Zeiss Axio Examiner User manual

Operating Manual Axio Examiner
Research Microscope

Carl Zeiss Copyright / Trademark Axio Examiner
2 M60-2-0003 e 05/2012
Knowledge of these instructions is required for operating this equipment. Please make yourself familiar
with the manual’s contents, and, in particular, follow every instruction which concerns the safe operation
of this equipment.
These instructions are subject to modifications for promoting further technical development. This manual
is not covered by any updating service.
© No disclosure or reproduction of this document, and no use or communication of its contents
shall be allowed unless expressly granted. Offenders shall be liable for damages.
All rights reserved for any possible issue of a patent, or for utility-model registration.
All company or product designations used in this operating manual may be either trademarks or
registered trademarks. Any reference to a third-party product shall be deemed for information only, and
shall constitute neither an approval nor a recommendation.
Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH shall not assume any liability for the performance or use of any such
products.
Edited by: Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH
Carl-Zeiss-Promenade 10
07745 Jena, Germany
microscop[email protected]m
www.zeiss.com/microscopy
Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH
Königsallee 9-21
37081 Göttingen, Germany
Number of this operating manual: M 60-2-0003 e
Issue date: version 5 - May 01, 2012

Axio Examiner Table of contents / List of figures Carl Zeiss
M60-2-0003 e 05/2012 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................8
1.1 Equipment safety notices .............................................................................................8
1.2 Warning and information signs at the equipment....................................................11
1.3 Warranty instructions .................................................................................................11
1.4 List of interfaces..........................................................................................................12
1.5 Controls and functional elements for Axio Examiner man. ......................................14
1.6 Controls and functional elements for Axio Examiner mot........................................16
2EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION................................................................................18
2.1 Designation and designated use ................................................................................18
2.2 System overview.........................................................................................................19
2.3 Technical data..............................................................................................................23
3START-UP...........................................................................................................26
3.1 Installing standard components .................................................................................26
3.1.1 Unpacking and installing the microscope ........................................................................26
3.1.2 Fastening the microscope to a tabletop...........................................................................27
3.1.3 Attaching a binocular tube / phototube ..........................................................................27
3.1.4 Inserting eyepieces or an auxiliary microscope .................................................................28
3.1.5 Installing and removing "Push&Click" modules ...............................................................29
3.1.6 Installing a reflector insert...............................................................................................31
3.1.7 Installing an objective mount or objective nosepiece........................................................31
3.1.8 Screwing in objectives ....................................................................................................32
3.1.9 Attaching and removing the condenser carrier ................................................................33
3.1.10 Installing the condenser..................................................................................................33
3.1.11 Installing the mechanical stage on the stage carrier .........................................................34
3.1.12 Attaching, removing and adjusting the height of a stage carrier.......................................36
3.1.13 HAL 100 halogen lamp...................................................................................................37
3.1.14 HBO 50 illuminator.........................................................................................................40
3.1.15 HBO 100 illuminator.......................................................................................................43
3.1.16 Colibri illumination system and HXP 120 external illumination equipment ........................45
3.2 Establishing a mains connection, and switching the power supply units on or off .....46
3.2.1 Connecting the Axio Examiner mot.................................................................................46
3.2.2 Connecting and switching the HAL 100 halogen lamp on or off ......................................47
3.2.3 Connecting and switching the HBO 100 illuminator on or off ..........................................48
3.2.4 Connecting and switching the HBO 50 illuminator on or off............................................48

Carl Zeiss Table of contents/ list of figures Axio Examiner
4 M60-2-0003 e 05/2012
3.3 Installing optional components ................................................................................. 49
3.3.1 Replacing the stand top part replace and inserting an adapter for extending the
specimen area ............................................................................................................... 49
3.3.2 Inserting the adjusting aid into the Axio Examiner.A1 upper microscope part................... 50
3.3.3 Installing an adapter for 45 mm objectives...................................................................... 50
3.3.4 Attaching the magnification changer.............................................................................. 51
3.3.5 Replacing the filter set in the FL P&C reflector module .................................................... 51
3.3.6 Replacing the beam splitter in the FL P&C reflector module ............................................. 52
3.3.7 Installing the Senarmont polarizer .................................................................................. 53
3.3.8 Replacing the DIC prism in the condenser....................................................................... 53
3.3.9 Replacing the filter in the transmitted light filter wheel.................................................... 54
3.3.10Installing the Aqua Stop for the condenser ..................................................................... 55
3.3.11 Attaching a condenser carrier with a motor-operated focus ............................................ 55
3.4 Microscope basic setting ............................................................................................ 56
3.4.1 Setting the eyepiece distance (interpupillary distance) at the binocular tube..................... 56
3.4.2 Setting the viewing height ............................................................................................. 56
3.4.3 Compensating for eye deficiencies when using eyepiece reticules.................................... 56
3.4.4 Setting the lock-in resistance of the 5x reflector turret .................................................... 57
3.4.5 Setting the actuating rod ............................................................................................... 57
4OPERATION ....................................................................................................... 58
4.1 Illumination and contrast procedures........................................................................ 58
4.1.1 Transmitted light bright field according to KÖHLER......................................................... 58
4.1.2 Transmitted-light differential interference contrast (DIC).................................................. 61
4.1.3 Oblique illumination via condenser ................................................................................. 65
4.1.4 Oblique illumination according to DODT......................................................................... 66
4.1.5 Reflected-light fluorescence ........................................................................................... 67
4.2 Documentation ........................................................................................................... 69
4.3 Docking station with TFT display............................................................................... 70
4.3.1 Screen layout................................................................................................................. 70
4.3.2 Menu structure.............................................................................................................. 72
4.3.3 Home page.................................................................................................................... 73
4.3.4 Microscope.................................................................................................................... 73
4.3.5 XYZ............................................................................................................................... 74
4.3.6 Settings ......................................................................................................................... 75
4.3.7 Display .......................................................................................................................... 78
4.4 Controls and functional elements for optional components.................................... 79
4.4.1 Reflector turret 4x or 6x ................................................................................................. 79
4.4.2 Axio Examiner.Z1 upper microscope part with sideport ................................................... 79
4.4.3 Binocular phototube zoom 0.5 – 4x with a P&C module mount....................................... 80

Axio Examiner Table of contents / List of figures Carl Zeiss
M60-2-0003 e 05/2012 5
5CARE, MAINTENANCE, TROUBLESHOOTING AND SERVICE............................82
5.1 Equipment care ...........................................................................................................82
5.2 Equipment maintenance.............................................................................................82
5.2.1 Checks to be performed.................................................................................................82
5.2.2 Replacing fuses ..............................................................................................................83
5.3 Trouble shooting.........................................................................................................84
5.4 Spares, wearing parts and tools.................................................................................87
5.5 Service..........................................................................................................................88
6APPENDIX ..........................................................................................................89
6.1 List of abbreviations ...................................................................................................89
6.2 Subject index...............................................................................................................91
6.3 Industrial property rights............................................................................................95

Carl Zeiss Table of contents/ list of figures Axio Examiner
6 M60-2-0003 e 05/2012
LIST OF FIGURES
Page
Figure 1-1 Warning and information signs at the equipment ..........................................................11
Figure 1-2 List of interfaces ...........................................................................................................13
Figure 1-3 Controls and functional elements for Axio Examiner man...............................................15
Figure 1-4 Controls and functional elements for Axio Examiner mot. ..............................................17
Figure 3-1 Installing the microscope ..............................................................................................26
Figure 3-2Fastening the stand to a tabletop..................................................................................27
Figure 3-3 Attaching the binocular (photo)tube .............................................................................27
Figure 3-4 Inserting eyepieces........................................................................................................28
Figure 3-5 Inserting an eyepiece reticule ........................................................................................28
Figure 3-6 Replacing the reflector module - reflector turret 5x........................................................29
Figure 3-7 Replacing a reflector module in the reflector insert ........................................................30
Figure 3-8 Installing a reflector insert.............................................................................................31
Figure 3-9 Installing an objective mount or objective nosepiece ......................................................31
Figure 3-10 Connecting the objective mount or objective nosepiece cod. .........................................32
Figure 3-11 Screwing in objectives...................................................................................................32
Figure 3-12 Attaching & removing the condenser carrier..................................................................33
Figure 3-13 Putting on the condenser..............................................................................................33
Figure 3-14 Installing the mechanical stage on the stage carrier........................................................34
Figure 3-15 Setting the ergonomic drive..........................................................................................34
Figure 3-16 Replacing the universal mounting frame........................................................................35
Figure 3-17 Attaching the stage carrier (stage not shown in the drawing).........................................36
Figure 3-18 Attaching the HAL 100 halogen lamp ...........................................................................37
Figure 3-19 Adjusting the HAL 100 halogen lamp............................................................................38
Figure 3-20 Replacing a halogen lamp.............................................................................................39
Figure 3-21 Opening the HBO 50 ....................................................................................................40
Figure 3-22 Replacing the burner ....................................................................................................40
Figure 3-23 Attaching the HBO 50 ..................................................................................................41
Figure 3-24 Adjusting the HBO 50...................................................................................................42
Figure 3-25 Attaching the HBO 100 illuminator ...............................................................................43
Figure 3-26 HBO 100 W power supply unit......................................................................................43
Figure 3-27 Adjusting aid................................................................................................................44
Figure 3-28 Adjusting the HBO 100.................................................................................................44
Figure 3-29 Connecting the Axio Examiner mot. ..............................................................................46
Figure 3-30 External power supply unit for HAL 100 (front and rear side)..........................................47
Figure 3-31 HBO 100 W power supply unit (front and rear sides)......................................................48
Figure 3-32 Replacing the stand top part, inserting an adapter.........................................................49
Figure 3-33 Inserting the adjusting aid.............................................................................................50
Figure 3-34 Installing an adapter for 45 mm objectives ....................................................................50
Figure 3-35 Putting on the magnification changer ...........................................................................51
Figure 3-36 Replacing the filter set in the FL P&C reflector module ...................................................51
Figure 3-37 Opening a beam splitter ...............................................................................................52
Figure 3-38 Replacing a beam splitter..............................................................................................52
Figure 3-39 Installing the SÉNARMONT polarizer..............................................................................53

Axio Examiner Table of contents / List of figures Carl Zeiss
M60-2-0003 e 05/2012 7
Figure 3-40 Replacing the DIC prism ............................................................................................... 53
Figure 3-41 Replacing the filter in the transmitted light filter wheel.................................................. 54
Figure 3-42 Installing the Aqua Stop ............................................................................................... 55
Figure 3-43 Connecting a mot. condenser carrier ............................................................................ 55
Figure 3-44 Setting the eyepiece distance at the binocular tube....................................................... 56
Figure 3-45 Setting the viewing height at the binocular tube ........................................................... 56
Figure 3-46 Setting the lock-in resistance........................................................................................ 57
Figure 3-47 Setting the actuating rod ............................................................................................. 57
Figure 4-1 HAL 100 external power supply unit............................................................................. 59
Figure 4-2 Microscope settings on the Axio Examiner in the transmitted-light bright field ............... 59
Figure 4-3 Inserting a DIC slider into an objective adapter.............................................................. 62
Figure 4-4 Inserting a DIC slider into an objective mount or objective nosepiece............................. 62
Figure 4-5 Axio Examiner.D1 with DIC equipment ......................................................................... 63
Figure 4-6 Adjusting oblique illumination ...................................................................................... 65
Figure 4-7 Inserting a segmented stop slider ................................................................................. 66
Figure 4-8 Components for reflected-light fluorescence (Axio Examiner.A1) ................................... 68
Figure 4-9 Main areas on the TFT display....................................................................................... 70
Figure 4-10 Operator control area on the TFT display....................................................................... 70
Figure 4-11 Menu structure............................................................................................................ 72
Figure 4-12 Home page.................................................................................................................. 73
Figure 4-13 Microscope –> Operator control -> reflector page......................................................... 73
Figure 4-14 Microscope –> Operator control -> Cond. focus page................................................... 74
Figure 4-15 Microscope –> XYZ -> Position page ............................................................................ 74
Figure 4-16 Settings –> Components -> Reflector page................................................................... 75
Figure 4-17 Configure reflector position popup window.................................................................. 76
Figure 4-18 Settings –> Components -> Miscellaneous page ........................................................... 76
Figure 4-19 Reflector turret 6x........................................................................................................ 79
Figure 4-20 D/A Axio Examiner.Z1 upper microscope part ............................................................... 79
Figure 4-21 Binocular phototube zoom 0.5 – 4x with a P&C module mount..................................... 80
Figure 4-22 Adjusting a camera ...................................................................................................... 80
Figure 5-1 Replacing fuses, e.g., at the 12 V DC 100 W external power supply unit........................ 83
Figure 5-2 Replacing fuses at the examiner control........................................................................ 83

INTRODUCTION
Carl Zeiss Equipment safety notices Axio Examiner
8 M60-2-0003 e 05/2012
1INTRODUCTION
1.1 Equipment safety notices
Axio Examiner microscopes have been designed, manufactured and inspected pursuant to the DIN EN
61010-1 (IEC 61010-1) and IEC 61010-2-101 standards regarding "Safety requirements for electrical
equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use."
These units comply with the requirements of Directive 98/79/EC, and they are marked with the sign.
The present operating manual contains information and warnings which are to be observed by the
operator.
The following notices and warning symbols are used in this operating manual:
NOTE
This symbol indicates a notice which requires particular attention.
CAUTION
This symbol indicates a hazard which may be caused to the equipment or to an equipment
system.
CAUTION
This system indicates a hazard to which a user may be exposed.
CAUTION
Hot surface!
CAUTION
Emission of UV radiation!
CAUTION
Unplug the power plug before starting any intervention in the equipment!

INTRODUCTION
Axio Examiner Equipment safety notices Carl Zeiss
M60-2-0003 e 05/2012 9
Axio Examiner microscopes including any original accessories may not be used unless for the microscopy
procedures as described in this operating manual.
The following instructions should be observed in particular:
The manufacturer will not assume any liability whatsoever for any other use even if such other
use only refers to single assemblies or parts. This shall also be applicable to any servicing or
repair work not performed by authorized service per
sonnel. All guarantee or warranty claims
will be void in addition.
No operation of this equipment is allowed in a potentially explosive environment.
Do not operate this equipment unless positioned on a hard and nonflammable basis.
Do not insert the power plug into any connector receptacle not provided with an earth/ground
contact. Do not bypass the protective effect by using an extension cable without a protective
conductor.
Shut down the equipment and prevent it from being used inadvertently wh
enever a protective
measure is found not to be effective any longer. For restarting the equipment, call the Zeiss
customer service or the Carl Zeiss Microscopy Service.
The external power supply unit for 12 V DC 100 W for HAL 100 is designed for using line
voltage values within a range of between 100 and 240 V ±10 %, 50 / 60 Hz. There is no need
to switch over between different voltage values.
The power supply units for HBO 103 (ebq 100 dc) or XBO 75 (ebx 75 isolated) are designed for
a voltage range of between 100 and 240 V AC, with 50 to 60
Hz. These units automatically
adapt to the line voltage applied. Accordingly, the voltage does not need to be switched over
for these devices either.
Before you switch on the equipment, check whether it is suitable for the line voltage available.
Unplug the power plug before opening the equipment and before replacing any fuse. Do not
use any fuse unless it is suitable for the rated current provided. Do not use any makeshift fuse,
and do not short-circuit the fuse holders.
Axio Examiner microscopes are not equipped with any particular device for protection against
caustic, potentially infectious, toxic, radioactive or other specimens which might impair health.
Please observe all statutory requirements, and especially all national regulations for accident
prevention whenever working with such specimens.

INTRODUCTION
Carl Zeiss Equipment safety notices Axio Examiner
10 M60-2-0003 e 05/2012
Gas discharge lamps as, e.g., HBO 100 emit ultraviolet radiation which might cause burning to
the eyes and to the skin. Accordingly, do not look directly into the light source, and avoid any
direct incidence of light on your skin. Whenever working on the microscope, always use the
protection devices belonging to the equipment (e.g., specific attenuating filters or the
fluorescence protection screen). Gas discharge lamps are under a high internal pressure when
hot.
Accordingly, they should only be replaced after having cooled down, and using both
protective gloves and a protective mask.
When using a fluorescence filter, do not remove the heat filter for p
rotection against the heat
radiation emitted by the microscope lamp since fluorescence filters are heat sensitive, and heat
may impair proper functioning.
Avoid touching the hot lamp housing. Prior to lamp replacement, unplug the power plug from
the corresponding power supply unit, and allow approximately 15 minutes for the lamp to cool
down.
Dust and contamination may impair the equipment's operational reliability. So, the equipment
should be protected against any such influence as far as possible.
Cover the equipment with
the dust cover whenever it is not in use. Before covering the equipment, always check that all
lighting devices have been switched off.
Clogged or covered venting slots may lead to heat buildup which may damage the equipment
and even cause a fire in extreme cases. Venting slots should always be kept free and open, and
no object should be inserted or allowed to fall in.
This equipment must not be operated unless by duly instructed personnel. Such personnel must
be instructed about possible hazards related to microscopy and to the corresponding field of
application. Axio Examiner microscopes are precision instruments, and their operability may be
impaired, or the equipment may be destroyed by any inexpert treatment or intervention.
Make certain to read the safety data sheets for Immersol 518 N®and 518 F®.
Immersol 518 N®and 518 F®immersion oils are irritating to the skin. Avoid any contact with
skin, eyes, or clothing.
Wash with abundant water and soap in the event of any skin contact.
After eye contact, immediately rinse with abundant water for not less than 5 minutes. Consult
a specialist physician if irritation persists.
Appropriate disposal (Immersol 518 N®and 518 F®):
Do not allow to be discharged into surface waters or sewage drains.
Defective microscopes do not belong into household waste; they should be disposed of
pursuant to statutory provisions.
Specimens should also be disposed of according to good professional practice, observing both
the applicable statutory provisions and in-house work instructions.

INTRODUCTION
Axio Examiner Warning and information signs at the equipment Carl Zeiss
M60-2-0003 e 05/2012 11
1.2 Warning and information signs at the equipment
Figure 1-1 Warning and information signs at the equipment
1.3 Warranty instructions
The equipment manufacturer warrants that the equipment is free from any defect in material or
workmanship at the time of delivery. Any defect which may occur should be notified immediately, and
everything should be done to minimize any damage. When such a defect is notified, the equipment
manufacturer agrees to correct such defect, at the equipment manufacturer's sole option, either by repair
or by delivering equipment which is free from defects. No warranty is granted for defects which are
either due to natural wear and tear (especially for wearing parts), or to improper handling.
The equipment manufacturer shall not be liable for any damage caused by wrong operation, negligence
or miscellaneous interventions in the equipment, especially by removing or replacing equipment parts or
by using accessories made by other manufacturers. In such an event, all warranty claims shall be void.
No maintenance or repair work may be conducted on the microscopes except for the activities as
described in this operating manual. Repair shall only be allowed to the Carl Zeiss customer service or to a
person especially authorized by the Carl Zeiss customer service. Whenever a fault occurs in the
equipment, please first call the Carl Zeiss Microscopy Service in Germany (see page 88), or your Carl Zeiss
representation if you are located in another country.

INTRODUCTION
Carl Zeiss List of interfaces Axio Examiner
12 M60-2-0003 e 05/2012
1.4 List of interfaces
The following figure provides an overview of the interfaces available at the microscope stand.
The interfaces vary according to the stand top or bottom part combination selected.
Legend for Figure 1-2:
1Microscope camera
2Magnification changer
3Tube
4Upper microscope part
5A 14 x 40 mm stop slider
6A 14 x 40 mm stop slider or FL attenuator
7Achromatic illumination adapter
8Adapter
9Segmented stop slider
10 Lower microscope part
11 Filter in the transmitted light filter wheel
12 Condenser carrier
13 Condenser
14 DIC slider
15 Objective mount
16 Stage carrier
17 Stage

INTRODUCTION
Axio Examiner List of interfaces Carl Zeiss
M60-2-0003 e 05/2012 13
Figure 1-2 List of interfaces

INTRODUCTION
Carl Zeiss Controls and functional elements for Axio Examiner man. Axio Examiner
14 M60-2-0003 e 05/2012
1.5 Controls and functional elements for Axio Examiner man.
Legend for Figure 1-3:
1Eyepieces
2Shutter AL shift knob
3Visual examination / microphotography shift knob
4Binocular tube part
5Stop slider or FL attenuator
6Reflected-light illumination
7Transmitted-light illumination
8Segmented stop slider
9Pinion knob for mechanical stage positioning along the Y axis
10 Pinion knob for mechanical stage positioning along the X axis
11 Centering screw for condenser (on both sides)
12 Filter wheel, 6x (operable on both sides)
13 Pinion knob for condenser height adjustment
14 Focusing gear - precision adjustment (on both sides)
15 Focusing gear - coarse motion (on both sides)
16 Transmitted-light illumination level thumb wheel
17 VIS / infrared change-over switch
18 Luminous-field diaphragm adjusting lever
19 Segmented stop thumb wheel, radial
20 Condenser
21 Lens position switching knob
22 Reflector turret

INTRODUCTION
Axio Examiner Controls and functional elements for Axio Examiner man. Carl Zeiss
M60-2-0003 e 05/2012 15
Figure 1-3 Controls and functional elements for Axio Examiner man.

INTRODUCTION
Carl Zeiss Controls and functional elements for Axio Examiner mot. Axio Examiner
16 M60-2-0003 e 05/2012
1.6 Controls and functional elements for Axio Examiner mot.
Legend for Figure 1-4:
1Eyepieces
2Shutter AL shift knob
3Visual examination / microphotography shift knob
4Binocular tube part
5Stop slider or FL attenuator
6Reflected-light illumination
7Transmitted-light illumination
8Docking station with TFT display
9Segmented stop slider
10 Pinion knob for mechanical stage positioning along the Y axis
11 Pinion knob for mechanical stage positioning along the X axis
12 Centering screw for condenser (on both sides)
13 Filter wheel, 6x (operable on both sides)
14 Focusing gear - precision adjustment (on both sides)
15 Focusing gear - coarse motion (on both sides)
16 Key ring, right-hand
17 Transmitted light illumination level thumb wheel
18 VIS / infrared change-over switch
19 Motor LED indicator light
20 Luminous-field diaphragm adjusting lever
21 Segmented stop thumb wheel, radial
22 Pinion knob for condenser height adjustment
23 Condenser
24 Lens position switching knob
25 Reflector turret

INTRODUCTION
Axio Examiner Controls and functional elements for Axio Examiner mot. Carl Zeiss
M60-2-0003 e 05/2012 17
Figure 1-4 Controls and functional elements for Axio Examiner mot.

EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
Carl Zeiss Designation and designated use Axio Examiner
18 M60-2-0003 e 05/2012
2EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
2.1 Designation and designated use
Manufacturer's designation: Axio Examiner.A1 microscope
Axio Examiner.D1 microscope
Axio Examiner.Z1 microscope
Axio Examiner microscopes have been designed especially for the electrophysiological area. They may be
used as transmitted-light microscopes or as combined transmitted-light and reflected-light microscopes if
equipped with a reflected-light fluorescence system. These microscopes are intended for medical
applications to examine tissue samples obtained from the human body.
The following microscopy or contrast procedures are possible, depending on the equipment level of the
unit concerned:
Transmitted light
Reflected light
−Bright field (H)
−Fluorescence
−Differential interference contrast (DIC)
−
Oblique illumination
The binocular phototubes allow the connection of a maximum of two microscope cameras, reflex
cameras or digital and video cameras for pictorial documentation using the corresponding adapters.

EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
Axio Examiner System overview Carl Zeiss
M60-2-0003 e 05/2012 19
2.2 System overview

EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
Carl Zeiss System overview Axio Examiner
20 M60-2-0003 e 05/2012