Zeiss Axiolab A User manual

Axiolab A
Reflected-Light
Microscope
Operating Manual

Carl Zeiss Axiolab A
II B 40-015 e 06/99
Knowledge of this instruction manual is necessary for device operation. Please get familiar with its
contents and especially the precautions for safe device operation.
Changes due to further technical development are reserved; this manual is not covered by an update
service.
© Unless expressly authorized, forwarding and duplication of this document, utilization and
communication of its contents are not permitted. Violations will entail an obligation to pay
compensation.
All rights reserved in the event of granting of patents or registration of an utility model.
Issued by: Carl Zeiss
Microscopy
D-07740 Jena
Phone: ++49-36 41 64-16 16
Telefax: ++49-36 41 64-31 44
E-mail: [e-mail]
Internet: www.zeiss.de/micro
Number of this operating manual: B 40-015 e
Date of issue: 06/99

Axiolab A Carl Zeiss
B 40-015 e 06/99 III
CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. I
Title Page ............................................................................................................................ I
Copyright........................................................................................................................... II
Contents ............................................................................................................................III
List of Illustrations...............................................................................................................V
Notes ................................................................................................................................ VI
Hints on Instrument Safety................................................................................................ VII
Overall View of the Axiolab A Reflected-Light Microscope....................................................X
1 DESCRIPTION.................................................................................................................1-1
1.1 Name; Intended Application,............................................................................................1-2
1.2 Instrument Description.....................................................................................................1-2
1.3 Microscope Configurations and Modules..........................................................................1-5
1.4 Function Elements (see Fig. 1-5, after this table) .............................................................1-12
1.5 Objectives......................................................................................................................1-18
1.6 Eyepieces.......................................................................................................................1-19
1.7 Stage Micrometers and Eyepiece Reticles........................................................................1-20
1.8 Technical Data...............................................................................................................1-22
2 START-UP.......................................................................................................................2-1
2.1 Unpacking the Instrument................................................................................................2-3
2.2 Screw in Objectives..........................................................................................................2-3
2.3 Insertion of Eyepieces ......................................................................................................2-4
2.3.1 Insertion of Eyepiece Reticle .............................................................................................2-4
2.3.2 Compensation of Ametropia when Eyepiece Reticles are used ..........................................2-5
2.4 Setting of Interpupillary Distance......................................................................................2-5
2.5 Attachment of Reflected-Light Halogen Illuminator...........................................................2-6
2.6 Retrofit the Transmitted-Light Halogen Illumination ..........................................................2-6
2.6.1 Switch on the Transmitted-Light Halogen Illuminator........................................................2-7
2.7 Equipment of Filter Slider.................................................................................................2-7
2.8 Set the Luminous-Field Diaphragm...................................................................................2-8
2.9 Connecting the Instrument to the Line .............................................................................2-8

Carl Zeiss Axiolab A
IV B 40-015 e 06/99
Page
3 OPERATION................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.1 Switch on the Instrument ................................................................................................ 3-3
3.2 Illumination and Contrasting Techniques.......................................................................... 3-4
3.2.1 Setting of Reflected-Light Brightfield................................................................................ 3-4
3.2.2 Setting of Reflected-Light Polarization.............................................................................. 3-5
3.2.3 Setting of Transmitted-Light Polarization with extended Polarization Equipment ............... 3-5
3.2.4 Setting of Epi-Fluorescence............................................................................................ 3-13
3.2.5 Setting of Transmitted-Light Brightfield (KÖHLER Illumination)........................................ 3-14
3.3 Attachment of Microscope Stages and Specimen Holders............................................... 3-15
3.3.1 Attachment of Pol Rotary Stage..................................................................................... 3-16
3.4 Use of Polished Section Attachment............................................................................... 3-17
3.5 Photomicrography and Videomicroscopy........................................................................ 3-18
3.5.1 Attachment of Photomicrography Equipment ................................................................ 3-19
3.5.2 Attachment of Adapters for Video Cameras................................................................... 3-22
3.6 Insertion of 8×Drawing Eyepiece................................................................................... 3-24
4 CARE, TROUBLESHOOTING AND SERVICE ................................................................... 4-1
4.1 Maintenance of the Instrument ....................................................................................... 4-3
4.2 Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................. 4-4
4.3 Requesting Service ..........................................................................................................4-6
ANNEX...........................................................................................................................A-1
List of Abbreviations........................................................................................................A-3
Certification in Accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001 / DIN EN 46001 ...................................A-5
EC Conformity Declaration ..............................................................................................A-7

Axiolab A Carl Zeiss
B 40-015 e 06/99 V
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Page
Fig. 1-1 Axiolab A main modules ..................................................................................................1-3
Fig. 1-2 Optical design of the Axiolab A with transmitted-light equipment.....................................1-4
Fig. 1-3 Axiolab A microscope configurations................................................................................1-6
Fig. 1-4 Axiolab A accessories..............................................................................................1-8, 1-10
Fig. 1-5 Axiolab A function elements .................................................................................1-16, 1-17
Fig. 2-1 Unpacking the instrument................................................................................................2-3
Fig. 2-2 Screw in objectives ..........................................................................................................2-3
Fig. 2-3 Insertion of eyepiece reticle..............................................................................................2-4
Fig. 2-4 Attachment of reflected-light halogen illuminator.............................................................2-6
Fig. 2-5 Equipment of filter slider..................................................................................................2-7
Fig. 2-6 Setting the luminous-field diaphragm...............................................................................2-8
Fig. 2-7 Connecting the instrument to the line..............................................................................2-9
Fig. 3-1 Switch on the instrument.................................................................................................3-3
Fig. 3-2 Setting of reflected-light brightfield..................................................................................3-4
Fig. 3-3 Setting of reflected-light polarization ...............................................................................3-5
Fig. 3-4 Centering of objectives ....................................................................................................3-6
Fig. 3-5 Setting of transmitted-light polarization ...........................................................................3-7
Fig. 3-6 Determine the nγ'vibration direction using the example of an artificial fiber......................3-8
Fig. 3-7 Schematic diagram of the color chart in addition and subtraction position ........................3-8
Fig. 3-8 Determine the optical character of crystals .....................................................................3-11
Fig. 3-9 Setting of epi-fluorescence.............................................................................................3-13
Fig. 3-10 Setting of transmitted-light brightfield ...........................................................................3-14
Fig. 3-11 Stage selection ..............................................................................................................3-15
Fig. 3-12 Changing the microscope stage .....................................................................................3-15
Fig. 3-13 Pol rotary stage- setting of specimen mount and stop ....................................................3-16
Fig. 3-14 Use of polished section attachment................................................................................3-17
Fig. 3-15 Attach various camera systems to the Axiolab A phototube ............................................3-18
Fig. 3-16 Attachment of SLR camera, e.g. CONTAX 167 MT .........................................................3-19
Fig. 3-17 Attachment of MC 80 DX...............................................................................................3-21
Fig. 3-18 Insertion of 8×drawing eyepiece....................................................................................3-24

Carl Zeiss Axiolab A
VI B 40-015 e 06/99
Fig. 4-1 Changing the fuses ......................................................................................................... 4-4
Fig. 4-2 Changing the 6 V, 30 W reflected-light halogen illuminator ............................................. 4-5
Fig. 4-3 Changing the 6 V, 30 W transmitted-light halogen lamp.................................................. 4-6
NOTES
•The figures integrated in the text each have a figure number and a caption, e.g. ”Figure 2-7”
signifies: the figure in Section 2 with the serial number 7. In each figure, details discussed in the text
have been assigned with a reference line marking and an item number. In the running text, ”Mains
cable (2-7/1)” signifies: in Figure 7 of Section 2, the mains cable is marked with the item number 1.
•Refer to the annex for explanations of the abbreviations.
•This instruction manual refers to the Axiolab A microscope equipment including accessories (see page
1-5 following).
This manual can also be used for other instrument versions.

Axiolab A Carl Zeiss
B 40-015 e 06/99 VII
Notes on Instrument Safety
The Axiolab A reflected-light microscope was designed, produced and tested in compliance with DIN
61010-1 (IEC 1010-1), Safety requirements for electrical measuring, control and laboratory instruments,
and meets the requirements of appendix I of directive 73/23/EC and the relevant CSA and UL directives.
The instrument meets the requirements of the EC directive 89/336/EC and the EMC legislation of
November 9th 1992. This operation manual includes information and warnings which must be observed
by the user.
The following warning and information symbols are used in this manual:
☞NOTE
This symbol is a warning which you must observe under all circumstances.
CAUTION
This symbol is a warning which indicates a hazard to the instrument or instrument system.
CAUTION
This symbol is a warning which indicates a hazard to the user of the instrument.
CAUTION
Hot surface!
CAUTION
Disconnect the instrument from the line before opening it!

Carl Zeiss Axiolab A
VIII B 40-015 e 06/99
The Axiolab A microscope, including original accessories, may only be used for the microscope
techniques described in this manual.
Particular attention must be paid to the following warning notes:
The manufacturer cannot assume any liability for any other applications, possibly also involving
individual modules or single parts. This also applies to all service or repair work which is not
carried out by authorized service personnel. Furthermore, this forfeits all the claims against
warranty.
The power plug must be inserted in a socket featuring a grounding (earth) contact. The
grounding effect must not be made ineffective by an extension cable which does not have a
protective ground wire.
If it is established that the protection measures are no longer effective, the instrument must be
switched off and safeguarded against inadvertent operation. Please contact your local
Carl Zeiss service agency or the Carl Zeiss microscopy service for the repair of the instrument.
The wide range power unit which is integrated in the stand of the microscope permits the use
of line voltages in the range between 100 and 240 V AC ± 10%, 50 - 60 Hz, without the need
for the voltage to be changed at the instrument.
Always disconnect the instrument from the line before opening the instrument and before
changing the fuses.
Make sure to use only fuses of the rated power required. The use of makeshift fuses and the
short-circuiting of the fuse holders are not permitted.
The Axiolab A microscope is not equipped with any special devices for protection from
substances which are corrosive, toxic, radioactive or otherwise hazardous to health. All the
legal regulations for accident prevention, particularly those in the respective countries, must be
observed when handling such substances.
Avoid touching the hot lamp housing. Always pull the power plug before changing the lamps
and allow the instrument to cool down for approx. 15 mins.

Axiolab A Carl Zeiss
B 40-015 e 06/99 IX
Dust and dirt can impair the performance of the instrument. Therefore, the instrument must be
protected against these influences as far as possible, and covered with the dust cover if it is not
used for longer periods of time. Always check whether the instrument is switched off before
you cover it.
Placing objects against or covering ventilation slats can lead to a build-up of heat which will
damage the instrument and, in extreme cases, cause a fire. Always keep the ventilation slats
clear and make sure that no objects enter the instrument through the ventilation slats.
The instruments must be operated by trained personnel only who must be aware of the
possible danger involved with microscopy and the relevant application. The Axiolab A is an
optical precision instrument which can be impaired in its performance or damaged when
handled improperly.
Notes on warranty
The manufacturer guarantees that the instrument has no material and production defects when
delivered. You must inform us of any defects immediately and we must do anything to minimize the
damage. If the manufacturer is informed of such a defect, he is obliged to remove it; it is his decision
whether he does this by repairing the instrument or by delivering an instrument free of any defect. No
guarantee is provided for defects caused by natural wear (wearing parts in particular) and improper use.
The instrument manufacturer is not liable for damage caused by faulty operation, negligence or any
other meddling with the instrument, particularly the removal or replacement of instrument components,
or the use of accessories from other manufacturers. This forfeits all the claims against warranty.
With the exception of the work specified in this manual, no maintenance or repair of the Axiolab A may
be performed. Repairs may only be performed by Carl Zeiss service staff or specially authorized
personnel. Should any defect occur with the instrument, please get in touch with your local Carl Zeiss
agency.

Carl Zeiss Axiolab A
XB 40-015 e 06/99
Overall View of the Axiolab A Reflected-Light Microscope

Axiolab A Carl Zeiss
B 40-015 e 06/99 1-1
DESCRIPTION
Contents
1 DESCRIPTION.................................................................................................................1-2
1.1 Name; Intended Application,............................................................................................1-2
1.2 Instrument Description.....................................................................................................1-2
1.3 Microscope Configurations and Modules..........................................................................1-5
1.4 Function Elements (see Fig. 1-5, after this table) .............................................................1-12
1.5 Objectives......................................................................................................................1-18
1.6 Eyepieces.......................................................................................................................1-19
1.7 Stage Micrometers and Eyepiece Reticles........................................................................1-20
1.8 Technical Data...............................................................................................................1-22

Carl Zeiss Axiolab A
1-2 06/99 B 40-015 e
1DESCRIPTION
1.1 Name; Intended Application,
Manufacturer's name: Upright reflected-light microscope for routine examinations
Within the product family of upright reflected-light microscopes, the Axiolab A fits in as follows:
•Routine microscopes •Research microscopes
−Axiolab A −Axioplan 2 imaging
−Axiotech / Axiotech vario −Axiophot 2
−Axioskop 2 / Axioskop 2 MOT −Axiotron 2 / Axiotron DUV
−Axioskop 2 FS / Axioskop 2 FS MOT
The Axiolab A reflected-light microscope is a light microscope suitable for use in all areas of research and
industry involving opaque material, e.g. in
-metallography (metallic and compound materials)
-engineering mineralogy (ceramics, building materials, slags and ashes)
-production inspection/receiving inspection (plastics, papers and textiles)
The Axiolab can also be equipped with a transmitted-light facility for the examination of transparent
material samples.
1.2 Instrument Description
The Axiolab A microscope is a high-performance routine microscope. Due to its compact design and
clearly arranged controls, the instrument also meets high demands on user-friendliness.
-Microscope stand (1-1/1): diecast component with low-lying center of gravity and, therefore, high
stability.
-Coaxial coarse/fine drive (1-1/2): focusing function acting on the specimen stage
-Stage: optionally as fixed version (1-1/3), as glide stage (1-1/5) or as mechanical stage (1-1/4)
-5-position objective nosepiece (1-1/6) with W 0.8 ×1/36" thread
-Reflected-light illuminator H (1-1/7) with permanently attached binocular phototube A H (1-1/8), two
E-PL 10×/20 Br. and E-PL 10×/20 Br. foc. eyepieces , and camera port (1-1/9)
-Wide-range power supply in the stand can be set to line voltages between 100 and 240 V AC
-Reflected-light halogen illuminator (1-1/10) with 6 V, 30 W halogen lamp
The Axiolab A microscope features a modular design, i.e. standard modules can be easily replaced with
alternative modules, or further accessories can be added. The carrier element for this purpose is the
microscope stand (1-1/1), in which the power supply unit is also integrated. The new wide-range power
supply in the stand can be set to line voltages between 100 and 240 V AC by the user himself.

Axiolab A Carl Zeiss
B 40-015 e 06/99 1-3
Fig. 1-1 Axiolab A main modules
The specimen stage can be designed
-as fixed stage (1-1/3) with stage clamps,
-as glide stage (1-1/5) with stage clamps, 25 ×25 mm travel range, or
-as mechanical stage (1-1/4) 75 ×35 R/A with ceramic surface and short drive.
Both the fixed stage and the glide stage can be locked in a top or a bottom stop. The maximum
specimen height is 45 mm.
The mechanical stage is a component of the transmitted-light version of the Axiolab A and permits the
particularly sensitive moving of transparent objects. For opaque specimens, this mechanical stage can be
equipped with a special specimen holder, permitting the maximum specimen height of 18 mm. Controls
within easy reach and the user-friendly viewing height of 440 mm with a 30°viewing angle ensure
fatigue-free work.

Carl Zeiss Axiolab A
1-4 06/99 B 40-015 e
The reflected-light halogen illuminator (1-1/10) is equipped with a 6V 30 W halogen lamp as a standard.
Its luminous intensity (lamp voltage) is continuously variable via the relevant control. The correct color
temperature for color photography (3200 K) is automatically reached in the end stop.
The XBO 75 or HBO 50 illuminators can also be attached to the Axiolab A for examinations requiring a
high illuminance. Other features: adjustable aperture diaphragm and homogeneous illumination of
object fields of up to dia. 8 mm.
Fig. 1-2 Optical design of the Axiolab A with transmitted-light equipment

Axiolab A Carl Zeiss
B 40-015 e 06/99 1-5
The optical performance of the Axiolab A can be ideally matched to the relevant requirements by using
various objectives which are inserted into a 5-position nosepiece (1-1/6).
The camera port (1-1/9) attached to the binocular reflected-light tube (1-1/8) is available for the
documentation of microscope images. Microscope and video accessories are attached via a wide variety
of specific adapter components and modules.
Pulling out or pushing in the pushrod on the binocular tube allows you to switch between observation
and photomicrography/videomicroscopy. Switchover is 100% in each case, i.e. simultaneous observation
and documentation is not possible.
The use of specific sliders in the reflected-light illuminator H allows observation in polarization contrast.
Epi-fluorescence observation is possible with a special fluorescence configuration.
1.3 Microscope Configurations and Modules
Depending on the application, the following configurations of the Axiolab A microscope are
recommended:
- Axiolab A for reflected-light brightfield with fixed stage and Epi-objectives
Cat. No. 490960-9804-000
- Axiolab A for reflected-light brightfield with glide stage and Epi-objectives
Cat. No. 490962-9804-000
-Axiolab A for reflected-light brightfield and transmitted-light examinations with mechanical stage
Cat. No. 490961-9804-000

Carl Zeiss Axiolab A
1-6 06/99 B 40-015 e
Fig. 1-3 Axiolab A microscope configurations

Axiolab A Carl Zeiss
B 40-015 e 06/99 1-7
Axiolab A microscope configurations Cat. No. Fixed
stage
Glide
stage
Mechani-
cal stage
1Configurations
1 Microscope Axiolab A with fixed mechanical stage 490960-9804-000 •
2 Microscope Axiolab A with glide stage 490962-9804-000 •
3 Microscope Axiolab A with mechanical stage and
additional transmitted-light equipment
490961-9804-000 •
Selected modules for configuration 1
1.1 Microscope stand Axiolab A 450909-0000-000 •
1.2 Binocular phototube 30°/20 A H (100 vis/
100 doc) with reflected-light illuminator H
450962-0000-000 •
2.1 Eyepiece E-PL 10×/20 Br. 444231-9901-000 •••
2.2 Eyepiece E-PL 10×/20 Br. foc. 444232-9902-000 •••
3.1 Epiplan objective 5×/0.13 ∞/- 442920-0000-000 •••
3.2 Epiplan objective 10×/0.20 ∞/- 442930-0000-000 •••
3.3 Epi objective 20×/0.40 ∞/0 442941-0000-000 •••
3.4 Epiplan objective 50×/0.70 ∞/0 442950-0000-000 ••
3.5 Achroplan objective 40×/0.65 ∞/017 440050-0000-000 •
4.1 Filter slider,
is a component of binocular phototube 30°/20 A H
(100 vis/100 doc) with reflected-light illuminator H
450962-0000-000 •••
4.2 Attenuation filter 0.06, dia. 32 467848-9001-000 •••
5 Dust cover slider (5 pcs.) •••
6.1 6 V, 30 W halogen illuminator 447206-9901-000 •••
6.2 6 V, 30 W halogen lamp 000000-0402-943 •••
7 Dust cover G 459306-0000-000 •••
8.1 Mains cable with European plug •••
8.2 Mains cable with American flat plug on request on request on request
8.3 Fuse insert T 0.8 A; 250 V; 5 ×20 mm
(not shown)
000000-0127-019 •••
9 Accessory case •••
•Part of the microscope configuration

Carl Zeiss Axiolab A
1-8 06/99 B 40-015 e
Fig. 1-4 Axiolab A accessories (1 of 2)

Axiolab A Carl Zeiss
B 40-015 e 06/99 1-9
Axiolab A accessories Cat. No. Fixed
stage
Glide
stage
Mechani-
cal stage
STAGES
1.1 Glide stage with stage carrier 453509-0000-000 !
!!
!
1.2 Mechanical stage 75 ×35 R/A with ceramic
surface and short drive, plus:
453517-9901-000 ++
1.2.1 Specimen holder with spring clip R 473448-0000-000 ++
1.2.2 Specimen holder A 433411-0000-000 ++
1.3 Polished specimen attachment 453575-0000-000 !
!!
!!
!!
!
OBJECTIVES
2.1 Epiplan objective 100×/0.75 ∞/0 442980-0000-000 !
!!
!
2.2 Epiplan-Neofluar objective 2.5×/0.075 ∞/-, plus: 442310-0000-000 !
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!
2.2.1 2,5×Antiflex cap 444922-0000-000 +++
2.3 Epiplan-Neofluar objective 5×/0.15 ∞/- 442320-0000-000 !
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!
2.4 Epiplan-Neofluar objective 10×/0.30 ∞/0 442330-0000-000 !
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!
2.5 Epiplan-Neofluar objective 20×/0.50 ∞/0 442340-0000-000 !
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!
2.6 Epiplan-Neofluar objective 50×/0.85 ∞/0 442350-0000-000 !
!!
!!
!!
!
for covered specimens:
2.7 Achroplan objective 20×/0.45 ∞/0.17 440040-0000-000 !
!!
!
2.8 Achroplan objective 40×/0.65 ∞/0.17 440050-0000-000 !
!!
!
2.9 Achroplan objective 100×/1.25 ∞/0.17 oil
plus:
440080-0000-000 !
!!
!
2.9.1 518 N immersion oil, 20 ml oiler 444950-0000-000 +
3.1 Eyecup, folding 444801-0000-000 !
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!
3.2 8×drawing eyepiece 444128-0000-000 !
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!
4 Stage micrometer for incident light 5+100/100y
D = 0
474027-0000-000 !
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!
5 Equipment for qualitative polarization in incident
light
!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!
5.1 Polarizer slider P 453608-0000-000 +++
5.2 Analyzer slider A, rotary 453686-0000-000 +++
5.3 Compensator slider λ-sub 453706-0000-000 +++
6 Equipment for Epodye fluorescence !
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!
6.1 Filter slider FL (for dia. 25 filters) 446478-0000-000 +++
6.2 Excitation filter BP 450 ... 490, dia. 25 447722-0000-000 +++
6.3 Barrier filter LP 520, ∅25 447737-0000-000 +++

Carl Zeiss Axiolab A
1-10 06/99 B 40-015 e
Fig. 1-4 Axiolab A accessories (2 of 2)