Zeiss Axio Vert.A1 User manual

Operating Manual Axio Vert.A1
Inverted Microscope

Carl Zeiss Copyright / Trademarks Axio Vert.A1
2 431030-7044-001 05/2012
Knowledge of this manual is required for the operation of the instrument. So, please make yourself
familiar with the contents of this manual and pay special attention to the hints concerning the safe
operation of the instrument.
We reserve the right to make changes to accommodate technical progress. This manual is not covered by
an update service.
© Unless expressly authorized, the dissemination and duplication of this document, as well as the
utilization and communication of its contents are not permitted. Violations will result in payment
of damages.
All rights reserved in the event of the grant of a patent or the registration of a utility model.
All the names of firms or products mentioned in this Operating Manual may be trademarks or registered
trademarks. Other products are mentioned for information only. Such mention neither constitutes
endorsement nor recommendation of those products.
Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH is not liable for the performance or use of those products.
Issued 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
SAP No.: 431030-7044-001
Date of issue: Version 9 - May 01, 2012
authorized dealer:
Pulch + Lorenz microscopy
Am Untergrün 23, -79232 March
tel: [phone]
fax: [phone]
mail: [email protected]
web: pulchlorenz.de

Axio Vert.A1 Table of Contents / List of Figures Carl Zeiss
05/2012 431030-7044-001 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................8
1.1 Notes on Instrument Safety..........................................................................................8
1.2 Nameplate and Warning Labels Attached to the Microscope and to
Components ................................................................................................................11
1.3 Notes on Warranty......................................................................................................13
1.4 Types of Stands (General Views)................................................................................14
2INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION..............................................................................15
2.1 Name, Intended Use....................................................................................................15
2.2 Instrument Description and Main Features................................................................16
2.3 System Overview ........................................................................................................18
2.3.1 Stands for Biomed Applications ......................................................................................18
2.3.2 Stand for Material Applications.......................................................................................21
2.4 Technical Specifications ..............................................................................................23
2.5 Operation and Functional Elements on the Microscope ...........................................26
2.5.1 Axio Vert.A1 Stand for Transmitted Light ........................................................................26
2.5.2 Axio Vert.A1 FL Stand for Reflected Light and Transmitted Light Fluorescence..................28
2.5.3 Axio Vert.A1 FL-LED Stand for Transmitted Light and Reflected Light LED Fluorescence ....30
2.5.4 Axio Vert.A1 MAT Stand for Reflected Light (Material) ....................................................32
2.6 Operation and Functional Elements of Optional Components .................................34
2.6.1 Phototube and Intermediate Phototube ..........................................................................34
2.6.2 Microscope Stages .........................................................................................................36
2.6.3 Condensers....................................................................................................................37
2.6.4 Objective Nosepiece with Objectives ...............................................................................38
2.6.5 Filter Slider and Slider for Aperture and Luminous Light Diaphragms for the
Axio Vert.A1 MAT and Axio Vert.A1 FL Stands ................................................................39
2.6.6 Filter Slider Mounted on the Carrier for Transmitted Light Illumination.............................39
3PUTTING THE INSTRUMENT INTO OPERATION................................................40
3.1 Mounting Standard Components...............................................................................40
3.1.1 Microscope Unpacking and Setup...................................................................................40
3.1.2 Attaching the Binocular (Photo)Tube...............................................................................41
3.1.3 Inserting Eyepieces or an Auxiliary Microscope or a Diopter .............................................42
3.1.4 Inserting an Eyepiece Reticle ...........................................................................................42
3.1.5 Screwing Objectives in Place ...........................................................................................43
3.1.6 Attaching Microscope Stages..........................................................................................44
3.1.7 Inserting, Rotating and Shifting a Condenser...................................................................47
3.1.8 Inserting Stop Sliders into Condensers 0.3 or 0.4 for Sliders.............................................48
3.1.9 Equipping the Reflector Turret ........................................................................................49
3.1.10 Attaching Transmitted Light Illumination.........................................................................50

Carl Zeiss Copyright / Trademarks Axio Vert.A1
4 431030-7044-001 05/2012
3.1.11 Attaching Illuminators for Reflected Light ....................................................................... 52
3.1.12 Adjusting the HAL 100 Illuminator.................................................................................. 58
3.1.13 Changing the HAL 100 Halogen Lamp............................................................................ 59
3.2 Connecting the Microscope to the Power Supply System, Switching the
Microscope on and Setting It up ................................................................................ 60
3.3 Mounting Optional Components ............................................................................... 61
3.3.1 Changing Diaphragms in the Condenser with Modulator Disk......................................... 61
3.3.2 Changing Diaphragms in Sliders ..................................................................................... 63
3.3.3 Changing the Filter Set in the FL P&C Reflector Module.................................................. 64
3.3.4 Changing the Beam Splitter in the FL P&C Reflector Module ........................................... 65
3.3.5 Changing the Beam-Splitting Mirror in the Intermediate Phototube................................. 67
3.3.6 Mounting the Aqua Stop ............................................................................................... 68
3.3.7 Changing LED Modules in the Axio Vert.A1 FL-LED Stand ............................................... 69
3.3.8 Mounting the Carrier for Transmitted Light Illumination onto the
Axio Vert.A1 MAT Stand ................................................................................................ 70
4OPERATION ....................................................................................................... 71
4.1 Use of LD Objectives ................................................................................................... 71
4.2 Use of Korr Objectives................................................................................................ 71
4.3 Use of Immersion Objectives...................................................................................... 72
4.4 Possible Condenser, Objective and Diffusion Disk Combinations............................ 72
4.5 Use of Objectives ........................................................................................................ 73
4.6 ECO Power-Saving Function....................................................................................... 73
4.7 Height Stop for the Focusing Drive............................................................................ 74
4.8 Operating Functions on the Axio Vert.A1 FL-LED Stand........................................... 74
4.9 Light Manager Function on the Axio Vert.A1 MAT Stand ........................................ 75
4.10 USB Interface on the Axio Vert.A1 MAT Stand ......................................................... 75
4.11 Illumination and Contrast Techniques in Transmitted Light..................................... 76
4.11.1 Transmitted Light Bright Field......................................................................................... 76
4.11.2 Transmitted Light Phase Contrast ................................................................................... 77
4.11.3 Transmitted Light VAREL Contrast .................................................................................. 79
4.11.4 Transmitted Light Differential Interference Contrast (DIC)................................................ 80
4.11.5 Transmitted Light PlasDIC............................................................................................... 82
4.11.6 Transmitted Light iHMC ................................................................................................. 83
4.11.7 Transmitted Light Polarization Contrast ......................................................................... 86
4.12 Illumination and Contrast Techniques in Reflected Light ......................................... 87
4.12.1 Reflected Light Bright Field............................................................................................. 87
4.12.2 Reflected Light Dark Field............................................................................................... 89
4.12.3 Reflected Light DIC ........................................................................................................ 90
4.12.4 Reflected Light Polarization ............................................................................................ 92
4.12.5 Reflected Light Fluorescence .......................................................................................... 94
4.13 Micromanipulators...................................................................................................... 96

Axio Vert.A1 Table of Contents / List of Figures Carl Zeiss
05/2012 431030-7044-001 5
5CARE, MAINTENANCE, TROUBLESHOOTING AND SERVICE ............................97
5.1 Care..............................................................................................................................97
5.2 Maintenance................................................................................................................98
5.2.1 Performing Checks.........................................................................................................98
5.2.2 Replacing Fuses on the Microscope.................................................................................98
5.3 Service..........................................................................................................................99
6ANNEX .............................................................................................................100
6.1 List of Abbreviations.................................................................................................100
6.2 Keyword Index ..........................................................................................................101
6.3 Property Rights..........................................................................................................105
LIST OF FIGURES
Fig. 1-1 Nameplate on the Axio Vert.A1 FL Stand and Warning Labels on the LED Illuminator for
Transmitted Light ............................................................................................................. 11
Fig. 1-2 Warning Labels on the Axio Vert.A1 FL-LED Stand ............................................................. 12
Fig. 1-3 Warning Labels on the VIS-LED (423053-9030-000) .......................................................... 12
Fig. 2-1 Axio Vert.A1 System Overview (Biomed Stands), Page 1..................................................... 18
Fig. 2-2 Axio Vert.A1 System Overview (Biomed Stands), Page 2..................................................... 19
Fig. 2-3 Axio Vert.A1 System Overview (Biomed Stands), Page 3..................................................... 20
Fig. 2-4 Axio Vert.A1 System Overview (Material Stand), Page 1 ..................................................... 21
Fig. 2-5 Axio Vert.A1 System Overview (Material Stand), Page 2 ..................................................... 22
Fig. 2-6 Axio Vert.A1 .................................................................................................................... 27
Fig. 2-7 Axio Vert.A1 FL ................................................................................................................ 29
Fig. 2-8 Axio Vert.A1 FL-LED ......................................................................................................... 31
Fig. 2-9 Axio Vert.A1 MAT ............................................................................................................ 33
Fig. 2-10 Binocular Phototube 45°/23 and Binocular Phototube, Left, 45°/23.................................... 34
Fig. 2-11 Intermediate Phototube, Left, with Exchangeable Mirror.................................................... 34
Fig. 2-12 Adjusting the Viewing Height on the Binocular Tube ......................................................... 35
Fig. 2-13 Binocular Ergophototube 30°-60°/23 ................................................................................ 35
Fig. 2-14 Mechanical Stage 130x85 R with Mounting Frame ............................................................ 36
Fig. 2-15 Specimen Stage 232x230 and Object guide M 130x85 mm .............................................. 36
Fig. 2-16 Mechanical Stage 40x40 for Reflected Light with Stage Insert ............................................ 36
Fig. 2-17 LD Condensers 0.3 and 0.4 for Sliders............................................................................... 37
Fig. 2-18 LD Condenser 0.4 for H Ph PlasDIC DIC iHMC with Insertable Polarizer Slider DL,
Rotatable 90 Degrees ....................................................................................................... 37
Fig. 2-19 LD Condenser 0.55 for H Ph PlasDIC DIC.......................................................................... 38
Fig. 2-20 Five-Position Objective Nosepiece...................................................................................... 38
Fig. 2-21 Reflected Light Filter Slider and Slider for Aperture and Luminous Field Diaphragms ........... 39
Fig. 2-22 Transmitted Light Filter Slider ............................................................................................ 39

Carl Zeiss Copyright / Trademarks Axio Vert.A1
6 431030-7044-001 05/2012
Fig. 3-1 Unpacking and Setup........................................................................................................41
Fig. 3-2 Attaching the Binocular Tube ............................................................................................41
Fig. 3-3 Inserting Eyepieces ............................................................................................................42
Fig. 3-4 Inserting an Eyepiece Reticle ..............................................................................................42
Fig. 3-5 Screwing Objectives in Place ..............................................................................................43
Fig. 3-6 Mounting the Mechanical Stage (Shown without Tube)......................................................44
Fig. 3-7 Mounting the Specimen Stage...........................................................................................44
Fig. 3-8 Underside of the Scanning Stage .......................................................................................45
Fig. 3-9 Upper Side of the Scanning Stage......................................................................................45
Fig. 3-10 Terminals on the Underside of the Scanning Stage .............................................................46
Fig. 3-11 Inserting the Condenser ....................................................................................................47
Fig. 3-12 Equipping the Reflector Turret ...........................................................................................49
Fig. 3-13 Attaching the HAL Illuminator ...........................................................................................50
Fig. 3-14 Changing the Halogen Lamp for Transmitted Light ............................................................51
Fig. 3-15 Attaching the LED Illuminator ............................................................................................52
Fig. 3-16 Attaching the HBO 50 Illuminator or the HBO 100 Illuminator ............................................53
Fig. 3-17 Adjusting HBO 50 .............................................................................................................54
Fig. 3-18 Adjusting HBO 100 ...........................................................................................................55
Fig. 3-19 Attaching the VIS-LED Illuminator ......................................................................................56
Fig. 3-20 Adjusting the VIS-LED Attachment Illuminator....................................................................56
Fig. 3-21 Attaching the HAL 100 Illuminator.....................................................................................57
Fig. 3-22 Adjusting the HAL 100 Illuminator .....................................................................................58
Fig. 3-23 Changing the Halogen Lamp.............................................................................................59
Fig. 3-24 Connecting and Switching on the Microscope....................................................................60
Fig. 3-25 Installing Diaphragms in the Modulator Disk of the Condenser ...........................................61
Fig. 3-26 Inserting and Changing Diaphragms in the Slider ...............................................................63
Fig. 3-27 Orienting the Slit Diaphragm in the Slider as a Function of the Position to the
Microscope Axis................................................................................................................63
Fig. 3-28 Changing a Filter Set in the FL P&C Reflector Module ........................................................64
Fig. 3-29 Installing Filters and Beam Splitters ....................................................................................65
Fig. 3-30 Opening the Reflector Module...........................................................................................65
Fig. 3-31 Changing the Beam Splitter...............................................................................................66
Fig. 3-32 Identification Features of the Beam Splitter ........................................................................66
Fig. 3-33 Changing the Beam-Splitting Mirror in the Intermediate Phototube ....................................67
Fig. 3-34 Mounting the Aqua Stop...................................................................................................68
Fig. 3-35 Changing the LED Module in the Axio Vert.A1 FL-LED Stand ..............................................69
Fig. 3-36 Mounting the Carrier for Transmitted Light Illumination .....................................................70
Fig. 3-37 Working with LD Objectives...............................................................................................71
Fig. 4-1 Height Stop of the Focusing Drive......................................................................................74
Fig. 4-2 Setting Bright Field............................................................................................................76
Fig. 4-3 Setting Phase Contrast ......................................................................................................77
Fig. 4-4 Centering the Phase Ring Diaphragm (Bright in the Condenser) to the Phase Ring
(Dark in the Objective).......................................................................................................77
Fig. 4-5 Setting VAREL Contrast .....................................................................................................79
Fig. 4-6 VAREL Contrast for Microtiter Plates ..................................................................................79
Fig. 4-7 VAREL Contrast Pupil Images.............................................................................................80

Axio Vert.A1 Table of Contents / List of Figures Carl Zeiss
05/2012 431030-7044-001 7
Fig. 4-8 Setting DIC....................................................................................................................... 81
Fig. 4-9 Setting Relief Orientation on the iHMC ............................................................................. 83
Fig. 4-10 Centering Screws ............................................................................................................. 84
Fig. 4-11 Aligning of the Objective Zone Plate and the iHM Diaphragm ............................................ 85
Fig. 4-12 Setting Bright Field ........................................................................................................... 86
Fig. 4-13 Setting the Polarization..................................................................................................... 86
Fig. 4-14 Setting Bright Field ........................................................................................................... 88
Fig. 4-15 Setting DIC/C-DIC............................................................................................................. 90
Fig. 4-16 Setting the Polarization..................................................................................................... 93
Fig. 4-17 Setting Fluorescence......................................................................................................... 95
Fig. 4-18 Screw-on Options for Micromanipulators .......................................................................... 96
Fig. 5-1 Replacing Fuses ................................................................................................................ 98
NOTE
The figures integrated into the text bear numbers and captions. "Fig. 2-8", for instance, means the figure
in Section 2 identified by consecutive number 8. Details discussed in the text are marked with a reference
slash and a location number. In running text, "eyepiece tube (Fig. 2–8/4)" means that the eyepiece tube
is marked by location number 4in Fig. 8 of Section 2.
Please refer to the Annex for an explanation of the abbreviations used.

INTRODUCTION
Carl Zeiss Notes on Instrument Safety Axio Vert.A1
8 431030-7044-001 05/2012
1INTRODUCTION
1.1 Notes on Instrument Safety
Axio Vert.A1 microscopes have been designed, produced and tested in compliance with the DIN EN
61010-1 (IEC 61010-1) and IEC 61010-2-101 standards governing safety requirements for electrical
equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use.
The instruments meet the requirements of Directive 98/79/EC (In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices) and
are marked with the CE label.
This Operating Manual contains information and warnings that need to be observed by the user.
The following warning and caution symbols are used in this Operating Manual:
WARNING
This symbol indicates a hazard that may arise to the user.
WARNING
Hot Surface
WARNING
LED Risk Group 1 under IEC 62471: LED radiation is emitted.
Do not look into the LED beam. It may be dangerous for your eyes.
WARNING
UV radiation leakage
IMPORTANT
Pull the power plug before opening the device.
CAUTION
This symbol indicates a hazard that may arise to the instrument or device system.
NOTE
This symbol marks a note to which special attention needs to be paid.
Be sure to use Axio Vert.A1 inverted microscopes and their original accessories only for the microscoping
techniques described in this Operating Manual.

INTRODUCTION
Axio Vert.A1 Notes on Instrument Safety Carl Zeiss
05/2012 431030-7044-001 9
Particular attention should be paid to the warnings, cautions and notes listed below:
The manufacturer cannot assume any liability for any use other than the intended use. This
includes individual assemblies or single parts. The same applies to all and any service or repair
work performed by unauthorized personnel, which will also void any guarantee / warranty.
Be certain to connect the power plug to a grounded (earthed) power outlet only. The
protective effect must not be defeated by an extension cable that does not have a protective
grounding conductor.
If any protective measures are found to be no longer effective, put the instrument
out of
operation and protect it against any inadvertent use. Contact Carl Zeiss Microscopy Service in
Germany (see Page 99) or the
appropriate Carl Zeiss dealership abroad to get the appliance
repaired.
Axio Vert.A1 microscopes are
not equipped with any special devices that offer protection
against caustic, potentially infectious,toxic, radioactive or other health-impairing specimens.
When working with such specimens, be sure to observe all applicable
legal requirements,
notably national accident prevention regulations.
Axio Vert.A1 inverted microscope
s come with a power supply unit integrated into the stand.
This unit allows power supply voltages ranging from 100 V to 240 V ±10 % (50 Hz / 60 Hz)
to be used, without requiring any change of voltage on the microscope.
Before turning the power supply units for the HBO 50 / HBO 100 illuminators on, be sure to
check whether they are suitable for the existing supply voltage.
Always pull the power plug before opening the instrument and replacing fuses.
The equipment fuses used must match the intended current rating. Never employ any
makeshift fuses or short-circuit fuse holders.
Gas discharge lamps, such as HBO 100, emit ultraviolet radiation, which may cause burns on
eyes and on the skin. Therefore, be absolutely certain to avoid looking into the light and the
direct incidence of light on the skin. When microscoping, a
lways use the protective devices
supplied with the instrument, such as specific attenuation filters. When heated, gas
discharge lamps are under high internal pressure. For this reason, be sure to replace them
only when they have cooled down. To do so, wear protective gloves and safety goggles.
When you utilize fluorescence filters, do not remove the heat protection filter, which provides
protection against the heat radiation of the microscope lamp. Since fluorescence filters are
heat-sensitive, removing the heat protection filter may adversely affect their functionality.
Clogged or covered ventilation slats may lead to heat build-
up, which could damage the
instrument
and, in extreme cases, cause a fire. Always keep ventilation slats clear and make
sure that no objects are put or can fall into them.

INTRODUCTION
Carl Zeiss Notes on Instrument Safety Axio Vert.A1
10 431030-7044-001 05/2012
Avoid touching the hot lamp housing. Before replacing lamps, be sure to pull the power plug
and allow some 15 minutes for the lamp to cool down.
Dirt and dust may adversely affect the performance of the
instrument. For this reason, be
certain to protect the instrument as much as possible from such adverse effects and to place
the dust cover over the instrument when you do not use it. Always c
heck that the instrument
is switched off before covering it.
The instruments must be operated by properly trained personnel only. Such personnel has to
be advised of the potential hazards associated with microscoping and
the application in
question.
Axio Vert.A1 microscopes are precision instruments, whose functionality can be impaired or
destroyed by improper intervention.
Never use this instrument in an explosion hazard environment.
Be sure to operate the instrument on a hard, non-flammable surface only.
LED Risk Group 1 under IEC 62471. LED radiation is emitted.
Never look into the LED beam of the illuminator, be it with o
r without optical instruments.
Failure to heed this warning may result in eye damage.
Do not place combustible and highly inflammable materials near the light beam.
Be certain to read the safety notes on Immersol 518 N.
Immersol 518 N
immersion oil irritates the skin. Avoid any contact with skin, eyes and
clothing.
In the event of skin contact, wash the oil off with plenty of water and soap.
In the event of eye contact,
flush eyes with copious amounts of water for a minimum of
5 minutes. See a medical specialist if the irritation persists.
Proper disposal of Immersol 518 N
immersion oil: Prevent the oil from getting into surface
water or the sewage system.
Do not put defective microscopes in household waste. Be sure to dispose of them in
accordance with Directive 2002/96/EC (WEEE).
Also, specimens need to be properly disposed of in conformity with applicable legal
provisions and in-house work instructions.

INTRODUCTION
Axio Vert.A1 Nameplate and Warning Labels Attached to the Microscope and to Components Carl Zeiss
05/2012 431030-7044-001 11
1.2 Nameplate and Warning Labels Attached to the Microscope and to
Components
Fig. 1-1 Nameplate on the Axio Vert.A1 FL Stand and Warning Labels on the LED Illuminator for
Transmitted Light

INTRODUCTION
Carl Zeiss Nameplate and Warning Labels Attached to the Microscope and to Components Axio Vert.A1
12 431030-7044-001 05/2012
Fig. 1-2 Warning Labels on the Axio Vert.A1 FL-LED Stand
Fig. 1-3 Warning Labels on the VIS-LED (423053-9030-000)

INTRODUCTION
Axio Vert.A1 Notes on Warranty Carl Zeiss
05/2012 431030-7044-001 13
1.3 Notes on Warranty
The manufacturer of the instrument warrants the device to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship at the time of its delivery. Any defect must be reported without delay, and every effort is to
be made to minimize damage. If such a defect is reported, the manufacturer of the instrument is
obligated to correct the defect, at his option, by repairing the instrument or delivering an instrument that
is free of defects. No warranty will be provided in the event of defects caused by natural wear and tear
(in particular, defective consumables) and improper operation.
The manufacturer of the instrument will not be liable for any damage attributable to operation errors,
negligence or tampering with the instrument. This is especially true for damage caused by the removal or
replacement of components or the use of accessories made by other manufacturers. Acts of this kind will
void all and any warranty.
With the exception of the activities listed in this Operating Manual, no maintenance and repair work may
be performed on the microscopes. Repairs may only be carried out by Zeiss Customer Service or by
personnel specially authorized by it. Should the instrument malfunction, please contact Carl Zeiss
Microscopy Service in Germany first (see Page 99) or get in touch with your Carl Zeiss dealer abroad.

INTRODUCTION
Carl Zeiss Types of Stands (General Views) Axio Vert.A1
14 431030-7044-001 05/2012
1.4 Types of Stands (General Views)

INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
Axio Vert.A1 Name, Intended Use Carl Zeiss
05/2012 431030-7044-001 15
2INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
2.1 Name, Intended Use
Manufacturer’s product name: Axio Vert.A1 Inverted Transmitted Light Microscope
Axio Vert.A1 microscopes take the following place within the inverted transmitted light microscope
family:
Laboratory Microscopes
Research Microscopes
−
Primo Vert
−Axio Vert.A1
−
Axio Observer.A1 / .D1 / .Z1
Axio Vert.A1 microscopes are standardized light microscopes of inverted design (inverted microscopes)
for universal use.
The three BioMed stands (A1, A1 FL-LED and A1 FL) have been designed for the performance of
biological and medical analyses of plant and animal cells and/or tissue samples, as well as for samples
taken from the human body. Examples of observation and culture vessels: Culture bottles, Petri dishes
and microtiter plates.
The microscopes are typically used
−for medical examinations in laboratories, hospitals and medical practices,
−in science and research (colleges, universities),
−for industrial applications (pharmacology, food technology),
−for the examination of blood and tissue samples from the human body.
The material stand (MAT) is employed in all the fields of research-related and industrial microscopy.
Thanks to its virtually unrestricted specimen space, this stand permits an unlimited use of conventional
specimens. In other words, it facilitates the examination of large specimens, workpieces, etc.
When it comes to the examination of materials, the microscopes are typically used in
−metallographic labs,
−the motor vehicle industry,
−microsystems engineering,
−geoscience institutes and
−the exploration industry.

INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
Carl Zeiss Instrument Description and Main Features Axio Vert.A1
16 431030-7044-001 05/2012
Depending on the technical features of the instrument in question, the following microscoping and
contrast techniques can be applied:
Transmitted Light
Reflected Light
−
Bright field (H)
−
Bright field (H)
−Phase contrast (Ph)
−Dark field (D)
−
PlasDIC contrast
−
Differential interference contrast (DIC)
−Improved Hoffman Modulation Contrast
(iHMC)
−
Polarization (Pol)
−
VAREL contrast (var)
−
Fluorescence (FL)
−
Differential interference contrast (DIC)
−
Differential interference contrast in
circularly polarized light (C-DIC)
−
Polarization (Pol)
−
TIC
The binocular phototubes allow you to connect a microscope camera, reflex camera or a digital / video
camera via specific adapters for the purpose of image documentation.
2.2 Instrument Description and Main Features
Axio Vert.A1 microscopes are high-performance desktop instruments available in four microscope stand
versions.
−Axio Vert.A1 Inverted transmitted light microscope
−Axio Vert.A1 FL-LED Inverted transmitted light / reflected light fluorescence microscope,
with fluorescence excitation based on LED modules
−Axio Vert.A1 FL Inverted transmitted light / reflected light fluorescence microscope,
with fluorescence excitation based on white light sources
−Axio Vert.A1 MAT Inverted reflected light microscope
The following are important instrument characteristics:
•Modular design to ensure optimum adaptation to application tasks
•Compact stand design, ergonomic operation thanks to a stage height of only 215 mm and control
elements located at a low height
•Built-in 12-volt, 60-watt power supply

INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
Axio Vert.A1 Instrument Description and Main Features Carl Zeiss
05/2012 431030-7044-001 17
•Infinitely variable light intensity
•True height and image rendition
•Field of view: 23 mm
•Exchangeable condensers for contrast sliders or with built-in modular disk, 0.55, 0.4 or 0.3 numerical
apertures
•VAREL (variable relief contrast) with continuous transition from oblique bright field to one-sided dark
field, contrasting of microtiter plate cavities up to the edge
•PlasDIC for relief-like rendition, notably of thick objects, with variable contrasting from oblique bright
field to one-sided dark field; contrasting of microtiter plate cavities up to the edge
•Ph - the classical phase contrast according to Zernicke
•iHMC for relief-like rendition with variable contrasting; contrasting of microtiter plate cavities up to
the edge
•DIC - differential interference contrast
•Reflected light fluorescence contrast as an alternative to or simultaneous with transmitted light
contrasts
•It is possible to adapt reflected light fluorescence to the application task concerned by changing the
fluorescence filter combination (reflector module FL).
•Flexible use of the stage thanks to an attachable object guide
•Use of different mounting frames or inserts for various types of culture vessels
•Optional mechanical stage or scanning stage
•Standardized customer interfaces for objectives, eyepieces, illuminators, condensers and tubes
•Photo / video port on the phototube and intermediate phototube for reflex cameras, compact digital
cameras, digital cameras, such as AxioCam and video cameras
•Viewing height adjustment
•Additional intermediate phototube
•Reflected light dark field channel for all objectives (Applies to Axio Vert.A1 MAT only.)
•Coded objective nosepiece (Applies to Axio Vert.A1 MAT only.)
•Light manager function (Applies to Axio Vert.A1 MAT only.)
•USB interface to Axio Vision Software (Applies to Axio Vert.A1 MAT only.)

INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
Carl Zeiss System Overview Axio Vert.A1
18 431030-7044-001 05/2012
2.3 System Overview
2.3.1 Stands for Biomed Applications
Fig. 2-1 Axio Vert.A1 System Overview (Biomed Stands), Page 1

INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
Axio Vert.A1 System Overview Carl Zeiss
05/2012 431030-7044-001 19
Fig. 2-2 Axio Vert.A1 System Overview (Biomed Stands), Page 2

INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
Carl Zeiss System Overview Axio Vert.A1
20 431030-7044-001 05/2012
Fig. 2-3 Axio Vert.A1 System Overview (Biomed Stands), Page 3