Zeiss Axio Observer Series User manual

Axio Observer
Inverted microscope
Operating manual

ZEISS Copyright Axio Observer
2 431004-7244-001 12/2016
Knowledge of this Operating Manual and the included safety instructions is required for operation of the
device. You should therefore familiarize yourself with the contents of these instructions, paying particular
attention to instructions concerning the safe handling of the device.
We reserve the right to make changes to the product in the interest of technological advancements. The
operating manual is not subject to updating or revision.
© Unless expressly authorized, dissemination and duplication of this document and commercial
exploitation or communication of its contents are not permitted. Persons in contravention of this
copyright shall be liable for damages.
All rights reserved in the event of granting of patents or registration as a utility model.
Company and product names cited in this manual may be trademarks or registered trademarks.
References to products of other manufacturers are for information purposes only and not intended as an
approval or a recommendation of these products.
Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH accept no liability for the performance or the use of these products.
Published by: Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH
Carl-Zeiss-Promenade 10
07745 Jena, Germany
[e-mail]
www.zeiss.com/microscopy
Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH
Königsallee 9-21
37081 Göttingen, Germany
SAP number: 431004-7244-001
Date of issue (Version 4): 19/12/2016

Axio Observer Contents ZEISS
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CONTENTS
Page
1INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................ 6
2SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.................................................................................................... 8
2.1 General Information ........................................................................................................... 8
2.2 Warranty information ....................................................................................................... 12
2.3 Warning and information labels on the device................................................................... 13
3DESCRIPTION OF THE DEVICE........................................................................................ 14
3.1 Designation and intended use........................................................................................... 14
3.2 Instrument description and main features.......................................................................... 17
3.3 Equipment and compatibility table .................................................................................... 19
3.3.1 Axio Observer 3, 5 and 7 .................................................................................................. 19
3.3.2 Axio Observer 3 materials, 5 materials and 7 materials....................................................... 22
3.4 System overview Axio Observer Bio / Med ......................................................................... 25
3.5 System overview Axio Observer materials (Mat) ................................................................. 29
3.6 Ambient conditions .......................................................................................................... 33
3.7 Technical data .................................................................................................................. 34
4INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND FIRST-TIME SET-UP.............................................. 36
4.1 Installation instructions and space requirements ................................................................ 36
4.2 First-time set-up ............................................................................................................... 36
4.3 Unpacking and installing the microscope........................................................................... 37
4.4 Attaching the binocular (photo) tube ................................................................................ 38
4.4.1 Inserting the eyepieces and auxiliary microscope................................................................ 38
4.4.2 Inserting the eyepiece reticle............................................................................................. 39
4.5 Fitting the carrier for transmitted-light illumination ............................................................ 40
4.6 Fitting the holder with LCD display on 5, 5 materials stand ................................................ 41
4.7 Screwing in the objectives................................................................................................. 41
4.8 Fitting the Aqua Stop II..................................................................................................... 42
4.9 Fitting the microscope stages............................................................................................ 43
4.9.1 Mounting the mechanical stage 130x85 and mounting frame K for mechanical stage ........ 44
4.9.2 Fitting scanning stages...................................................................................................... 45
4.9.3 Fitting the scanning stage 130x100 STEP........................................................................... 47
4.9.4 Fitting the scanning stage 130x85 MAT; CAN ................................................................... 48
4.9.5 Fitting the specimen stage 250x230, object guide and mounting frame M for the object
guide ............................................................................................................................... 49
4.9.6 Fitting the heatable microscope stage S1........................................................................... 50
4.9.7 Fitting the gliding stage Z ................................................................................................. 50
4.10 Condensers ...................................................................................................................... 51
4.10.1 Attaching condensers for the Axio Observer...................................................................... 51
4.10.2 Fitting condensers from the Axio Imager range.................................................................. 52
4.10.3 Changing the DIC prism in the condenser turret................................................................ 53
4.11 Reflector turret................................................................................................................. 54
4.11.1 Fitting the reflector turret ................................................................................................. 54

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4.11.2 Loading the reflector turret................................................................................................55
4.11.3 Changing the filter set in the reflector module FL P&C........................................................56
4.11.4 Changing the beam splitter in reflector module FL P&C ......................................................57
4.12 Fitting the TFT display to the 7, 7 materials stand ...............................................................59
4.13 Fitting the TFT display to the docking station......................................................................59
4.14 Connectors on the rear of the Axio Observer 3, 3 materials ................................................60
4.15 Connectors on the rear of the Axio Observer 5, 5 materials ................................................60
4.16 Connectors on the rear of the Axio Observer 7, 7 materials ................................................61
4.17 Connectors on the CAN distributor box and Axio Observer 7..............................................62
4.18 Connecting the microscope to the mains ...........................................................................63
4.19 Switching the microscope and the power supply (ballast) unit for the HBO 100 on and off..63
4.20 Disconnect the microscope from mains supply ...................................................................64
4.21 Mounting the microLED illuminator for transmitted and reflected light ...............................64
4.22 HAL 100 illuminator ..........................................................................................................65
4.22.1 Fitting the HAL 100 illuminator..........................................................................................65
4.22.2 Adjusting the HAL 100 illuminator.....................................................................................66
4.22.3 Replacing the halogen bulb 12 V 100 W............................................................................67
4.23 HBO 100 illuminator..........................................................................................................68
4.23.1 Inserting the HBO 103 W/2 mercury vapor short-arc bulb ...................................................68
4.23.2 Fitting the HBO 100 illuminator .........................................................................................68
4.23.3 Adjusting the HBO 100 illuminator ....................................................................................69
4.24 HXP 120 V illuminator .......................................................................................................69
4.25 Colibri.2 and Colibri 7 illumination system .........................................................................69
4.26 Mounting adapter for third party components on the stand ...............................................70
5OPERATION.....................................................................................................................71
5.1 Operating and function controls - overview........................................................................72
5.1.1 Axio Observer 3 (manual with coded nosepiece).................................................................72
5.1.2 Axio Observer 5 (coded, semi-motorized)...........................................................................74
5.1.3 Axio Observer 7 (motorized) ..............................................................................................76
5.1.4 Axio Observer 3 materials (manual with coded nosepiece) ..................................................78
5.1.5 Axio Observer 5 materials (coded, semi-motorized) ............................................................80
5.1.6 Axio Observer 7 materials (motorized)................................................................................82
5.2 Operating and function controls - description.....................................................................84
5.3 Using objectives ................................................................................................................97
5.4 Brightfield transmitted light microscopy - quick guide.......................................................100
5.5 Brightfield reflected light microscopy - quick guide...........................................................103
5.6 Basic settings on Axio Observer 3, 3 materials stand.........................................................106
5.7 Basic settings on Axio Observer 5, 5 materials stand.........................................................106
5.7.1 Configuring of 5, 5 materials stand..................................................................................107
5.7.2 Options during operation (when the status display is active) .............................................108
5.8 Light Manager on the Axio Observer 3, 3 materials ..........................................................109
5.9 Light Manager on Axio Observer 5, 5 materials, and 7, 7 materials stands.........................110
5.9.1 Light Manager mode: OFF ...............................................................................................111
5.9.2 Light Manager mode: CLASSIC........................................................................................111
5.9.3 Light Manager mode: SMART..........................................................................................112

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5.9.4 Selecting the Light Manager mode on 5, 5 materials stand .............................................. 112
5.9.5 Selecting and configuring Light Manager mode on the 7, 7 materials stand ..................... 113
5.10 Contrast Manager on the Axio Observer 7, 7 materials .................................................... 113
5.11 TFT display touchscreen on the Axio Observer 7, 7 materials ............................................ 114
5.11.1 Screen layout ................................................................................................................. 114
5.11.2 Menu overview............................................................................................................... 116
5.11.3 Home page .................................................................................................................... 118
5.11.4 Microscope .................................................................................................................... 121
5.11.5 Microscope -> Control.................................................................................................... 121
5.11.6 Microscope -> Automatic ............................................................................................... 126
5.11.7 Microscope -> XYZ ......................................................................................................... 127
5.11.8 Microscope -> Incubation ............................................................................................... 130
5.11.9 Settings.......................................................................................................................... 131
5.11.10 Display ........................................................................................................................... 143
5.12 Illumination and contrast techniques............................................................................... 144
5.12.1 Setting up transmitted light bright field according to KÖHLER.......................................... 144
5.12.2 Setting up transmitted light phase contrast ..................................................................... 148
5.12.3 Setting up differential interference contrast (DIC) for transmitted light ............................. 150
5.12.4 Setting up transmitted light PlasDIC contrast ................................................................... 153
5.12.5 Setting up reflected light bright field ............................................................................... 156
5.12.6 Setting up reflected light fluorescence contrast................................................................ 159
5.12.7 Setting up reflected light polarization.............................................................................. 161
5.12.8 Setting up reflected light darkfield .................................................................................. 163
5.12.9 Setting up reflected light DIC and reflected light C-DIC.................................................... 164
5.12.10 Setting up reflected light TIC........................................................................................... 166
5.13 Image orientation of camera outputs for documentation ................................................. 169
5.14 Interface 60N (external thread M52 x1) .......................................................................... 172
5.15 Photomicrography with SLR camera ................................................................................ 173
5.16 Photomicrography using a digital camera and videomicroscopy........................................ 174
6CARE, MAINTENANCE, TROUBLESHOOTING AND SERVICE ....................................... 175
6.1 Care............................................................................................................................... 175
6.2 Maintenance .................................................................................................................. 176
6.2.1 Checking the instrument ................................................................................................ 176
6.2.2 Changing the fuses in the Axio Observer 3, 3 materials, and 5, 5 materials stands............ 177
6.2.3 Changing fuses on the external power supply unit of Axio Observer 7, 7 materials ........... 178
6.2.4 Changing the fuses in the ballast unit for the HBO 100.................................................... 179
6.3 Service ........................................................................................................................... 180
7Appendix...................................................................................................................... 181
7.1 List of abbreviations........................................................................................................ 181
7.2 List of illustrations........................................................................................................... 183
7.3 Index.............................................................................................................................. 187
7.4 Patent rights................................................................................................................... 191

INTRODUCTION
ZEISS General Information Axio Observer
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1INTRODUCTION
Axio Observer microscopes have been designed, manufactured and tested in accordance with
DIN EN 61010-1 (IEC 61010-1) “Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control
and laboratory use”. They comply with RoHS directive 2011/65/EU.
The Axio Observer models 3, 5 and 7 for BIO-MED applications also comply with standard DIN EN 61010-
2-101 and the requirements of the EC Directive 98/79/EC annex 1 for IvD products (in vitro diagnostics)
and are marked with the mark.
Axio Observer models 3 materials, 5 materials and 7 materials for material applications (MAT) meet the
requirements of the European low voltage directive 2014/35/EU and the EMC directive 2014/30/EU and
are marked with the mark.
These Safety Instructions contain all information and warnings to be observed by the operator.
The devices must be disposed of in compliance with the WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU.
The following warning and information symbols are used in this Operating Manual:
CAUTION
This symbol indicates a potential hazard to the user.
CAUTION
Disconnect the instrument from the power supply before opening!
CAUTION
Optical radiation is emitted.
Do not look into the laser beam! It may be injurious to the eyes.
CAUTION
Energy-rich UV radiation!
Risk of injury to the eyes and skin!
CAUTION
Inflammable substances, fire hazard!
CAUTION
Hand and fingers can be caught.
CAUTION
Hot surface!

INTRODUCTION
Axio Observer General Information ZEISS
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The CE mark of conformity confirms that the product conforms with all valid European
directives applicable to it.
ATTENTION
This symbol indicates a potential hazard to the instrument or system.
ATTENTION
Read the Operating Manual
ATTENTION
Stand-by: The device is not disconnected from the power supply.
NOTE
This symbol indicates an instruction which requires particular attention.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
ZEISS General Information Axio Observer
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2SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
2.1 General Information
Regulations for occupational health and safety must be observed when operating the
HXP 120 V source of UV radiation. The national legal requirements must also be observed.
−Follow the operating manual for the HXP 120 V illuminator as supplied by the manufacturer.
−The lamp must be replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions. There is otherwise
a risk of burning or explosion when the lamp is replaced.
−The user should not expose him/herself to UV radiation from the HXP 120 V illuminator.
−Never look directly into the optical fiber when the HXP 120
V illuminator is switched on.
Failure to observe this precaution may result in irreversible eye injuries!
Avoid touching the hot lamp housing. Always pull out the power plug before changing the
lamps and allow the instrument to cool down for approx. 15 minutes.
Observe the operation manuals for the illumination systems Colibri.2 and Colibri 7 (423052-
7244-001 and 423052-7344-001).
The Axio Observer may not be put into operation if the dust cover is still on. Before putting on
the dust cover, always check that the device is switched off and has cooled down, otherwise
this could cause a fire.
Immersol 518 F
®
immersion oil is a skin irritant. Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing.
In the event of contact with the skin, rinse with plenty of water and soap. In the event of
contact with the eyes, rinse the eye immediately with plenty of water for at least five minutes. If
irritation persists, consult a physician.
Proper disposal of Immersol 518 F®
immersion oil: Ensure that immersion oil does not enter
surface water or the sewage system.
Users must read the safety data sheet for Immersol 518 N
®
Fluorescence illuminators such as the HBO 100 or Colibri.2 emit ultraviolet radiation which may
cause burns to eyes and skin. Never look directly into the light and avoid direct skin exposure.
When using the micro
scope, always use the device's protective equipment (e.g. special
attenuation filters).
Gas discharge lamps such as HBO 100 develop high internal pressure when hot. They should
therefore only be replaced when cool. Protective gloves and eyewear should
be worn (for
detailed information, please see operating manual 423010-7144-001).

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Axio Observer General Information ZEISS
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When connecting new CAN components to the stand, this must be disconnected from mains
supply, i.e. first remove the power plug of the stand or from the external power supply unit
VP232-2.
If there are reflector modules in the reflector turret which are fitted with neutral beam splitters
or partial mirrors in the beam-splitting mirror position or if these are fitted in the reflector turret
itself, looking into the eyepiece can cause injury to the eye if an HBO 100 or HXP 120 V lamp is
switched on. Thi
s applies particularly if the specimen or the specimen holder has reflective
properties. Appropriate radiation attenuation measures must be taken (e.g. the use of neutral
filters) to prevent damage to the eyes.
When using fluorescence filters, the heat
protection filter, which provides protection from
radiant heat emitted by the microscope illuminator, must not be removed. Fluorescence filters
are heat-sensitive and their function may be impaired if the heat protection filter is removed.
The reflected and transmitted LED illumination lamps are assigned to LED risk category 2 under
DIN EN 62471:2009. Do not look directly into the illumination light.
The desktop power supply units which are available as a microscopy accessory permit mains
voltages in the 100 to 240 V ±10%, 50 –
60 Hz range without the voltage setting on the
instrument having to be changed.
Desktop power supply units available as microscopy accessories should not come into contact
with moisture. If the housing is damaged,
the desktop power supply unit should be taken out
of use. The microscope must only be operated with the desktop power supply unit contained in
the scope of delivery.
The operating manuals of the light sources and the software as well as the quick reference
guides “Auto Immersion Module” (433801-7044-001) and “Filter wheel excitation 8-pos. mot.
for filters d = 25 mm; CAN and dual filter wheel mot.
for beam splitting and emission; CAN”
(452358-7044-001) must be strictly observed.
If it is determined
that protective measures are no longer effective, the instrument must be
taken out of service and secured against inadvertent operation. Please contact ZEISS Service or
the ZEISS Microscopy Service to repair the instrument.
Please note that the Axio Observer is a precision opto-
electronic device. Incorrect handling can
easily impair the functioning of the device, or even damage it, and will render any warranty
claims invalid.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
ZEISS General Information Axio Observer
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Switching the Axio Observer 5, 5 materials, 7, 7 materials off
using the standby button only
turns off the internal computer. The mains supply is not switched off.
The Axio Observer 7, 7
materials can only be disconnected from the mains supply using the
on/off switch on the external VP232-2 power unit. To disconnect the Axio Observer 5,
5 materials from the mains voltage, pull the power cable from the socket.
Keep hands out of the path of the motorized X/Y scanning stages when these are being moved
or positioned to avoid pinching fingers or hands.
Do not dispose of defective instruments in regular domestic waste; these should be disposed of
in accordance with prevailing legal requirements.
Specimens should also be disposed of in compliance with the prevailing legal requirements and
internal operating procedures.
Axio
Observer and its original accessories are to be used for the microscopy procedures
described in these safety instructions only. The manufacturer cannot assume any liability for any
other applications of the instrument, including the use of individual modules or components.
Modifications and repairs to this instrument and any devices operated in combination with the
Axio Observer are to be carried out by our service department or by authorized personnel only.
The manufacturer accepts no liability for damage caused by unauthorized access to the interior
of the instrument. Failure to comply with this shall also render all warranty claims invalid.
The Axio Observer microscopes 3, 3 materials and 5, 5
materials are equipped with a power
supply unit integrated in the stand allowing line voltages to be used in the ranges 100
V to
127 V and 200 V to 240 V ±10 %, 50 –60 Hz, without the voltage setting on the instrument
having to be changed. The power supply unit automatically adapts to the mains voltage.
Voltage is supplied to the Axio Observer 7, 7 materials by the external VP232-
2 power supply
unit that belongs to the stand. This is designed for use in the ranges 100 V to 240 V ±10 %,
50 –60 Hz, without the voltage setting on the instrument
having to be changed. The power
supply unit automatically adapts to the mains voltage.
The power supply units (ballast units) for HBO 100 (ebqb 100-04-z) and HXP 120
V are
designed for use in the range from 100 V AC to 240 V AC, 50 –
60 Hz. The devices
automatically adapt to the mains voltage.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Axio Observer General Information ZEISS
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Do not install the device close to heat sources such as radiators, or in direct sunlight. Broad
temperature fluctuations and vibrations should be avoided.
The power plugs may only be connected to sockets
with earth contact. The protective capacity
must not be rendered ineffective by the use of extension cables with no grounding conductor.
Do not replace detachable power cables with power cables that do not meet the specifications.
Only the specified power cables should be used.
Before connecting the power cable, ensure that the mains voltage matches that on the type
plate of the Axio Observer
Only specially authorized experts or service staff are permitted to open the device. The
Axio Observer may only be operated in enclosed areas.
Disconnect the device from the mains power supply before gaining access to the interior of the
device or changing the fuse.
Only use fuses for the given rated current which comply with the specifications on
the fuse
holders and in this manual. Use of makeshift fuses and short-
circuiting of the fuse holders are
not permitted.
Do not use portable multiple sockets. Cables are to be laid so that there is no risk of tripping, or
they are to be covered.
Never disconnect the power cable while the device is in use. Use the power switch to turn the
device off.
To ensure proper function of the device, the Axio Observer should be subjected to an annual
safety inspection. The safety inspection must be carri
ed out by an authorized ZEISS service
technician. All national safety checks should be carried out.
Clogged or covered ventilation slats may lead to heat build-up that will damage the instrument
and, in extreme cases, cause a fire. Always keep the ve
ntilation slats clear and ensure that no
objects enter or fall into the instrument through the ventilation slats.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
ZEISS Warranty information Axio Observer
12 431004-7244-001 12/2016
Dust and dirt may impair the device's performance. The devices must be effectively protected
from such influences and covered with the dust cover when not in use. This should only be put
on once the device has been switched off and has cooled down. Otherwise this could cause a
fire.
Do not operate the supplied equipment in areas in which there is a danger of explosion or in
the presence of volatile anaesthetics or flammable solvents, such as alcohol, benzene, etc.
Only operate the device on a hard, non-flammable surface.
The devices are not equipped with any special equipment to protect them against corrosive,
potentially infectious, toxic, radioactive, or other substances that could be hazardous to health.
All legal regulations must be complied with when handling such substances, particularly the
prevailing national rules for accident prevention.
To prevent the device fro
m damage, ensure that the generation of electrostatic charges is
avoided through suitable design of the workplace environment.
2.2 Warranty information
The manufacturer guarantees that the device is free of material or manufacturing defects when delivered.
Any defects must be reported immediately and steps taken to minimize damage. If such a defect is
reported, the device manufacturer shall be obliged to correct the default, either by repairing the
instrument or replacing it with a new one, at the manufacturer’s discretion. No warranty is given for
defects caused by natural wear (particularly of wearing parts) and improper use of the device.
The instrument manufacturer shall not be liable for damage caused by misuse, negligence or any other
tampering with the instrument, particularly the removal or replacement of instrument components, or
the use of accessories from other manufacturers. Such actions shall invalidate any warranty claims.
With the exception of the work described in these safety instructions, no maintenance or repair work is
to be carried out on these microscopes. Repairs may only be performed by ZEISS Service or individuals
specially authorized by ZEISS Service. In the event of a problem with the instrument, please contact the
ZEISS microscopy service team in Germany or your local ZEISS overseas representative.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Axio Observer Warning and information labels on the device ZEISS
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2.3 Warning and information labels on the device
Fig. 1 Warning labels on the microLED attachment lamp
Fig. 2 Labels on the Axio Observer

DESCRIPTION OF THE DEVICE
ZEISS Designation and intended use Axio Observer
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3DESCRIPTION OF THE DEVICE
3.1 Designation and intended use
Manufacturer's designation:
Inverted microscope for transmitted light and reflected light fluorescence
(Axio Observer 3, Axio Observer 5 and Axio Observer 7)
Inverted reflected light microscope with optional transmitted light equipment
(Axio Observer 3 materials, Axio Observer 5 materials and Axio Observer 7 materials)
Short designation:
Axio Observer 3, Axio Observer 3 materials
(manual / coded version)
Axio Observer 5, Axio Observer 5 materials
(coded / semi-motorized version)
Axio Observer 7, Axio Observer 7 materials
(fully motorized version, including motorized Z drive)
Axio Observer microscopes 3, 5, 7 (Fig. 3) are inverted light microscopes for universal use. They are
used primarily for examining cell and tissue cultures and sediments in culture flasks, Petri dishes and
microtiter plates under transmitted and reflected light. Also human cells and blood can be examined.
Typical fields of applications are:
−Examination of blood and tissue samples from the human body
−Observation of intracellular processes in living cell cultures, cell/cell interactions, motility, growth
−Measurement of potentials, drug detection
−Microinjection, IVF (in-vitro fertilization)
−Toxicity studies, patch-clamp techniques, ion measurements
−Digital recordings, time lapse studies with automated processes
−Z-sectioning, deconvolution, visualization of molecular structures
−Fura (Ca measurement), GFP
−Optical tweezers and scissors
−Single molecule detection

DESCRIPTION OF THE DEVICE
Axio Observer Designation and intended use ZEISS
12/2016 431004-7244-001 15
Fig. 3 Bio / Med microscopes Axio Observer 3, 5 and 7
Axio Observer materials microscopes 3 materials, 5 materials, 7 materials (Fig. 4) are inverted light
microscopes for universal use. They are used in all areas of research-based and industrial microscopy.
Inverted microscopes permit the unrestricted use of conventional samples as a result of the highly
accommodating sample compartment. This facilitates the examination of samples, workpieces etc. of
large dimensions.
Typical fields of applications are:
−Inspection of material samples and components, checking of process results, such as determination of
component surface parameters, coating thicknesses

DESCRIPTION OF THE DEVICE
ZEISS Designation and intended use Axio Observer
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−Identification of microstructure types, study of the heat-affected zone around welded joints
−Assessment of the composition and structure of materials, finding the causes of component failures,
in-process inspection of cast, worked or machined components and semi-finished products.
−Various investigations of composite materials and material compounds, increasingly including those
made from renewable resources or combinations of organic and inorganic substances (epidermis cells
on prosthesis or implant materials).
Fig. 4 Material microscopes Axio Observer 3 materials, 5 materials and 7 materials

DESCRIPTION OF THE DEVICE
Axio Observer Instrument description and main features ZEISS
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3.2 Instrument description and main features
The Axio Observer microscopes can be supplied with three stand fittings:
−manual / coded (Axio Observer 3, 3 materials),
−coded / semi-motorized (Axio Observer 5, 5 materials),
−fully motorized (Axio Observer 7, 7 materials)
Accessory components have a modular design.
For the documentation of microscopy examinations, the Axio Observer stand can be equipped with up to
five camera / TV ports as required.
Depending on the configuration of your microscope, the following microscopy and contrast techniques
are available:
Transmitted light:
Reflected light:
−
Brightfield
−Phase contrast
−Differential Interference Contrast (DIC)
−PlasDIC Contrast
−iHMC (improved Hoffman Modulation Contrast)
−Simple polarization contrast
−
Brightfield
−Polarization contrast
−Darkfield
−Differential Interference Contrast (DIC)
−Differential Interference Contrast in circularly
polarized light (C-DIC)
−Total Interference Contrast in circularly
polarized light (TIC)
−Fluorescence contrast
The instrument's main features are as follows (see also overview of equipment variations in section 3.3):
−ICS optics for image generation
−High thermal and mechanical stability
−High degree of flexibility for documenting results
−Improved ergonomics
−Display of device parameters via LCD (Axio Observer 5, 5 materials)
−Display of device parameters and device control using a TFT display (Axio Observer 7, 7 materials)
−23 mm field of view
−Light Manager, Contrast Manager
−Modular design for optimum adaptation for different applications
−6-position nosepiece
−6-position reflector turret; can be loaded in situ or removed for loading
−5 or 6-position condenser turret
−Dual filter wheel mot. for beam splitting and emission; CAN
−Filter wheel excitation 8-pos. mot. for filters d = 25 mm; CAN

DESCRIPTION OF THE DEVICE
ZEISS Instrument description and main features Axio Observer
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−3-position Optovar turret
−Removable aperture diaphragm and luminous-field diaphragm sliders for reflected light
−Fluorescence shutter (internal standard shutter or external high-speed shutter)
−HAL 100, HBO 100, HBO 50, VIS-LED and microLED illuminators
−All major microscope functions are motorized (Axio Observer 7, 7 materials)

DESCRIPTION OF THE DEVICE
Axio Observer Equipment and compatibility table ZEISS
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3.3 Equipment and compatibility table
3.3.1 Axio Observer 3, 5 and 7
Equipment Option Axio Observer
3 5 7
Stand manual + + -
motorized - O* +
Coding PC readable + + +
Display
LCD display - O** -
TFT display - - +
Docking station - - O
Interfaces
CAN + + +
RS 232 - + +
USB + + +
TCP/IP - + +
Socket for external UNIBLITZ shutter - + +
Trigger socket (IN/OUT) for shutter - + +
4-position CAN hub O O O
Light Manager +*** + +
Contrast Manager - - +
Control ring right - + +
left - - +
Z-focus drive manual (2 mm / 0.2 mm) + + -
motorized, stepper motor drive (z-step size 10 nm) - - +
Adjustable vertical stop
for Z drive (focus stop) manual - + -
Automatic Component Recognition
(ACR)
Nosepiece ACR - - O
Reflector turret ACR - O O
Power supply unit internal + + -
external - - +
Z drive control (flat control knob) right O - O
left O + O
Z drive extended travel range (13
mm)
manual O O -
motorized - - O
Nosepiece
6-position H DIC cod. + + -
6-position H DIC mot. - - O
6-position H DIC mot. ACR - - O
Definite Focus including 6-position nosepiece H DIC
mot. ACR - - O
Auto immersion module - - O
Objectives autocorr - - O

DESCRIPTION OF THE DEVICE
ZEISS Equipment and compatibility table Axio Observer
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Equipment Option Axio Observer
3 5 7
Transmitted light contrast method PlasDIC O O O
PlasDIC with contrast slider O O -
Tube lens mount, fixed / Optovar
turret
1-position tube lens mount, fixed + O O
Optovar turret 3-position, coded - O -
Optovar turret 3-position, mot. - - O
Sideport (type)
2 or 3-position, manual (port only on left) + - -
2 or 3-position, man. L/R - + -
3-position, mot. L/R - - +
Sideport (component)
60N L, 2 switching positions
(100% vis : 0% L / 20% vis : 80% L) O O -
60N L 100, 2 switching positions
(100% vis : 0% L / 0% vis : 100% L) O O -
60N L, 3 switching positions
(100% vis : 0% L / 0% vis : 100% L /
50% vis : 50% L)
O O O
60N R, 3 switching positions
(100% vis : 0% R / 0% vis : 100% R /
50% vis : 50% R)
- O O
60N L/R, 3 switching positions
(100% vis : 0% LR / 0% vis : 100% L /
20% vis : 80% R)
- O O
60N R/L 100, 3 switching positions
(100% vis : 0% LR / 0% vis : 100% L /
0% vis : 100% R)
- O O
60N L 80/R 100, 3 switching positions
(100% vis : 0% LR / 20% vis : 80% L /
0% vis: 100% R)
- O O
Path deflection to the tube (VIS only) + O O
Beam path switching (for
VIS/frontport/baseport)
manual - O -
motorized - - O
Baseport / frontport - O O
Scanning stages
Scanning stage 130x85 mot. CAN O O O
Scanning stage 130x100 STEP O O O
Scanning stage Piezo 130x100 O O O
Scanning stage XY DC 110x90 with stage attachment
Z-Piezo/ Rot.En. O O O
Stage attachment Z-PIEZO O O O
Carrier for transmitted-light
illumination
without LCD display O - O
with LCD display - O** -
Transmitted light illuminator microLED, VIS-LED, HAL100 O O O
Condensers
LD 0.35 / LD 0.55, manual O O O
LD 0.55, motorized - O O
Axio Imager 0.8/1.4 with adapter O O O
Shutter for transmitted light internal - O O
external, high speed (with internal control system) - O O