove the
Bertrand lens
from the optical
p
ath.
Set the optical path to
make 100% light go into
the binocular part.
Set the 10X
objective.
Set the
specimen with
the specimen
holders.
Raise the condenser
with the condenser
focus knob.
Fully open the
aperture
diaphragm with
the aperture
diaphragm
knob.
Fully open the field
diapahram with the field
diaphragm control.

Chapter 2 Microscopy
2.1 Diascopic Bright-field Microscopy
18
11 Focus on the specimen.
Fully loosen the coarse focus stopper ring.
⇒P.34
12 Adjust the diopters and the
interpupillary distance.
⇒P.37
13 Center the objective.
⇒P.42
14 Focus and center the condenser.
⇒P.38
Move the condenser
with the condenser
focus knob.
Center the condenser
with the condenser
centering screws.
Focus on the specimen
using the coarse focus
knob and the fine focus
knob.
Special tools are provided with
the nosepiece. Insert the special
tools into the centering screw
holes on both sides to center the
objective.