Olympus BX-RLA2 User manual

INSTRUCTIONS
BX-RLA2
REFLECTED LIGHT BRIGHTFIELD/
DARKFIELD ILLUMINATOR
This instruction manual is for the Olympus Reflected Light Brightfield/Darkfield Illuminator Model BX-RLA2.
The BX-RLA2 is capable of brightfield and darkfield observations under the reflected light when it is
installed on the BX51RF/BX51TRF system microscope frame together with the BXFM focusing unit. To
ensure the safety, obtain optimum 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 instruc-
tion manual in an easily accessible place near the work desk for future reference.
A X 7 6 2 1

1Selecting the Light Path 2 Centering the Field Iris Diameter (FS)
3Centering the Aperture Iris Diaphragm (AS)
4Using the ND Filter Knob 5Using the Filters
BX-RLA2
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 26 to 27) carefully.
IMPORTANT — Be sure to read this chapter for safe use of the equipment. — 1-2
1 SYSTEM DIAGRAM 3
2 NOMENCLATURE OF BX-RLA2 4
3 REFLECTED LIGHT BRIGHTFIELD/DARKFIELD OBSERVATION PROCEDURE 5-6
4 USING THE CONTROLS OF BX-RLA2 7-11
5 STAGE FOR METALLURGICAL SPECIMENS 12-13
1Placing the Specimen 2Using the Y-Axis Lock Lever
6 OBSERVATION METHODS 14-19
6-1 Reflected Light Brightfield/Darkfiled Observation ....................................................................................................................................14
6-2 Reflected Light Nomarski DIC Observation ............................................................................................................................................. 14-19
6-3 Reflected Light Simplified Polarized Light Observation ................................................................................................................. 19
7 SPECIFICATIONS 20
8 OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS <<UIS2 (UIS) Series>> 21-25
9 ASSEMBLY 26-27

1
IMPORTANT
1Getting Ready
1. A microscope is a precision instrument. Handle it with care and avoid subjecting it to sudden or severe impact.
2. Do not use the microscope where it is subjected to direct sunlight, high temperature and humidity, dust or vibrations.
3. This unit can be used with an intermediate attachment such as a U-CA magnification changer or U-EPA2 eyepoint
adjuster.
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.
4. When not using the microscope, set the main switch to “ ” (OFF), wait until the lamp housing has cooled down, and
keep the microscope covered with a dust cover.
5. When disposing of this product, check the regulations and rules of your local government and be sure to observe them.

BX-RLA2
2
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
Reflected Light Brightfield/Darkfield
Illuminator
BX-RLA2
* Replace the standard stage with the stage for metallurgic specimens or the specimen
holder with the stage plate for edsier operation.
Reflected Light
Lamp Housing
Module
Reflected Light Brightfield/Darkfield
Illuminator
BX-RLA2
Stage for
Metallurgic
Specimens
or Stage
Plate*
Microscope frame
BX51RF
BX51TRF
Illuminator Holder
BXFM-ILH
Focusing Unit
BXFM-F

BX-RLA2
4
NOMENCLATURE OF BX-RLA2
Polarizer insertion slot (Page 14)
Analyzer insertion slot (Page 14)
Mirror selector lever
(Page 7)
ND filter knob (Page 10)
FS centering screws (Page 7)
Field iris diaphragm (FS) knob
(Page 7)
Filter insertion slot (Page 11)
#Always insert filters from
the left side!
AS centering screw (Page 9)
Aperture iris diaphragm (AS)
knob (Page 9)

5
REFLECTED LIGHT BRIGHTFIELD/DARKFIELD OBSERVATION PROCEDURE
}The following flow shows the basic operating procedure for reflected light brightfield or darkfield observation. The operating
procedures for polarized light and Nomarski DIC observations will be described separately in their descriptions. (The micro-
scope frame used is the BX51TRF.)
(Controls Used) (Page)
Select the brightfield (BF) or
darkfield (DF) observation. @ Mirror selector lever (P. 7)
Set the main switch to “ I ”
(ON). ² Main switch
Disengage the
analyzer,
polarizer, filter,
etc. from the
light path.
Check
interlocking of
the ND filter.
³ ND filter knob (P. 10)
Select the light path
(trinocular tube only). | Light path selector knob
Place the specimen on the
stage.
ƒ Stage plate
… X/Y-axis knobs
Engage the 10X objective in
the light path. † Revolving nosepiece
Bring the specimen in focus. ‡ Coarse/fine adjustment
knobs
Adjust the
brightness. Š Brightness control knob
Adjust the
interpupillary
distance.
Adjust the
diopter.
(Controls Used) (Page)
‰ Binocular tube
‹ Diopter adjustment ring
Adjust the aperture iris dia-
phragm and field iris dia-
phragm.
} Open both iris diaphragms
in case of DF observation.
ΠAS knob (P. 9)
™ FS knob (P. 7/8)
Engage the desired objective
in the light path and bring the
specimen in focus.
† Revolving nosepiece
‡ Coarse/fine adjustment
knobs
Insert the
required
filters.
š Filter insertion slot (P. 11)
Adjust the
brightness. Š Brightness control knob
Start observation.

BX-RLA2
6
}Make a photocopy of the observation procedure page and post it near your microscope.
|
³
@
ƒ
²
Š‡…
‰
†
š
™
‹
Œ
Insertion from the left

7
USING THE CONTROLS OF BX-RLA2
1Selecting the Light Path (Fig. 1)
Slide the mirror selector lever @ toward the indication of the mirror for the
desired observation method.
BF: Reflected light brightfield observation
DF: Reflected light darkfield observation
# Be sure to slide the mirror selector lever until it contacts the stopper
position.
Fig. 1
Effects of Dummy Slider
The dummy slider ² has been installed on the revolving nosepiece at the
factory. It can be replaced by loosening the clamping knob ³ when a DIC
prism is to be used. However, in observations other than DIC, be sure to
push in the dummy slider in order to prevent flare.
Fig. 2
2Centering the Field Iris Diaphragm (FS) (Fig. 2)
1. Slide the mirror selector lever @ to “BF”.
2. Engage the 10X objective by rotating the revolving nosepiece, place the
specimen on the stage and adjust approximate focusing.
3. Pull out the FS knob ² on the reflected light illuminator to reduce the
aperture iris stop a little.
4. Rotate the two FS centering screws ³ 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 ², open the field iris diaphragm until the
field iris image inscribes the field of view. If the image is found to be
eccentric, adjust the centering again.
³
²
@
³
²
@

BX-RLA2
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 ² 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 ².
Field iris diaphragm image
Field of view of eyepiece

9
Fig. 3
3Centering the Aperture Iris Diaphragm (AS) (Fig. 3)
1. Slide the mirror selector lever @ to “BF”.
2. Engage the 10X objective by rotating the revolving nosepiece and bring
the specimen in approximate focus.
3. Remove the eyepiece, look into the eyepiece sleeve and pull the AS knob
² so that the aperture is about 70%.
4. If the center of the iris diaphragm is deviated, center it by rotating the two
AS centering screws ³ using the Allen screwdriver.
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
aperture number of the objective.
{In reflected right darkfield observation, the aperture must be fully opened
by pushing in the AS knob ².
}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%
@
|
30%
Aperture iris diaphragm image
³
²

BX-RLA2
10
Fig. 4
4Using the ND Filter Knob (Fig. 4)
}The ND filter is interlocked with the brightfield (BF) light path selecting so it
can be engaged or disengaged according to the mirror selector lever @.
The ND filter makes it possible to reduce glare when darkfield (DF) is
switched to brightfield (BF).
Releasing Interlocking
}The ND filter knob has been interlocked at the factory.
}If brightness is not enough during brightfield, DIC or other observation, the
interlocking can be released.
1. Loosen the screw interlocking the ND filter by inserting the Allen screw-
driver into the hole ² on the left side of the reflected light illuminator.
2. Now the interlocking is released and the ND filter knob (Fig. 3 |) is active.
Pull the knob out to disengage the ND filter from the light path.
²@

11
Fig. 5
5Using the Filters (Fig. 5)
}Engage the optimum filter sliders for the purpose of observation in the two
filter insertion slots @. Be sure to engage from the left side.
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 pho-
tography.
U-25IF550
(Green filter)
Enhanced contrast in monochrome obser-
vation.
Used in monochrome photography.
U-25Y48
(Yellow filter)
Contrast filter for observation of semicon-
ductor 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)
Cuts ultraviolet rays. Used to prevent the po-
larizer from being burned by a high-inten-
sity light source.
@
U-25ND50-2 (Light intensity
adjustment filter)
Adjusts the brightness of the light source.
(Transmittance: 50%)

BX-RLA2
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 stage plate with a specimen holder.
Fig. 6
1Placing the Specimen
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 slide plate and place
the specimen directly on the stage.
Fig. 7
[U-SIC4R2/SIC4L2 Stage Only]
Observation with the U-WHP2 Wafer Holder Plate (Fig. 7)
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.
²
@
@

13
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
[U-SIC4R2/SIC4L2 Stage Only]
Observation with the U-MSSPG Glass Holder Plate (Fig. 8)
}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.
2Using the Y-Axis Lock Lever (Fig. 9)
}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.
@
²
@

BX-RLA2
14
OBSERVATION METHODS (Using BX-RLA2)
6-1 Reflected Light Brightfield Observation
See “REFLECTED LIGHT BRIGHTFIELD/DARKFIELD OBSERVATION PROCEDURE” on page 5.
6-2 Reflected Light Nomarski DIC (Differential Interference 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.
Fig. 10
1Setting the Analyzer and Polarizer (Fig. 10)
# 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-PO3 or U-POTP3 polarizer ² so that the surface with indica-
tion 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 cross-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.
²
@³

15
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Using the Joint Plate (Fig. 11)
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.
ƒ
|
…
|
³
²
@
2 Setting the DIC Slider (Fig. 12)
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.
Lever ³ position Applicable Objectives
Pushed in UIS2 MPLFLN/MPLFLN-BD 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

BX-RLA2
16
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
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

17
3Observation Method (Fig. 12)
1. Place the specimen on the stage and adjust the focus by moving the
stage up or down.
2. Adjust the field iris diaphragm so that its image circumscribes the field of
view.
3. The contrast may sometimes be enhanced by closing the aperture iris
diaphragm slightly.
U-DICR, U-DICRHC
1. Adjust the background contrast by turning the slider movement knob |
on the DIC slider as described below. (Fig. 12)
2. When the slider movement knob on the DIC slider is turned, the interfer-
ence color in the background varies continuously from the gray sensitive
color to magenta sensitive color (from -100 to 600 nm). Set the interference
color which can provide best contrast with respect to the specimen.
· Selecting a gray background color enables 3D-looking observation with
high contrast thanks to the highest sensibility of the gray sensitive color.
· Selecting a magenta sensitive color allows even small phase variation to
be observed as a change in color.