Olympus U-UCD8 User manual

A X 7 3 5 3
INSTRUCTIONS
U-UCD8
UNIVERSAL CONDENSER
This instruction manual is for the Olympus Universal Condenser Model U-UCD8. To ensure the safety, obtain
optimum performance and to familiarize yourself fully with the use of this condenser, we recommend that you
study this manual thoroughly before operating the microscope. Retain this instruction manual in an easily
accessible place near the work desk for future reference.
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Printed on 100% recycled paper with soy ink.
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U-UCD8
CONTENTS
IMPORTANT — Be sure to read this section for safe use of the equipment. — 1-2
1 NOMENCLATURE 3-5
2-1 Brightfield Observation (BF) ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 6-8
2-2 Phase Contrast Observation (PH) ......................................................................................................................................................................... 8-9
2-3 Nomarski Differential Interference Contrast Observation (DIC)......................................................................... 10-14
2-4 Darkfield Observation (DF) ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 15-16
2-5 Simple Polarized Light Observation (KPO) ....................................................................................................................................... 16-17
5-1 Mounting the Top Lens............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 21
5-2 Mounting the Optical Elements ....................................................................................................................................................................... 22-30
5-3 Mounting the Condenser..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
5-4 Centering the Condenser ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32
5-5 Indication Using Number Stickers ......................................................................................................................................................................... 33
2 VARIOUS MICROSCOPY PROCEDURES 6-17
4 SPECIFICATIONS 20
5 ASSEMBLY 21-33
3 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE 18-19
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IMPORTANT
This product is a universal condenser applicable in advanced research applications based on complex
combination of observation methods. By simply exchanging the optical elements, the condenser can be
used in a variety of microscopy under transmitted light, including the brightfield, darkfield, phase contrast,
Nomarski differential interference contrast (DIC) and simplified polarized light observations. The top lens
can be swung in and out to deal with objectives with low magnification (2X) to high magnification (100X).
In addition, brightfield and Nomarski DIC observations using oil immersed objectives are also available
by changing the top lens with an oil immersed top lens.
1 Getting Ready
1. This manual pertains only to the universal condenser unit. Before using this unit together with the micro-
scope (BX40, BX50, BX60, BX41, BX51, BX52, etc.), make sure that you have carefully read and understand
both manuals, and understand how the two units should be used together.
2. This attachment is a precision instrument. Handle it with care and avoid subjecting it to sudden or severe
impact.
3. Make sure that no dirt, fingerprints, etc. are left on the lens surface.
4. Do not force any control beyond its built-in limit (stopper, click, etc.). Avoid using excessive force.
5. Swing out the top lens before attaching or detaching the condenser to or from the microscope.
6. Be sure to center the condenser before use. At maximum decentration of the condenser, the top lens and
stage holder may interfere with each other, making swinging out of the top lens impossible.
7. Remove the condenser from the microscope before attaching or removing the optical elements.
8. Do not clamp the optical element centering screws too tightly.
9. If the optical element centering screws are tightened too much while no optical element is installed, it
may be impossible to return the screws to their original positions.
10. An intermediate tube or sliders may be necessary depending on the method of observation.
11. In brightfield observation, engage the optical elements (small) other than 1, 2 and 3 in the light path. The
field of view may be cut off if optical elements 1, 2 and/or 3 are used.
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U-UCD8
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1. Clean all glass components by wiping gently with gauze. To remove fingerprints or oil smudges, wipe
with gauze slightly moistened with a mixture of ether (70%) and alcohol (30%).
Since solvents such as ether and alcohol 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.
2. Do not disassemble any part of the attachment as this could result in malfunction or reduced perfor-
mance.
3. The optical elements and index plates which are not used should be stored in a case.
2Maintenance and Storage
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NOMENCLATURE
Universal Condenser
Optical element index plate
mounting position (Page 29)
Aperture iris diaphragm
scale (Page 7)
Aperture iris diaphragm
lever (Page 7)
Optical element index window Top lens swing-out lever
Top lens (Page 21)
The standard, dry type top lens (U-TLD) can
be exchanged with the oil immersion type
top lens (U-TLO).
Turret
Stage clamping screw*
* For easier viewing of the optical element index window, replace the stage clamping knob with this screw.
(Note) : Used when the U-UCD8 is combined with the IX/IX2
Series or BX51WI microscope. (Page 33)
Number sticker attaching groove
Number index (guideline)
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Polarizer clamping knob
Polarizer rotation knob (Pages 12 & 17)
1- plate (Page 14)
Top lens swing-out lever
Aperture iris diaphragm
lever (Page 7)
Polarizer handling knob
Optical element centering screws
(Pages 9 & 15)
Clamping knob
Accommodation position.
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Optical Elements (For the applicable objectives, see pages 22 - 27.)
Phase Contrast Ring (Small)
U-PH1S
U-PH2S
U-PH3S
DIC Prism (Small)
U-DIC10S
U-DP10S
DIC Prism (Large)
Other DIC rings than the
U-DIC10S/U-DP10S.
Darkfield ring
U-DFA
Phase contrast ring (Large)
U-PH3
Number sticker
Indication plate sheet
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VARIOUS MICROSCOPY PROCEDURES
}If the top lens and optical elements have not been assembled yet, first read Chapter 5, “ASSEMBLY”
(pages 21 to 30).
Applicable objective power
* The NA may slightly be insufficient when a dry type top lens is used. However, this does not pose
problem in normal observations.
#When a transmitted light DIC slider (U-DICT, U-DICTS, etc.) is used in combination, pull out the
slider until it clicks in place to disengage the slider from the light path.
#When a reflected light analyzer (U-AN) is used in combination, pull out the analyzer until it clicks in
place to disengage the analyzer from the light path.
1. Rotate the turret to select the BF brightfield observation light path (no optical element engaged).
2. Pull out the polarizer handling knob to disengage the polarizer from the light path.
3. Mount the objective to be used in the revolving nosepiece and rotate the nosepiece to swing the objec-
tive in place.
4. When using a 2X to 4X objective, swing out the condenser’s top lens. Also open the aperture iris dia-
phragm.
#When the top lens is swung out, the microscope’s field iris diaphragm function as aperture iris
diaphragm.
5. Place the specimen on the stage.
6. Move the stage up and down to bring the specimen into focus.
2-1 Brightfield Observation (BF)
Power 1.25X 2X 4X 10X 20X 40X 60X 100X
Brightfield (BF) – ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦* ¦*
Top lens OUT Top lens IN
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Field Iris Diaphragm
· The field iris diaphragm controls the size of the illuminated
area. By stopping down the field iris diaphragm, in accordance
with the objective in use, until its image circumscribes the
field of view, stray light can be reduced, which in turn increases
the definition and contrast of the image.
Aperture Iris Diaphragm
· The aperture iris diaphragm controls the numerical aperture
(N.A.) of the illuminator. In order to achieve the optimum objec-
tive performance, the opening of the aperture iris diaphragm
should be matched with the N.A. of the objective in use. This
will result in better image contrast and resolution as well as
increased depth of focus.
}When using an oil immersion type top lens, read the upper
graduations (marked “TLO”) on the aperture iris diaphragm
scale. When using a dry type top lens, read the lower gradua-
tions (marked “TLD”) on the aperture iris diaphragm scale.
Fig. 1
7. Reduce the field iris diaphragm opening until its image circumscribes the field of view.
8. Adjust the aperture iris diaphragm.
#If the slide glass is thicker than 1.2 to 1.4 mm, the image of the field diaphragm may remain fuzzy.
When performing photomicrography, use a side glass with a thickness between 0.2 and 1.2 mm
whenever possible.
Objective pupil
Aperture iris
diaphragm image 70-80%
30-20%
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Applicable objective power
Power 10X 20X 40X 60X 100X
Phase Contrast (PH) ¦* ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦
Top lens (U-TLD) IN (U-TLO cannot be used.)
* With the superwide-field observation (FN 26.5), flare may be observed in the peripheral areas of the field
of view. However, this does not pose problem in photomicrography.
#When a transmitted light DIC slider (U-DICT, U-DICTS, etc.) is used in combination, pull out the
slider until it clicks in place to disengage the slider from the light path.
#When a reflected light analyzer (U-AN) is used in combination, pull out the analyzer until it clicks in
place to disengage the analyzer from the light path.
1. Rotate the turret to engage the phase contrast ring (U-PH1S, U-PH2S, U-PH3S or U-PH3) that matches the
objective in use.
2. Pull out the polarizer handling knob to disengage the polarizer from the light path.
2-2 Phase Contrast Observation (PH)
· As microscopic specimens are usually low in contrast, reduc-
ing the diaphragm opening to 70% or 80% of the objective’s
N.A. will generally provide an image of acceptable quality. To
check the opening, after completing focus adjustment, remove
one of the eyepieces and look into the empty eyepiece sleeve.
As you stop down the aperture iris diaphragm, the iris dia-
phragm image can be seen in the objective pupil. (Fig. 1)
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Fig. 2
7. Rotate the upper section of the U-CT30 centering telescope
and bring the bright ring (condenser ring slit) and dark ring
(objective phase plate) into focus.
8. Use the optical element centering screw to center the phase
contrast ring so that the bright ring overlaps the dark ring within
the field of view. (Fig. 2)
#If a multiple number of ring slit images appear, select the
brightest ring to overlap with the phase plate.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for each phase contrast ring.
10. Remove the U-CT30 centering telescope and replace it with
the eyepiece.
11. Widen the field iris diaphragm opening until the diaphragm
image circumscribes the field of view.
}If increased contrast is required, insert the 45IF550 green inter-
ference filter into the filter mount at the base of the micro-
scope frame.
3. Mount the phase contrast objective to be used in the revolving nosepiece and rotate the nosepiece to
swing in the objective.
4. Open the aperture iris diaphragm.
#When the aperture iris diaphragm is stopped down, flare may occur at the center.
5. Place the specimen on the stage and move the stage up and down to bring the specimen in focus.
6. Remove the eyepiece from the eyepiece sleeve and replace with the U-CT30 centering telescope.
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Applicable objective power
To perform Nomarski DIC observation, the transmitted light DIC slider and an analyzer (U-ANT or U-AN)
are required. Install them by referring to the instruction manual of the DIC slider.
Installation Using U-DICT Clamping knob
Analyzer for transmitted
light (U-ANT)
DIC-compatible revolving nosepiece
(U-D6RE, U-D5BDRE, etc.)
2-3 Nomarski Differential Interference Contrast Observation (DIC)
Power 10X 20X 40X 60X 100X
Nomarski Differential ¦¦¦¦¦
Interference Contrast (DIC) Top lens IN
Transmitted light DIC slider
(U-DICT)
Prism control knob
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Installation using U-DICTS, U-DICTHC or U-DICTHR
Prism position switch lever
Pushed in: BFP1
Pulled out: NORMAL
Analyzer for transmitted
light* (U-ANT)
To be inserted into the dummy
slider of the U-KPA simplified
polarized light attachment
Transmitted light DIC slider
(U-DICTS, U-DICTHC or U-DICTHR)
DIC-compatible revolving nosepiece
(U-D6RE, U-D5BDRE, etc.)
* When the U-ANT is used in combination with the U-KPA, the field number becomes 22. If superwide-field
observation (field number 26.5) is required without using a vertical illumination, use one of the following
combinations:
@MX-AF’s optional analyzer unit MX-AFDIC + U-AN.
²U-OPA polarized light attachment + U-AN360P polarizer light rotary analyzer.
NOTE When an intermediate attachment is used, align the tube clamping knob on the micro-
scope frame with the clamping knob on the attachment in order to determine the orienta-
tion of the analyzer.
** Excessive tightening of the clamping knob hinders operation of the prism position switch lever, so tighten
the knob lightely.
Analyzer
(U-AN)
To be inserted into the
mount on the vertical
illuminator
Clamping knob**
Prism control knob
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1. Adjust the polarizer in accordance with the following procedure.
@Engage the transmitted light DIC prism slider in the light path and tighten the clamping knob. Then
engage the reflected light analyzer (U-ANT or U-AN) in the light path.
²Rotate the turret to select the BF brightfield observation light path (with no optical element engaged).
³Push in the polarizer handling knob to insert the polarizer into the light path.
Operation using U-DICT and U-ANT
a) Rotate the prism control knob of the transmitted light DIC prism slider clockwise as far as it will go.
b) Rotate the revolving nosepiece to swing in the 10X objective, bring the specimen into approximate focus,
and remove the eyepiece. You can see the pupil of the objective if you look into the inside of the eyepiece
sleeve. (You can see the pupil more easily if you use the U-CT30 centering telescope.)
Fig. 3
c) As you rotate the polarizer rotation knob while looking at the
objective pupil, a black fringe may appear at a certain posi-
tion. The polarizer should be rotated to the position where a
single fringe appears darkest. (Fig. 3)
#If two black fringes appear, rotate the polarizer by approxi-
mately 90oso that only one black fringe is visible.
d) Once the position of the polarizer is determined, tighten the
clamping knob to clamp the polarizer.
e) Replace the eyepiece to the original position.
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When using U-DICT with analyzer other than U-ANT
a) Disengage the DIC slider from the light path.
b) Push in the polarizer handling knob to insert the polarizer into the light path.
c) Rotate the polarizer rotation knob to the position where the field of view is perfectly dark, then tighten the
polarizer clamping knob.
}The perfectly dark (“crossed Nicol”) position is located near the 0oposition index.
d) Re-engage the DIC slider in the light path.
2. Rotate the turret and engage the DIC prism that matches the objective in use.
3. Rotate the revolving nosepiece to swing in the objective to be used.
}When a transmitted light DIC slider other than the UDICT is used, set the prism position switch lever to
BFP1 or NORMAL according to the objective to be used.
Objective with which the BFP1
position should be set
UPlanFLN40XO, PlanApoN60XO,
UPlanSApo60XO
With any objective other than the above, use the NORMAL position.
4. Place the specimen on the stage and move the stage up and down to bring the specimen into focus.
5. Adjust the field iris diaphragm until the diaphragm opening circumscribes the field of view.
6. Stopping down the aperture iris diaphragm somewhat may increase the contrast.
7. Rotate the prism control knob of the DIC slider to adjust the contrast of the background color as dis-
cussed on the next page.
UIS2 Series
UIS Series UPlanApo40XOI3, UApo40XOI3/340,
UApo40XW3/340, PlanApo60XO3
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U-DICT: The background interference color is continuously variable between sensitive gray and
sensitive magenta.
U-DICTS:
U-DICTHC:
U-DICTHR:
@Rotate the prism control knob of the DIC slider to obtain the background interference color that can
achieve the maximum contrast according to the specimen under observation.
The background interference color is continuously variable between
black and dark gray.
}When observing sensitive colors, engage the U-UCDTP530 1- plate (sensitive color
plate) in the light path.
· If the background color is black, darkfield-like observation can be performed.
· If the background color is gray, a 3D-like image with maximum contrast with gray sensitive gray can be
obtained.
· If the background color is sensitive magenta, even a minor optical retardation is observed as a color
change.
#Care should be taken to keep the specimen surface clean, as even a small amount of contamina-
tion on the surface may show up due to the exceptionally high sensitivity of the DIC method.
²As DIC exhibits directional sensitivity, the use of rotatable stage is recommended.
#To perform simultaneous reflected light fluorescence and transmitted light DIC observations, refer
to the instruction manual of the Reflected Light Fluorescence Attachment.
#When the PlanApoN60XO, UPlanSApo60XO, PlanApo60XO3 and U-DICTHC are combined (U-
DIC60HC or U-DPO60HC), color irregularities may be noticeable with certain specimens.
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2-4 Darkfield Observation (DF)
Applicable objective power
* With the superwide-field observation (FN 26.5), flare may be observed in the peripheral areas of the field
of view. However, this does not pose problem in photomicrography.
** Objectives with N.A. of no more than 0.7 can be used. (An objective which is equipped with an iris
diaphragm and which can reduce the N.A. to 0.7 or less can also be used.)
}When a transmitted light DIC slider is used in combination, pull out the slider until it clicks in place to
disengage the slider from the light path.
}When a reflected light analyzer (U-AN) is used in combination, pull out the analyzer until it clicks in place
to disengage the analyzer from the light path.
1. Rotate the turret to select the DFA darkfield observation light path.
2. Pull out the polarizer handling knob to disengage the polarizer from the light path.
3. Mount the objective to be used in the revolving nosepiece and rotate the nosepiece to swing the objec-
tive in place.
4. Open the aperture iris diaphragm.
5. Place the specimen on the stage and move the stage up and down to bring the specimen into focus.
6. Remove an eyepiece from the eyepiece sleeve, and look at the objective pupil. Center the darkfield ring
using the optical element centering screw.
7. Insert the eyepiece into the eyepiece sleeve and look at the darkfield image. Repeat centering until the
optimal darkfield effect is obtained.
Power 10X 20X 40X 60X 100X
Darkfield (DF) ¦* ¦** ¦** ¦** ¦**
Top lens (U-TLD) IN (U-TLO cannot be used.)
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Applicable objective power
*When the PlanApoN2X, PlanApo2X or UPlanSApo4X, UPlanApo4X objective, or Ph objective for phase
contrast observation is used in polarized light observation, the image contrast may be poorer than the
image observed with other objective magnifications.
}To perform simple polarized light observation, an analyzer (U-ANT or U-AN) is needed. If you have not
installed the fluorescence illuminator yet, install the illuminator by referring to the instruction manual of the
U-ANT transmitted light analyzer.
}When you have already installed the fluorescence illuminator in your system, attach the U-AN reflected
light analyzer by referring to the instruction manual of the reflected fluorescence attachment.
1. Rotate the turret to select the BF brightfield light path (with no optical element engaged).
2. Push in the polarizer handling knob to engage the polarizer into the light path.
3. Mount the objective to be used in the revolving nosepiece, and rotate the nosepiece to swing in the
objective.
2-5 Simple Polarized Light Observation (KPO)
8. Move the condenser up and down until uniform darkfield illumination is attained.
9. Open the field iris diaphragm to the extend that even brightness is attained.
#Keep eyes away from the eyepiece while changing the objective during darkfield observation or
changing from darkfield observation to another observation mode.
If the objective is changed or the turret is rotated to switch the darkfield observation to another observa-
tion mode, direct light may enter your eyes.
Power 2X 4X 10X 20X 40X 60X 100X
Simple polarized ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦
light (KPO) Top lens OUT Top lens IN
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General Precautions in Operation
1. If reflected light fluorescence microscopy in the U-excitation
mode is performed using a 10X or 20X objective with the
condenser engaged, flare may become prominent depend-
ing on the specimen condition.
If this occurs and if you do not need transmitted light DIC, either
lower the condenser or use the light shield sheet @ provided
with the reflected light fluorescence attachment. (Fig. 4)
2. When the polarizer rotation knob is set to the 0oposition in-
dex, the polarizer and analyzer are nearly at the “crossed Nicol”
position. However, since a perfect “crossed Nicol” position can
hardly be achieved due to slight unavoidable positioning er-
ror of the intermediate tube, always perform fine adjustment.
3. When the top lens is swung out, the field of view become
obscured if the aperture iris diaphragm is stopped down (when
using a 2X or 4X objective).
4. Due to the large numerical aperture (N.A.), the U-DIC60, U-
DPO60S, U-DIC100 or U-DP100 DIC prism for 60X and 100X
objectives can also be used for brightfield observation.
4. Rotate the polarizer rotation knob to achieve a perfectly black field and then tighten the clamping knob.
}The “crossed Nicol” (perfectly dark) position is located near the 0oposition index.
5. Place the specimen on the stage and move the stage up and down to bring the specimen into focus.
6. Adjust the field iris diaphragm opening until it circumscribes the field of view.
7. Stopping down the aperture iris diaphragm may further increase the contrast of the image.
Fig. 4
@
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