Olympus BX-RLAA User manual

INSTRUCTIONS
BX-RL AA
MOTORIZED REFLECTED LIGHT
BRIGHTFIELD/DARKFIELD ILLUMINATOR
This instruction manual is for the Olympus Motorized Reflected Light Brightfield/Darkfield Illuminator
Model BX-RLAA. The BX-RLAA is capable of brightfield and darkfield observations under the reflected
light when it is installed on the BX61TRF system microscope frame. To ensure the safety, obtain opti-
mum performance and to familiarize yourself fully with the use of this unit, 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.
A X 7 6 2 3

1Selecting the Observation Path 2Centering the Field Iris Diaphragm (FS)
3Centering the Aperture Iris Diaphragm (AS)
4Using the Interlocked ND Filter 5Using the Filters
BX-RLAA
CONTENTS
Correct assembly and adjustments are critical for the microscope to exhibit its full performance. If you are going to assemble the
microscope yourself, please read chapter 9, “ASSEMBLY” (pages 27 to 29) carefully.
IMPORTANT — Be sure to read this chapter for safe use of the equipment. — 1-2
1 SYSTEM DIAGRAM 3
2 NOMENCLATURE OF BX-RLAA 4
3 MOTORIZED REFLECTED LIGHT BRIGHTFIELD/DARKFIELD OBSERVATION PROCEDURE 5-6
4 USING THE CONTROLS OF BX-RLAA 7-11
5 STAGE FOR METALLURGICAL SPECIMENS 12-14
1Placing the Specimen 2Using the Y-Axis Movement Lock Lever
6 OBSERVATION METHODS (Using BX-RLAA) 15-20
6-1 Reflected Light Brightfield/Darkfiled Observation ........................................................................................................................................ 15
6-2 Reflected Light Nomarski DIC Observation ................................................................................................................................................. 15-20
6-3 Reflected Light Simplified Polarized Light Observation .......................................................................................................................20
7 SPECIFICATIONS 21
8 OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS «UIS2 Series» 22-26
9 ASSEMBLY 27-29

1
IMPORTANT
The BX-RLAA motorized reflected light brightfield/darkfield illuminator can be controlled electrically by the
BX-UCB control box and U-HSTR2 hand switch (the BX-RLAA can also be interlocked with other motorized
modules by running the BX2 software for PC).
Motorized features: · BF (Brightfield)/DF (Darkfield) switching
· Aperture iris diaphragm opening/closing
· Equipped with a motorized revolving nosepiece connector
1Getting Ready
1. This unit is a precision instrument including motorized parts. Handle it with care and avoid subjecting it to sudden or
severe impact. Note that the motorized parts cannot be controlled manually.
2. Do not use this unit where it is subjected to direct sunlight, high temperature and humidity, dust or vibrations. (For the
operating conditions, refer to chapter 7, “SPECIFICATIONS”.)
3. The microscope with this unit can be used with only one intermediate attachment such as a U-CA magnification changer
or U-EPA2 eyepoint adjuster.

BX-RLAA
2
2Maintenance and Storage
1. To clean the lenses and other glass components, simply blow dirty away using a commercially available blower and wipe
gently using a piece of cleaning paper (or clean gauze).
If a lens is stained with fingerprints or oil smudges, wipe it gauze slightly moistened with commercially available absolute alcohol.
!Since the absolute alcohol is highly flammable, it must be handled carefully.
Be sure to keep it 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 it only in a well-ventilated room.
2. Do not attempt to use organic solvents to clean the components other than the glass components. To clean them, use a
lint-free, soft cloth slightly moistened with a diluted neutral detergent.
3. Never attempt to disassemble any part of the microscope. Otherwise, malfunction or failure results.
4. When not using the microscope system, set the main switch to “ ” (OFF), wait until the lamp housing has cooled down,
and keep the microscope system covered with the a dust cover.
5. When disposing of this product, check the regulations and rules of your local government and be sure to observe them.
3Caution
If this unit is used in a manner not specified by this manual, the safety of the user may be imperiled. In addition, the
equipment may also be damaged. Always use the equipment as outlined in this instruction manual.
The following symbols are used to set off text in this instruction manual.
!: Indicates that failure to follow the instructions in the warning could result in bodily harm to the
user and/or damage to equipment (including objects in the vicinity of the equipment).
# : Indicates that failure to follow the instructions could result in damage to equipment.
}: Indicates commentary (for ease of operation and maintenance).

3
SYSTEM DIAGRAM
Motorized Reflected Light
Brightfield/Darkfield Illuminator
BX-RLAA
*To improve the ease of use of the stage, replace it with a stage for metallurgic specimens
or replace the specimen holder with a stage plate.
Reflected
Light Lamp
Housing
Module
Motorized Revolving
Nosepiece
Stage for
Metallurgic
Specimens
or Stage Plate*
Microscope frame
BX61TRF
Connection
cable
Control Box
BX-UCB
Hand Switch
U-HSTR2
Connection
cable

BX-RLAA
4
NOMENCLATURE OF BX-RLAA
Polarizer insertion slot (Page 15)
Analyzer insertion slot (Page 15)
FS centering screws (Page 7)
Field iris diaphragm (FS) knob (Pages 7-8)
Filter insertion slots (Page 11)
AS centering screw (Pages 8-9)

5
MOTORIZED REFLECTED LIGHT BRIGHTFIELD/DARKFIELD
OBSERVATION PROCEDURE
}The following flow shows the basic operating procedure for reflected light brightfield or darkfield observation. The operat-
ing procedures for polarized light and Nomarski DC observations will be described separately in their descriptions.
(Controls Used) (Page)
Set the main switch to “ I ”
(ON) .
@ Main switch I(ON)
² Lamp ON-OFF switch (ON)
³ Transmitted/reflected light
switch ( )
Select the brightfield (BF) or
darkfield (DF) observation. | BF/DF button
Disengage the
analyzer, polar-
izer, filter, etc.
from the light
path.
Check inter-
locking of the
ND filter.
ƒ Interlocked ND filter (P. 10)
Select the light path
(trinocular tube only). … Light path selector knob
Place the specimen on the
stage.
† Stage plate
‡ X/Y-axis knobs
Engage the 10X objective in
the light path. Š Objective button
Bring the specimen in focus. ‰ Stage up/down buttons
(Controls Used) (Page)
Adjust the
brightness. ‹ Brightness control knob
Adjust the in-
terpupillary
distance.
Adjust the di-
opter.
ΠBinocular tube
™ Diopter adjustment ring
Adjust the aperture iris dia-
phragm and field iris dia-
phragm.
} Open both iris diaphragms
in case of DF observation.
š AS +/- buttons (P. 9)
› FS knob (P. 7/8)
Engage the desired objec-
tive in the light path and
bring the specimen in focus.
Š Objective button
‰ Stage up/down buttons
Insert the
required fil-
ters.
œ Filter insertion slots (P. 11)
Adjust the
brightness. ‹ Brightness control knob
Start observation.

BX-RLAA
6
@
²
Motorized Reflected Light
Brightfield/Darkfield
Illuminator
BX-RLAA
} Make a photocopy of the observation procedure pages and post it near your microscope.
I (ON)
ON
³
|
ƒ
…
†
‡Š
‰
‹
Œ
™
š
›
œ
Motorized Revolving
Nosepiece
Microscope
BX61
Control Box
BX-UCB
Hand Switch
U-HSTR2

7
USING THE CONTROLS OF BX-RLAA
1Selecting the Observation Path (Fig. 1)
Select the mirror for the desired observation method by pressing the BF
button @ or DF button ² on the hand switch.
BF: Reflected light brightfield observation
DF: Reflected light darkfield observation
2Centering the Field Iris Diaphragm (FS) (Figs. 1 & 2)
1. Press the BF button @ on the hand switch to select the reflected light
brightfield path.
2. Engage the 10X objective, place the specimen on the stage and adjust
approximate focusing.
3. Pull out the FS knob ³ on the reflected light illuminator to reduce the
aperture iris diaphragm a little.
4. Rotate the two FS centering screws | using the Allen screwdriver to ad-
just so that the field iris image becomes concentric with the field of view.
5. While pushing in the FS knob ³, open the field iris diaphragm until the
field iris image inscribes the field of view. If the image is found to be eccen-
tric, adjust the field diaphragm centering again.
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
@²
³
|
ƒ

BX-RLAA
8
6. Open the field iris so that its image is almost the same size as (i.e. sub-
scribes) the field of view.
Using the Field Iris Diaphragm
{In reflected light brightfield observation
The field iris diaphragm adjusts the illuminated area to obtain an image
with high contrast.
According to the objective in use, adjust the FS knob ³ of the reflected
light illuminator until the iris image circumscribes the field of view to block
unnecessary light.
{In reflected light darkfield observation
The field iris must be opened by pushing in the FS knob ³.
Field iris diaphragm image
3Centering the Aperture Iris Diaphragm (AS) (Figs. 3 & 4)
}Before AS centering, unlock it by loosening the lock screw 6on the left
side panel of the reflected light illuminator using the 3 mm Allen wrench.
After completing AS centering, be sure to lock the screw again.
1. Press the BF button (@ in Fig. 1) on the hand switch to select the reflected
light brightfield path.
2. Engage the 10X objective and bring the specimen in approximate focus.
}To improve the visibility of the aperture iris image, it is recommended to
use a specimen with high reflectivity such as a mirror.
Fig. 3
Field of view of eyepiece
6

9
3. Remove the eyepiece, look into the eyepiece sleeve and press the
AS – button 7on the hand switch to set the aperture at around 70%.
4. If the center of the iris diaphragm is deviated, center it by rotating the two
AS centering screws (ƒ in Fig. 2) using the Allen screwdriver.
Fig. 4
Using the Aperture Iris Diaphragm
{In reflected light brightfield observation, optimum observation is gener-
ally possible by setting the aperture to between 70% and 80% of the aper-
ture number of the objective.
{In reflected right darkfield observation, the aperture must be fully opened
by pressing the AS + button 8.
}With some specimens, an image with high contrast and little flare may
sometimes obtained when the aperture is slightly closed. It is therefore
recommended to also try a slightly closed aperture.
70%
7
8
30%
Aperture iris diaphragm image

BX-RLAA
10
4Using the Interlocked ND Filter (Fig. 5)
}The ND filter is interlocked with the brightfield (BF) light path switching and
makes it possible to reduce glare when the darkfield (DF) path is switched
to the brightfield (BF) path.
Removing the Interlocked ND Filter
}The ND filter has been interlocked at the factory. If brightness is not enough
during brightfield, DIC or other observation, remove the ND filter as de-
scribed below.
1. Select the DF observation path, and remove the interlocked ND filter cover
by loosening the retaining screw @ screw using the Allen screwdriver.
2. Remove the ND filter frame ² which is visible after the cover removal.
3. Attach the cover to the original position.
# To attach the removed ND filter again, push in the frame lightly. Do not
push with an excessive force. If the force is excessive, the ND filter will
be disengaged fro the DF path and the main switch of the BX-UCB
should be set to “ I” (ON) then “ ” (OFF) again.
Fig. 5
@
²

11
5Using the Filters (Fig. 6)
}Engage the optimum filter sliders for the purpose of observation in the two
filter insertion slots @ so that the filter surfaces with indication comes on
the front.
The first click position is the idle position and the second click engages
the filter in the light path.
Usable Filters Applications
U-25LBD
(Color temperature conver-
sion filter)
Turns the illumination light into daylight.
Used in general observations and color
photography.
U-25IF550
(Green filter)
Enhanced contrast in monochrome obser-
vation.
Used in monochrome photography.
U-25Y48
(Yellow filter)
Yellow filter for observation of semiconduc-
tor wafers.
U-25ND25-2 (Light intensity
adjustment filter)
Adjusts the brightness of the light source.
(Transmittance: 25%)
U-25ND6-2 (Light intensity
adjustment filter)
Adjusts the brightness of the light source.
(Transmittance: 6%)
U-25FR
(Frost filter)
Reduces irregularity in the illumination field,
but also reduces the brightness.
U-25L42
(UV cut filter)
Cut ultraviolet rays. Used to prevent the po-
larizer from being burnt by a high-intensity
light source.
Fig. 6
@
U-25ND50-2 (Light intensity
adjustment filter)
Adjusts the brightness of the light source.
(Transmittance: 50%)

BX-RLAA
12
STAGE FOR METALLURGICAL SPECIMENS
}To improve the ease of operation, it is recommended to use a stage for exclusive use with metallurgical specimens or
replace the biological specimen holder with that for metallurgical use.
1Placing the Specimen
}The maximum load capacities are as follows.
· Stage: 1.5 kg
· Stage plate
500 g (U-SVRM/SVLM)
1 kg (U-SIC4R2/SIC4L2)
# If a specimen heavier than the specified weight is placed, phenom-
ena such as deterioration of the feeling of stage movement and parts
wear may occur.
With the U-MSSP or U-MSSP4 Stage Plate
Place the specimen on the stage plate @.
}The specimen should be parallel and planar. Otherwise, the reflected light
cannot reach the objective, rendering observation impossible.
}When observing very large specimens, remove the stage plate and place
the specimen directly on the stage.
Fig. 7
@

13
[U-SIC4R2/SIC4L2 Stage Only]
Observation with the U-WHP2 Wafer Holder Plate (Fig. 8)
1. Place the BH2-WHR43 rotary wafer holder (for 3- or 4-inch) ² on the U-
WHP2 wafer holder plate @.
2. Place a 3-inch or 4-inch wafer on the BH2-WHR43 and observe the wafer.
The wafer holder plate can be rotated with the knob ³.
[U-SIC4R2/SIC4L2 Stage Only]
Observation with the U-MSSPG Glass Holder Plate (Fig. 9)
}If the microscope is equipped with transmitted light illumination, transpar-
ent specimens can also be observed.
1. Place the glass plate ² gently on the glass holder plate @.
2. Place a specimen or transparent specimen and observe it.
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
@
²
³
@
²

BX-RLAA
14
2Using the Y-Axis Movement Lock Lever (Fig. 10)
}This mechanism is provided only with the U-SIC4R2/SIC4L2 stage.
1. When the Y-axis movement lock lever @ is locked by setting the lever in
the direction of the arrow, the Y-axis movement is locked, making it pos-
sible to scan only in the X-axis direction.
2. To release the lock, return the lever to the original position.
# If the lock lever is released incompletely, the lever will be worn out,
making locking impossible or causing dust.
Fig. 10
@

15
OBSERVATION METHODS (Using BX-RLAA)
6-1 Reflected Light Brightfield/Darkfiled Observation
See “MOTORIZED REFLECTED LIGHT BRIGHTFIELD/DARKFIELD OBSERVATION PROCEDURE” on page 5.
6-2 Reflected Light Nomarski DIC (Differential Light Contrast) Observation
# The performance of polarizer may deteriorate when it has been exposed to light for a long period (about continu-
ous 2000 hours). If this happens, replace the polarizer.
# When performing sensitive color observation using the U-DICRH DIC slider, combine the U-POTP3 polarizer.
# When using the high-intensity light source, be sure to use the U-25L42 filter to prevent the polarizer from being burnt.
1Setting the Analyzer and Polarizer (Fig. 11)
# In the current step, do not engage the DIC slider in the light path.
1. Bring the specimen in approximate focusing using the 10X or 20X objec-
tive.
2. Remove the cover to enable installation of the U-AN360-3 analyzer. Then
put the analyzer @ in the insertion slot.
3. Insert the U-PO or U-POTP3 polarizer ² so that the surface with indication
comes on the front, and engage the polarizer in the light path.
4. Rotate the analyzer rotating dial ³ to find the position where the field of
view is darkest.
}An approximate crossed-Nicol position can be obtained by setting the
index on the dial ³ on the outer side. Fine-adjust the dial by rotating it
near this position to find the position where the field of view is darkest.
Fig. 11
@
²
³

BX-RLAA
16
Using the Joint Plate (Fig. 12)
When the U-AN360-3 analyzer ƒ and U-PO3 or U-POTP3 polarizer … are
coupled by using the joint plate | provided with the polarizer and tighten-
ing the clamping knobs on it, the analyzer and polarizer can be engaged
or disengaged in the light path together.
2 Setting the DIC Slider (Fig. 13)
1. Loosen the mounting knob @ on the front of the DIC revolving nosepiece,
insert the DIC slider ² so that the surface with indication faces up, and
clamp by tightening the mounting knob.
2. With the U-DICR interference slider, set the slide lever ³ according to the
objective in use.
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
|
ƒ
…
@
²
|
³
Lever ³ position Applicable Objectives
Pushed in UIS2 MPLFLN/MPLFLN-BD series
MPLAPON series
UIS UMPlanFl/UMPlanFl-BD series
MPlanApo20X, 100X
MPlanApo100XBD
Pulled out UIS2 LMPLFLN/LMPLFLN-BD series
UIS LMPlanFl/LMPlanFl-BD series
LMPlanApo/LMPlanApo-BD series

17
3. With the U-DICRH or U-DICRHC slider that does not have the slide lever,
the applicable objectives are as follows.
DIC Slider Applicable Objectives
U-DICRH MPLFLN/MPLFLN-BD series
MPLAPON series
UMPlanFl/UMPlanFl-BD series
MPlanFl-BD series
MPlanApo20X, 100X
U-DICRHC LMPLFLN/LMPLFLN-BD series
LMPlanFl/LMPlanFl-BD series
LMPlanApo/LMPlanApo-BD series
UIS2
UIS
UIS2
UIS