Olympus BX51 User manual

INSTRUCTIONS
BX51/52-P
POLARIZING MICROSCOPE
This instruction manual is for the Olympus Polarizing Microscope Model BX51/52-P. To obtain optimum
performance and to familiarize yourself fully with the use of your microscope, we recommend that you
read this manual together with the instruction manual for the BX51/BX52 microscope thoroughly before
use. Retain this instruction manual in an easily accessible place near the work desk for future reference.
A X 6 3 0 7

IMPORTANT — Be sure to read this chapter for safe use of the equipment. — 1
BX51/52-P
CONTENTS
1 NOMENCLATURE 2
2 ASSEMBLY 3-9
2-1 Assembly Diagram ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2-2 Detailed Assembly Procedure ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4-9
3 CONTROLS 10-11
4 USING THE CONTROLS 12-15
4-1 Stage ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12-14
4-2 Intermediate Polarizing Attachment ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
5 POLARIZED LIGHT OBSERVATION 16-26
5-1 Adjustments Before Observation .................................................................................................................................................................................... 16-24
5-2 Orthoscopic Observation ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 25
5-3 Conoscopic Observation ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
6 SPECIFICATIONS 27-28
7 OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS 29
8 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE 30

1
IMPORTANT
This unit employs a UIS (universal infinity system) optical design, and should be used only with UIS
eyepieces, objectives, condensers, etc. Less than optimum performance may result if inappropriate
accessories are used.
1. A microscope is a precision instrument. Handle it with care and avoid subjecting it to sudden or severe impact.
2. The BX51/52 series microscope can be used with up to two additional intermediate attachments (e.g., U-DO3 dual-
viewing attachment, U-CA or U-ECA magnification changer, etc.). When using an additional intermediate attachment,
please make sure with your Olympus representative or the latest brochure.
3. Do not use the microscope where it is subjected to direct sunlight, high temperature and humidity, dust or vibrations.
Install it on stable, level bench. For operation environment conditions, see SPECIFICATIONS on page 28.
If the microscope 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.
1Getting Ready
2Caution
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).

2
BX51/52-P
NOMENCLATURE
Eyepiece
*Polarizing intermediate
attachment
*Centerable revolving
eyepiece
*Polarizing rotatable
stage
*Strain-free
condenser
Observation tube
BX51/52
Microscope frame
*Objective
(Strain-free objective series)
Lamp housing
*Components for polarized light observation

3
ASSEMBLY
The diagram below shows how to assemble the various components. The numbers indicate the order of assembly.
}For details on the BX51/52 microscope frame, consult the BX51/52 manual.
#When assembling the components, make sure that all parts are free of dust and dirt, and avoid scratching any
parts or touching glass surfaces.
2-1 Assembly Diagram
Eyepiece
Centerable revolving
nosepiece (U-P4RE)
Test plate adapter
(U-TAD)
Sensitive tint plate
(U-TP530)
Quarter wave plate
(U-TP137)
Strain-free
objective
Mechanical stage
(U-FMP)
Stage clips
Polarizing
rotatable stage
(U-SRP)
Polarizing
intermediate
attachment
(U-CPA)
Observation tube
Intermediate attachment
for AN360P (U-OPA)
Rotatable analyzer
(U-AN360P-2)
Allen
screwdriver
Lamp housing
Halogen
bulb
Lamp socket
Power cord
Microscope frame
BX51TF
BX52TF
Strain-free condenser
(U-POC-2)
*6 types of compensators available
*

4
BX51/52-P
Fig. 2
…
2-2 Detailed Assembly Procedure
1Attaching the Stage (U-SRP) (Fig. 1)
1. Turn the coarse adjustment knob @ to lower the substage assembly ² to
its lower limit.
2. Loosen the centering knobs ³.
3. Position the stage with the vernier scale | in front, and carefully lower the
stage onto the round dovetail on the stage bracket ² with the positioning
pin on the stage aligned with the groove on the front of the stage bracket,
then loosely tighten the centering knobs.
Mounting Stage Clips and Mechanical Stage (U-FMP) (Fig. 2)
· Insert the stage clips securely into any two holes ƒ on the stage top
surface.
· Mount the mechanical stage so that the positioning pins on the under-
side fit into the positioning holes … on the stage top surface. Using the
Allen screwdriver provided with the BX51/52 microscope frame, tighten
the clamping screw.
ƒ
Fig. 1
@
²
³
|

5
1. Turn the coarse adjustment knob @ to raise the stage to its upper limit.
2. Turn the condenser height adjustment knob ² to lower the condenser
holder to its lower limit.
3. Loosen the condenser clamping screw ³.
4. Position the condenser with the scale markings in front, insert it into the
substage fork as far as it will go.
Align the positioning pin at the back of the condenser with the groove in
the substage fork. Swing the top lens out of the way before inserting the
condenser.
5. Tighten the condenser clamping screw, then raise the condenser to its
upper limit.
2Mounting the Condenser (U-POC-2) (Fig. 3)
²
Fig. 3
³@

6
BX51/52-P
#Insert the 10X or 20X objective into the primary hole (position where
black rubber plugs are inserted into the centering holes on the nose-
piece).
Mount the other objectives in such a manner, that the magnification in-
creases from low to high power in a clock-wise direction from the primary
hole.
4Mounting the Revolving Nosepiece (U-P4RE) (Fig. 5)
1. Turn the coarse adjustment knob to lower the stage all the way.
2. Using the Allen screwdriver, loosen the nosepiece clamping screw @ on
the microscope frame.
3. Carefully slide the nosepiece along the dovetail to its limit, in the direction
of the arrow.
4. Clamp the nosepiece by tightening the nosepiece clamping screw.
Fig. 4
Low
High
Fig. 5
3Mounting the Objectives (Fig. 4)
@

7
When Using Polarizing Intermediate Attachment (U-CPA)
#Always make sure to mount this unit in such a manner, that it is
parallel to the arm.
Intermediate Attachment for AN360P (U-OPA)
#The position of this intermediate tube can be adjusted later. At this
point, place the tube so the nameplate is toward the rear.
1. Using the Allen screwdriver, loosen the observation tube clamping screw
@ on the microscope frame.
2. Insert the circular dovetail mount at the bottom of the intermediate
attachments into the opening on the microscope frame and clamp
by tightening the clamping screw @.
@
Fig. 6
5Mounting the Intermediate Attachments (Fig. 6)

8
BX51/52-P
1. Using the Allen screwdriver, fully loosen the observation tube clamping
screw @ on the intermediate attachment.
2. Insert the circular dovetail mount at the bottom of the observation tube
into the opening on the intermediate attachment, placing the observation
tube to point the binocular eyepieces towards the front. Fasten the
observation tube by tightening the clamping screw.
7Mounting the Eyepieces
Insert the eyepiece with cross lines into the right hand eyepiece sleeve.
Make sure the eyepiece is inserted so that the positioning pin on the
eyepiece is inserted into the groove at the lower end of the sleeve.
1. Loosen the revolving nosepiece clamping knob @ and remove the
dummy slider.
2. Insert the test plate adapter ² and securely tighten the clamping knob
@.
@
@²
6Mounting the Observation Tube (Fig. 7)
8Mounting the Test Plate Adapter (U-TAD) (Fig. 8)
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

9
Fig. 10
1. Place a desired ND filter (30 mm diam.) in the empty hole @ as required.
2. Insert the rotatable analyzer (U-AN360P-2) ² as far as the click-stop
position. Then screw in the stopper knob ³. (Fig. 10)
When using the fixed analyzer U-ANT instead of the rotatable analyzer
U-AN360P-2, place the fixed analyzer in the test plate adapter U-TAD.
Position the fixed analyzer so that the positioning pin on the fixed
analyzer fits into the groove. The fixed analyzer will be held in place by
a magnet.
1. Loosen the test plate adapter (U-TAD) clamping knob @.
2. Insert the sensitive tint plate (U-TP530), quarter wave plate (U-TP137),
or any of the other compensators (6 types) into the test plate adapter,
and securely tighten the clamping knob.
@²
@
³
Fig. 9
9Mounting Rotatable Analyzer (U-AN360P-2) (Fig. 9)
10 Mounting Test Plate Compensator (Fig. 10)

10
BX51/52-P
The illustration shows the U-CPA
set. Other components are intro-
duced on the following pages.
Bertrand lens knob
CONTROLS
Slider clamping knob
Mechanical stage
Vernier scale
Aperture iris diaphragm lever
Polarizer rotation ring
Bertrand lens focusing knob
Analyzer
Slot for compensators
Stage rotation
clamping knob
Polarizer clamping knob

11
Intermediate Adapter for AN360P (U-OPA)
Alignment polarizer
Analyzer slot
Rotatable Analyzer (U-AN360P-2)
Empty hole
(ND filter insertion possible)
Stopper knob
Rotation dial
Clamping knob
Test Plate Adapter (U-TAD)
Test plate clamping knob
Hole for the fixed analyzer
(U-ANT)
Slot for compensator plate
Sensitive Tint Plate (U-TP530) Quarter Wave Plate (U-TP137)

12
BX51/52-P
Fig. 12
1Specimen Placement
USING THE CONTROLS
4-1 Stage
When Using the Stage Clips (Fig. 11)
Position the specimen in the center, and clamp the specimen with the
stage clips.
When Using the Mechanical Stage (U-FMP) (Fig. 12)
Open the spring-loaded finger @ and place the specimen on the stage.
# Applicable slide glass is for inorganic substances (28 x 48 mm)
and organic substances (26 x 76 mm) with cover glass thickness of
0.17 mm.
Inorganic specimen
Organic specimen
Fig. 11
@

13
Fig. 14
When the stage rotation clamping knob @ is loosened, the stage can be
rotated horizontally through 360°.
3Using 45° Click Stop Lever (Fig. 14)
When the 45° click stop lever @, located at the right side of the stage, is
moved toward the observer, and the stage is moved from this position to
the first click-stop position, the specimen is moved 45° to its diagonal
position. To release the 45° click stop function, push back the lever.
#When releasing the 45° click stop function by pushing back the lever,
do so at a click-stop position.
@
@
Fig. 13
2Stage Rotation (Fig. 13)

14
BX51/52-P
}By lowering the position of the substage, the microscope will accom-
modate specimens with a maximum height of 40 mm. This is useful
when observing metallurgical specimens and other thick objects.
1. Lower the stage to its lower limit, then remove the stage from the
microscope. (See page 4.)
2. Using the Allen screwdriver, loosen the substage bracket clamping
screw @ and remove the substage assembly. (Fig. 15)
3. Turn the coarse adjustment knob and raise the focusing block ³ to
where the stopper screw ² in the arm becomes visible. (Fig. 16)
4. Using the Allen screwdriver, loosen and remove the upper stopper
screw ².
5. Reattach substage assembly and stage.
}Store the remove stopper screw ² in a safe place so that it will not be
lost, if needed again.
@
Fig. 15
Fig. 16
4Stage Height Adjustment (Figs. 15 & 16)
²
³

15
4-2 Intermediate Polarizing Attachment
By manipulating the Bertrand lens knob @ on the front, the Bertrand
lens is inserted into or removed from the light path. At the pushed-in
({) position, the lens is engaged. At the pulled-out (¦) position, the
lens is removed from the light path.
2Using the Analyzer (Fig. 18)
The analyzer @ is engaged when pushed in to the second click-stop
position. To disengaged the analyzer, and to place the empty hole in
the light path, pull the analyzer out to the first click-stop.
3Focusing the Conoscopic Image (U-CPA only) (Fig. 18)
To focus the conoscopic image, manipulate the Bertrand lens focusing
slider ². While observing the conoscopic image, move the slider to
find the position where image is sharply focused.
@
Fig. 17
Fig. 18
1Using the Bertrand Lens (U-CPA only) (Fig. 17)
@
²

16
BX51/52-P
In polarized light microscopy ultimate performance is not obtainable unless optical adjustments are made correctly.
Always performed the following adjustments before observation. Remove the quarter wave plate and sensitive tint plate
from the light path.
When Using the Intermediate Attachment for AN360P (U-OPA) (Figs. 19 & 20)
#Make sure the 10X objective is inserted into the primary hole on
the centerable revolving nosepiece.
1. Fully insert the alignment polarizer @, provided with the U-OPA into
the test plate adapter (U-TAD). Tighten its clamping knob. (Fig. 19)
2. Remove the condenser.
3. Insert the rotatable analyzer (U-AN360P-2) ² into the analyzer slot on
the intermediate attachment. Engage the analyzer, loosen the clamping
screw and set the analyzer’s rotation dial ³ to 0°. (Fig. 19)
POLARIZED LIGHT OBSERVATION
5-1 Adjustments Before Observation
Fig. 19
1Adjusting the Optical Axis
@
²
³

17
4. Slightly loosen the intermediate adapter clamping screw ƒ. (Fig. 20)
5. While observing the field of view, rotate the intermediate attachment for
AN360P (U-OPA) | until complete extinction is obtained. At this point,
tighten the intermediate attachment clamping screw ƒ. (Fig. 20)
6. Remove the provided alignment polarizer.
7. Attach the condenser.
8. Center the condenser. (Refer to page 18 in the BX51/52 instruction
manual.)
9. Centering the rotatable stage (Figs. 21 & 22)
(1) Place the specimen.
(2) Focus on the specimen and look for an easily recognizable detail …
in the field. Move this detail in the center of the eyepiece cross lines.
(3) When the stage is rotated, the detail moves in circle †. Manipulate
the two stage centering knobs ‡ to coincide the imaginary center of
the circle † circumscribed by the detail with the intersection of the
eyepiece cross lines.
(4) Moving the specimen only, move a new specimen detail into the
cross line center.
}Repeat steps (3) and (4) several times until the center of the stage
rotation is in the center of the cross lines, i.e., when rotating the stage,
the specimen stays in the center of the cross lines.
|
ƒ
…
†
Fig. 21
Fig. 20

18
BX51/52-P
Fig. 23
(5) Clamp the stage with the stage rotation clamping knob.
When Using Polarizing Intermediate Attachment (U-CPA)
· Normal Observation
#Make sure the 10X objective is inserted into the primary hole on the
centerable revolving nosepiece.
1. Pull out the Bertrand lens knob @ to the OUT (¦) position. (Fig. 23)
2. Center the condenser. (Refer to page 18 in the BX51/52 instruction manual.)
3. Follow steps 9 and 10 in “When Using the Intermediate Attachment
for AN360".
‡
Fig. 22
10. This concludes centering of the optical axis for the 10X objective, which
will act as the reference objective. Now, center the other objectives with
the centerable nosepiece by engaging the objectives into the light path
one after another.
@