Olympus BX53M-P User manual

BX53/BX53M-P
This instruction manual is for the Olympus Polarizing Microscope. 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 BX53/BX53M microscope thoroughly before use. Retain this
instruction manual in an easily accessible place near the work desk for future reference.
INSTRUCTIONS
POLARIZING MICROSCOPE
A X 7 9 8 8
Optical Microscope and Accessory

BX53/BX53M-P
IMPORTANT.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
1 NOMENCLATURE...................................................................................................................................................................... 2
2 ASSEMBLY....................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2-1 Assembly Diagram ..........................................................................................................................................................................................3
2-2 Detailed Assembly Procedure..............................................................................................................................................................4
3 CONTROLS................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
4 USING THE CONTROLS.................................................................................................................................................... 12
4-1 Stage ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................12
4-2 Intermediate Polarizing Attachment..............................................................................................................................................15
5 POLARIZED LIGHT OBSERVATION.......................................................................................................................... 16
5-1 Adjustments Before Observation.................................................................................................................................................... 16
1Adjusting the Optical Axis............................................................................................................................................................... 16
2Adjusting for Extinction ....................................................................................................................................................................22
3Adjusting the Eyepiece Cross Lines .................................................................................................................................... 23
5-2 Orthoscopic Observation ......................................................................................................................................................................25
5-3 Conoscopic Observation.......................................................................................................................................................................26
6 SPECIFICATIONS .....................................................................................................................................................................27
7 OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS......................................................................................................................................29
8 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ........................................................................................................................................30
CONTENTS

1
IMPORTANT
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.
The following symbols are used to set off text in this instruction manual.
: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury or damage to the equipment or other property. It may also be used to
alert against unsafe practices.
} : Indicates commentary (for ease of operation and maintenance).
CAUTION
1Getting Ready
1. A microscope is a precision instrument. Handle it with care and avoid subjecting it to sudden or severe impact.
2. The BX53/BX53M 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.
4. When disposing of the microscope, check the regulations and rules of your local government and be sure to observe
them.
2Caution

BX53/BX53M-P
2

*Components for polarized light observation
(Strain-free objective series)
*
*
*
Strain-free
condenser
BX53/BX53M
Microscope frame
Observation tube
Centerable revolving
nosepiece
Polarizing intermediate
attachment
Eyepiece
11NOMENCLATURE
*
*
Polarizing rotatable stage
Objective

3
22ASSEMBLY
2-1 Assembly Diagram
The diagram below shows how to assemble the various components. The numbers indicate the order of assembly.
} For details on the BX53/BX53M microscope frame, consult the BX53/BX53M 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.
CAUTION
Light source unit
Eyepiece
Centerable revolving
nosepiece (U-P4RE)
Test plate adapter (U-TAD)
Stage clips
Mechanical stage
(U-FMP)
Polarizing rotatable stage
(U-SRP)
Polarizing
intermediate
attachment
(U-CPA)
Strain-free condenser
(U-POC-2)
Microscope frame
(BX53F/BX53MTRF-S)
Intermediate attachment
for AN360P (U-OPA)
Rotatable analyzer
(U-AN360P)
Power cord
Observation tube
Sensitive tint plate (U-TP530)
Quarter wave plate (U-TP137)
Strain-free
objective
*6 types of compensators available

BX53/BX53M-P
4
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 un-
derside fit into the positioning holes … on the stage top surface. Using
the Allen screwdriver provided with the microscope frame, tighten the
clamping screw.
Fig. 1
Fig. 2

5
Fig. 3
2Mounting the Condenser (U-POC-2) (Fig. 3)
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.
CAUTION

BX53/BX53M-P
6
3Mounting the Objectives (Fig. 4)
Insert the 10X or 20X objective into the primary hole (position where black
rubber plugs are inserted into the centering holes on the nosepiece).
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.
Fig. 4
Low
Fig. 5
High
4
Mounting 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.

7
5
Mounting the Intermediate Attachments (Fig. 6)
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 @.
When Using Intermediate Attachment for conoscopic and
orthoscopic observation (U-CPA)
Always make sure to mount this unit in such a manner, that it is
parallel to the arm.
Intermediate Attachment for orthoscopic observation (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.
CAUTION
FIg. 6

BX53/BX53M-P
8
6Mounting the Observation Tube (Fig. 7)
7Mounting the Eyepieces
8Mounting the Test Plate Adapter (U-TAD) (Fig. 8)
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 @.
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
@.
Fig. 7
FIg. 8

9
9
Mounting Rotatable Analyzer (U-AN360P) (Fig. 9)
1. Place a desired ND filter (30 mm diam.) in the empty hole @ as required.
2. Insert the rotatable analyzer (U-AN360P) 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, 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.
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
10 Mounting Test Plate Compensator (Fig. 10)
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.

BX53/BX53M-P
10
33CONTROLS
The illustration shows the U-CPA set. Other components are
introduced on the following pages.
Bertrand lens knob
Slider clamping knob
Mechanical stage
Aperture iris
diaphragm lever
Polarizer rotation ring
Bertrand lens
focusing knob
Analyzer
Slot for
compensators
Stage rotation
clamping knob
Polarizer clamping knob
Vernier scale

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

BX53/BX53M-P
12
1Specimen Placement
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
CAUTION
44USING THE CONTROLS
4-1 Stage
Fig. 11
FIg. 12

13
2Stage Rotation (Fig. 13)
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.
CAUTION
Fig. 13
FIg. 14

BX53/BX53M-P
14
4Stage Height Adjustment (Figs. 15 & 16)
} By lowering the position of the substage, the microscope will
accommodate specimens with a maximum height of 35 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

15
1Using the Bertrand Lens (U-CPA only) (Fig. 17)
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.
4-2 Intermediate Polarizing Attachment
2Using the Analyzer (Fig. 18)
3
Focusing the Conoscopic Image (U-CPA only) (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.
To focus the conoscopic image, manipulate the Bertrand lens focusing
knob ². While observing the conoscopic image, move the knob to find
the position where image is sharply focused.
FIg. 17
FIg. 18

BX53/BX53M-P
16
1Adjusting the Optical Axis
When Using the Intermediate Attachment for orthoscopic
observation (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 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)
CAUTION
55POLARIZED LIGHT OBSERVATION
5-1 Adjustments Before Observation
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.
Fig. 19

17
4. Slightly loosen the intermediate adapter clamping screw ƒ. (Fig. 20)
5. While observing the field of view, rotate the intermediate attachment for
orthoscopic observation (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. (For details, see instructions of each microscope.)
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.
Fig. 20
Fig. 21