Olympus U-CBE User manual

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INSTRUCTIONS
COMPENSATORS
This instruction manual is for the Olympus Compensators. As this manual pertains only to the compensators,
also refer to the instruction manual for your polarizing microscope (BX53/BX53M-P or CX31-P) so that you
understand the operating procedures of the entire system.
To ensure the safety, obtain optimum performance and familiarize yourself fully with the use of these units,
we recommend that you study this manual thoroughly before using them.
Retain this instruction manual in an easily accessible place near the work desk for future reference.
Optical Microscope Accessory

IMPORTANT
These units employ a UIS2/UIS (Universal Infinity System) optical design, and should be used only
with a microscope, eyepieces, objectives and condenser matching the UIS/UIS2 optics.
Less than optimum performance may result if inappropriate accessories are used.
1Getting Ready
1. A compensator is a precision instrument. Handle it with care and avoid subjecting it to sudden or severe
impact.
2. Do not use the compensator where it is subjected to direct sunlight, high temperature and humidity,
dust or vibrations.
(Working environment ambient temperature and humidity should be in the range of 0-40 °C and 30-
90%, respectively. Temperature at storage location should never be allowed to get below -10 °C).
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 disassemble any part of the compensator.
If the equipment 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 quipment as outlined in this instruction
manual.
2Care and Storage
3Caution

1 OUTLINE 1
2 NOMENCLATURE 2
3 ASSEMBLY 5
4 PREPARATION AND MEASUREMENT 7
4-1
Berek Compensator (U-CBE), .............................................................................................................................................................................7
Thick Berek Compensator (U-CTB)................................................................................................................................................................7
4-2 Brace-Köhler Compensator (U-CBR1, U-CBR2)............................................................................................................11
4-3 Quarts Wedge (U-CWE2)....................................................................................................................................................................14
4-4 Senarmont Compensator (U-CSE).............................................................................................................................................16
CONTENTS

1
1OUTLINE
Compensators are used for measuring the retardation in specimens with double refraction. Some
compensators* may also be used to enhance image contrast in polarized light observation. The following
table shows the retardation measuring range of the various compensators.
Measuring Range of Compensators
Compensator Name Measuring Range
Thick Berek (U-CTB) 0 -- 20 λ
Berek (U-CBE) 0 -- 3 λ
Quartz Wedge (U-CWE2) 1 -- 4 λ
* Senarmont Compensator (U-CSE) 0 -- 1 λ
* Brace-Köhler Compensator 1/10 λ(U-CBR1) 0 -- 1/10 λ
* Brace-Köhler Compensator 1/30 λ(U-CBR2) 0 -- 1/30 λ
λ= 546.1 nm (e-line)

2
U-CBE, U-CTB
2NOMENCLATURE
Berek Compensator (U-CBE)
Thick Berek Compensator (U-CTB)
Compensator
Scale 2
One turn equals 10°
(minimum reading 0.05°)
Compensator knob
Scale 1
0-60°
(minimum reading 10°)
* The illustration shows the U-CTB. The U-CBE’s γaxis direction is different.

3
U-CBR1, U-CBR2
Brace-Köhler Compensator
(U-CBR1, U-CBR2)
Compensator Scale 2
One turn equals 20°
(minimum reading 0.1°)
Compensator knob
Scale 1
40-0-40°
(minimum reading 20°)
* The illustration shows the U-CBR2. The U-CBR1 is the model with the same design
as the U-CBR2 but only the product name is different.

4
U-CWE2, U-CSE
Quartz Wedge
(U-CWE2)
Senarmont Compensator
(U-CSE)
Compensator
Compensator
Retardation indication

5
} The assembly method is the same for all the compensators.
The compensator is designed to be inserted in the test plate
adapter (U-TAD) or polarization attachment (U-PA).
With U-TAD
1. Loosen the clamping knob @ at the front of the revolving
nosepiece and remove the dummy slider.
2. Insert the test plate adapter (U-TAD) ² and tighten the
clamping knob @.
3. Loosen the test plate adapter clamping knob ³ and insert
the compensator | as far as the click-stop position (where
the compensator is not engaged into the light path), then
tighten the clamping knob ³.
With U-PA
1. Disengage the Bertrand lens from the light axis.
2. Engage the analyzer in the light path and set the rotary scale
to position “0”.
3. Push in the compensator as far as it will go, and then pull it
slightly out until it stops in the click position.
# If the compensator is inserted at a tilted position, it
may impinge against the insertion slot. Always set to
position 30°.
} When measuring, insert the compensator one step further
to position it in the light path.
Preparation for Measuring
} Preparation for measuring is the same for all compensators.
Fig. 1
3ASSEMBLY
@
²
³
|

6
Perform the cross-Nikol adjustment and the eyepiece cross
line alignment as described in the instruction manual for the
polarizing microscope (BX53/BX53M-P or CX31-P).
Note on Measuring:
} Measuring is usually performed with the condenser’s top-lens swung out and the aperture iris
diaphragm stopped down. If it is required to maintain brightness and resolution, the top-lens should
be left engaged although measuring accuracy will decrease.
} When measuring retardation, backlash error may occur when the compensator knob is rotated (U-CBE,
U-CTB, U-CBR1, U-CBR2). Accordingly, keep the rotation direction always uniform. If the knob is rotated
too far, turn it fully back and restart rotation by keeping the direction uniform till the measured portion.
1Adjusting the Extinction

7
U-CBE, U-CTB
4PREPARATION AND MEASUREMENT
1. Position the specimen on the rotatable stage (U-SRP) and
focus on the specimen.
} Do not use the interference filter in this adjustment.
1. Rotate the stage until it attains the position of extinction
(position where the observed portion of the specimen looks
darkest).
2. Rotate the stage further by +45° and then clamp it.
3. Rotate the compensator knob and set the U-CBE or U-CTB
scale to position 30°.
4. Insert the U-CBE or U-CTB into the test plate adapter (U-TAD)
or polarization attachment (U-PA) as far as it will go.
Measuring
} If an interference filter (IF 546 or IF 550) is available, use of
this filter will improve measurement accuracy.
1Adjusting the Extinction
4-1 Berek Compensator (U-CBE), Thick Berek Compensator (U-CTB)
2Adjusting the Rotation Position
Fig. 2-1
Fig. 2-2
Interference
fringe