Zeiss Axioskop 2 FS plus User manual

Operating Manual Axioskop 2 FS
plus
/ FS MOT
Research Microscope

INTRODUCTION Axioskop 2 FS plus
Carl Zeiss Copyright Axioskop 2 FS MOT
0-2 B 40-076 e 02/01
Knowledge of this manual is required for the operation of the instrument. Would you therefore please
make yourself familiar with the contents of this manual and pay special attention to hints concerning the
safe operation of the instrument.
The specifications are subject to change; the manual is not covered by an update service.
© Unless expressly authorized, forwarding and duplication of this document and the software
package, and the 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 a utility model.
Issued by: Carl Zeiss
Light Microscopy
P.O.B. 4041
37030 Göttingen
GERMANY
Phone: ++49 551 5060 660
Telefax: ++49 551 5060 464
Internet: www.zeiss.de/micro
E-Mail: [e-mail]
Number of this manual: B 40-076 e
Date of issue: 20th of February 2001

Axioskop 2 FS plus INTRODUCTION
Axioskop 2 FS MOT Contents Carl Zeiss
B 40-076 e 02/01 0-3
CONTENTS:
Page
INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................0-2
Copyright...................................................................................................................0-2
Contents ....................................................................................................................0-3
Microscopy in a few steps...........................................................................................0-7
Notes on instrument safety.........................................................................................0-8
Notes on warranty....................................................................................................0-11
Overall view of Axioskop 2 FS plus............................................................................. 0-12
Overall view of Axioskop 2 FS MOT ............................................................................0-13
CHAPTER 1 INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION.....................................................................................1-2
1.1 Name and intended application...................................................................................1-2
1.2 Instrument description and main features....................................................................1-2
1.3 Axioskop 2 FS plus (manual) microscope configurations and modules...........................1-4
1.4 Axioskop 2 FS MOT microscope configurations and modules.........................................1-8
1.5 Objectives.................................................................................................................1-12
1.6 Eyepieces..................................................................................................................1-14
1.7 Stage micrometers and eyepiece reticles....................................................................1-14
1.8 Technical Data..........................................................................................................1-16

INTRODUCTION Axioskop 2 FS plus
Carl Zeiss Contents Axioskop 2 FS MOT
0-4 B 40-076 e 02/01
Page
CHAPTER 2 START-UP ..................................................................................................................2-5
2.1 Initial start-up.............................................................................................................2-5
2.1.1 Unpacking and installation of the microscope ..............................................................2-5
2.1.2 Remove transport lock and carrying handle..................................................................2-6
2.1.3 Attachment of binocular tube or phototube.................................................................2-7
2.1.4 Remove the stage carrier.............................................................................................2-7
2.1.5 Screw in objectives......................................................................................................2-8
2.1.6 Attachment of the condenser......................................................................................2-9
2.1.7 Insertion of DIC slider ................................................................................................2-10
2.1.8 Attach stage carrier and align its height.....................................................................2-11
2.1.9 Insertion of eyepieces and centering telescope...........................................................2-12
2.1.10 Setting of the interpupillary distance of the binocular tube.........................................2-13
2.1.11 Setting of viewing height...........................................................................................2-13
2.1.12 Connect the instrument to the line and switch the illumination on/off.......................2-14
2.1.13 HAL 100 halogen illuminator .....................................................................................2-16
2.1.14 HBO 103 illuminator..................................................................................................2-17
2.1.15 Connect control unit and keypad to the Axioskop 2 FS MOT.......................................2-21
2.1.16 Switch on/off the control unit of the Axioskop 2 FS MOT.............................................2-21
2.1.17 Attachment of round cable holder.............................................................................2-22
2.2 Attachments and conversions....................................................................................2-23
2.2.1 Changing the condenser............................................................................................2-23
2.2.2 Changing the phase stop for phase contrast or darkfield in the universal
condenser (if required)...............................................................................................2-24
2.2.3 Changing the DIC prism in the universal condenser....................................................2-25
2.2.4 Attachment of filter mount........................................................................................2-25
2.2.5 Attachment of Polarizer D..........................................................................................2-26
2.2.6 Attachment of SENARMONT DIC polarizer.................................................................2-26
2.2.7 Changing the HAL 100 halogen lamp........................................................................2-27
2.2.8 Changing the HBO 103 W/2 mercury pressure short-arc lamp ....................................2-27
2.2.9 Changing the mechanical stage.................................................................................2-30
2.2.10 Changing the binocular tube.....................................................................................2-33
2.2.11 Attachment of intermediate tube with height adjustment ..........................................2-34
2.2.12 Attachment of adapter for the Axioskop 2 FS plus......................................................2-35
2.2.13 Installing and Removing “Push&Click”Modules.........................................................2-36
2.2.14 Changing the filter set in the FL P&C reflector module................................................2-37
2.2.15 Changing the beam splitter in the FL P&C reflector module........................................2-37

Axioskop 2 FS plus INTRODUCTION
Axioskop 2 FS MOT Contents Carl Zeiss
B 40-076 e 02/01 0-5
Page
CHAPTER 3 OPERATION ..............................................................................................................3-3
3.1 Overview of operation and function controls...............................................................3-3
3.1.1 Operation and function controls of the Axioskop 2 FS plus, manual.............................3-4
3.1.2 Keypad for objective focusing of the Axioskop 2 FS MOT (single-hand control)............3-13
3.2 Switching on and basic settings.................................................................................3-19
3.2.1 Axioskop 2 FS plus, manual....................................................................................... 3-19
3.2.2 Axioskop 2 FS MOT....................................................................................................3-19
3.3 Illumination and contrasting techniques.....................................................................3-20
3.3.1 Setting of transmitted-light brightfield according to KÖHLER .....................................3-20
3.3.2 Setting of transmitted-light darkfield.........................................................................3-23
3.3.3 Setting of transmitted-light phase contrast................................................................3-25
3.3.4 Setting of transmitted-light differential interference contrast (DIC).............................3-27
3.3.5 Setting of epi-fluorescence........................................................................................3-30
3.4 Documentation.........................................................................................................3-32
3.4.1 Attachment of photomicrography equipment............................................................3-32
3.4.2 Attachment of videomicroscopy equipment...............................................................3-35
3.4.3 Attachment of adapter for digital compact cameras .................................................. 3-36
3.5 Quantitative microscopy............................................................................................3-37
3.5.1 Measurement of lengths...........................................................................................3-37
3.5.2 Height measurement ................................................................................................3-38

INTRODUCTION Axioskop 2 FS plus
Carl Zeiss Contents Axioskop 2 FS MOT
0-6 B 40-076 e 02/01
Page
CHAPTER 4 CARE, MAINTENANCE, TROUBLESHOOTING AND SERVICE ....................................4-3
4.1 Instrument care............................................................................................................... 4-3
4.2 Instrument maintenance ................................................................................................. 4-4
4.2.1 Performing checks ...........................................................................................................4-4
4.2.2 Changing the fuses..........................................................................................................4-4
4.3 Troubleshooting..............................................................................................................4-5
4.4 Spares, consumables and tools........................................................................................ 4-9
4.5 Requesting service..........................................................................................................4-10
ANNEX......................................................................................................................A-1
List of abbreviations....................................................................................................A-3
List of key words........................................................................................................A-5
Certification in accordance with DIN ISO 9001 / EN 46001
EC conformity declaration

Axioskop 2 FS plus INTRODUCTION
Axioskop 2 FS MOT Microscopy in a few steps ... Carl Zeiss
B 40-076 e 02/01 0-7
Microscopy in a few steps using the example of "Setting of transmitted-light brightfield
according to KÖHLER"
☞Before starting to use the Axioskop 2 FS plus and/or Axioskop 2 FS MOT microscopes, make
sure to read the notes on instrument safety and the Description (Chapter 1) and Start-up
(Chapter 2) chapters.
(1) As described in chapter 2, the microscope is ready for operation and switched on according to
section 3.3.
(2) Place a high-contrast specimen on the mechanical stage (cover slip pointing upwards).
(3) Swing in 10x objective in the objective slider and focus on the specimen; if possible, always
move the specimen away from the objective!
(4) Move condenser –e.g. universal condenser 0.9 –(in brightfield position, front lens switched
in) to the upper stop position via the condenser drive. The height adjustment must be set in
such a way that the specimen is not touched by the condenser.
(5) Close luminous-field diaphragm until it is visible in the field of view, even if not in focus
(Fig. 0-1/A).
(6) Lower universal condenser 0.9 until the edge of the luminous-field diaphragm appears in
focus (Fig. 0-1/B).
(7) Center luminous-field diaphragm using centering screws on the condenser carrier (Fig. 0-1/C)
and open it until its edge just disappears behind the field of view (Fig. 0-1/D).
(8) To set the aperture diaphragm (contrast), remove one eyepiece from the binocular tube and
set the aperture diaphragm to approx. 2/3 of the diameter of the objective exit pupil
(Fig. 0-1/E). Optimum contrast setting is dependent on the respective specimen.
(9) Insert eyepiece again and, if required, refocus on the specimen via fine drive.
(10) Since the field size and the objective aperture change after each objective change, steps (5) to
(9) must be repeated.
(11) For objective magnifications between 1.25x and 5x, the front lens 0.9 of the universal
condenser must be swung out and the aperture diaphragm opened entirely.
Fig. 0-1 Diaphragm settings in transmitted-
light brightfield according to
KÖHLER

INTRODUCTION Axioskop 2 FS plus
Carl Zeiss Notes on instrument safety Axioskop 2 FS MOT
0-8 B 40-076 e 02/01
Notes on instrument safety
The Axioskop 2 FS plus and Axioskop 2 FS
MOT microscopes were designed, produced and tested in
compliance with DIN 61010-1 (IEC 1010-1), Safety requirements for electrical measuring, control and
laboratory instruments, and meet the requirements of appendix I of directive 73/23/EC and the relevant
CSA and UL directives. The instruments meet 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
UV radiation is emitted!
CAUTION
Disconnect the instrument from the line before opening it!

Axioskop 2 FS plus INTRODUCTION
Axioskop 2 FS MOT Notes on instrument safety Carl Zeiss
B 40-076 e 02/01 0-9
The Axioskop 2 FS plus and Axioskop 2 FS MOT microscopes, 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 Axioskop 2 FS plus and Axioskop 2 FS MOT microscopes are provided with a special
transport lock at the front of the stand. The microscopes must not be transported or moved
without this transport lock. It is particularly important to avoid holding the instrument on the
objective slider even if it is moved only a small distance away from its position; otherwise, the
instrument will be damaged.
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. Contact a Zeiss service agency or
Carl Zeiss microscopy service for the repair of the instrument.
☞The separate 12 V DC 100 W power unit for the HAL 100 permits the use of line voltages in
the range between 100 and 240 V ±10 %, 50 - 60 Hz. Voltage change is not required.
The power supply for the HBO 103 (ebq 100 dc) or XBO 75 (ebx 75 isolated) permits a voltage
range of 90 to 250 V AC, 50 to 60 Hz. The instruments will automatically adjust to the existing
voltage. Voltage change is not required.
Before switching on the instrument, check whether it is suitable for the line voltage present.
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.

INTRODUCTION Axioskop 2 FS plus
Carl Zeiss Notes on instrument safety Axioskop 2 FS MOT
0-10 B 40-076 e 02/01
The Axioskop 2 FS plus and Axioskop 2 FS MOT microscopes are 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.
Gas discharge lamps, e.g. HBO 103, emit ultraviolet radiation which can cause burns on the
eyes and skin. Therefore, never look directly into the light of these lamps and avoid direct,
unprotected incidence of their light on your skin. When using the microscope, always use the
protective devices belonging to the instrument (e.g. special attenuation filters). When hot, gas
discharge lamps are under high internal pressure and may therefore only be changed when
they have cooled down, and protective gloves and goggles must be used (for detailed
information please see Operating Manual B 40-065 e).
When fluorescence filters are used, the filter protecting from heat emitted by the microscope
illuminator must not be removed, since fluorescence filters are sensitive to heat and their
performance might therefore be impaired.
Avoid touching the hot lamp housing. Always disconnect the relevant power unit from the line
before changing the lamps and allow the instrument to cool down for approx. 15 mins.
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 illuminators are switched off before
you cover the instrument.
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 Axioskop 2 FS plus /
Axioskop 2 FS MOT is an optical precision instrument which can be impaired in its performance
or damaged when handled improperly.

Axioskop 2 FS plus INTRODUCTION
Axioskop 2 FS MOT Notes on warranty Carl Zeiss
B 40-076 e 02/01 0-11
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 Axio-
skop 2 FS plus / Axioskop 2 FS MOT may be performed. Repairs may only be performed by Zeiss service
staff or specially authorized personnel. Should any defect occur with the instrument, please get in touch
with your local Zeiss agency.

INTRODUCTION Axioskop 2 FS plus
Carl Zeiss Overall view of the Axioskop 2 FS plus Axioskop 2 FS MOT
0-12 B 40-076 e 02/01
Overall view of the Axioskop 2 FS plus
1 Eyepieces
2 Binocular tube
3Stand
4 Incident-light illuminator
5 Transmitted-light illuminator
6 Condenser
7 Mechanical stage
8Objectives

Axioskop 2 FS plus INTRODUCTION
Axioskop 2 FS MOT Overall view of the Axioskop 2 FS MOT Carl Zeiss
B 40-076 e 02/01 0-13
Overall view of the Axioskop 2 FS MOT
1 Eyepieces
2 Binocular ergotube
3Stand
4 Incident-light illuminator
5 Transmitted-light illuminator
6 Key panel
7 Condenser
8 Mechanical stage
9Objectives

INTRODUCTION Axioskop 2 FS plus
Carl Zeiss Axioskop 2 FS MOT
0-14 B 40-076 e 02/01

Axioskop 2 FS plus INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
Axioskop 2 FS MOT Contents / List of illustrations Carl Zeiss
B 40-076 e 02/01 1-1
INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
Contents
1 INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION..........................................................................................1-2
1.1 Name and intended application.......................................................................................1-2
1.2 Instrument description and main features ........................................................................1-2
1.3 Axioskop 2 FS plus (manual) microscope configurations and modules...............................1-4
1.4 Axioskop 2 FS MOT microscope configurations and modules .............................................1-8
1.5 Objectives .....................................................................................................................1-12
1.6 Eyepieces ......................................................................................................................1-14
1.7 Stage micrometers and eyepiece reticles ........................................................................1-14
1.8 Technical Data...............................................................................................................1-16
List of illustrations
Fig. 1-1 Axioskop 2 FS plus (manual) microscope configurations....................................................1-4
Fig. 1-2 Axioskop 2 FS MOT microscope configurations..................................................................1-8
Fig. 1-3 Objective.......................................................................................................................1-12

INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION Axioskop 2 FS plus
Carl Zeiss Name ... / Instrument description ... Axioskop 2 FS MOT
1-2 B 40-076 e 02/01
1INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
1.1 Name and intended application
Manufacturer's name: Axioskop 2 FS plus microscope
Axioskop 2 FS MOT microscope
The Axioskop 2 FS plus and Axioskop 2 FS
MOT microscopes have been particularly designed for
electrophysiological applications. They can be used as transmitted-light microscopes or, with epi-
fluorescence equipment, as combined transmitted-light / incident-light microscopes.
1.2 Instrument description and main features
With the advanced pyramid and modular design, the Axioskop 2 FS plus incorporates time-tested
principles in microscope construction, thus ideally combining modern demands on design, operating
convenience and function with technical performance. Thanks to the modular design, existing
microscope modules of the Axioplan 2, such as tubes, intermediate tubes and condensers, are easy to
attach.
The Axioskop 2 FS plus is offered as a manual and a motorized version. The basic stand is equipped with
either manual (Axioskop 2 FS plus) or motorized operation and function controls (Axioskop 2 FS MOT),
but is otherwise identical for both versions.
Depending on the instrument configuration, the following microscopy and contrasting techniques are
possible:
Transmitted-light: Incident-light:
- brightfield - fluorescence contrast
- darkfield
- phase contrast
- differential interference contrast (DIC)
If ordered, the optional epi-fluorescence equipment including the adjusting aid is integrated in the
microscope stand on delivery. For technical reasons, retrofitting of existing instruments with the epi-
fluorescence equipment should be performed by Zeiss service staff.
The binocular tubes and the suitable adapters allow one microscope camera, one SLR camera or one
video camera to be attached for documentation purposes.

Axioskop 2 FS plus INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
Axioskop 2 FS MOT Instrument description and main features Carl Zeiss
B 40-076 e 02/01 1-3
Major instrument features of the Axioskop 2 FS plus (manual):
−Stable and sturdy diecast stand with T-shaped base in the pyramid design
−Object focusing via ball-type planetary gear and coaxial drive
−Fixed and rotary mechanical stage with ceramic-coated surface and extended drive for higher
operating convenience
−High-performance HAL 12 V 100 W illuminators for transmitted light and HBO 103 for incident light
−Achromatic-aplanatic universal condenser 0.9 with swing-in front lens for applications in brightfield,
darkfield, phase contrast and differential interference contrast
−2-position objective slider with W 0.8“ thread
−ICS Achroplan objectives
−Binocular tubes and phototubes with fixed and variable viewing angle
−10x focusing eyepieces with field number 23, suitable for spectacle wearers
−High-performance epi-fluorescence equipment
−Wide variety of attachment possibilities for photography and videomicroscopy
In addition to the above instrument features, the Axioskop 2 FS MOT has the following features which
differ from the manual version:
−High-precision step motor drive for objective focusing
−Control unit and keypad for motorized focusing
−Microscope interface for the connection of the control unit for motorized focusing

INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION Axioskop 2 FS plus
Carl Zeiss Axioskop 2 FS plus microscope configurations ... Axioskop 2 FS MOT
1-4 B 40-076 e 02/01
1.3 Axioskop 2 FS plus (manual) microscope configurations and modules
Fig. 1-1 Axioskop 2 FS plus (manual) microscope configurations

Axioskop 2 FS plus INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
Axioskop 2 FS MOT Axioskop 2 FS plus microscope configurations ... Carl Zeiss
B 40-076 e 02/01 1-5
Key to Fig. 1-1:
1Stand
2Eyepiece
3 Binocular tube 30°/23
4 HBO 100 W transformer
5 HBO 103 illuminator
6 HAL 12 V 100 W halogen lamp
7 Separate 12 V DC 100 W power unit
8 FL filter slider
9 DIC slider
10 Objective
11 Dust cover
12 DIC prism
13 Achromatic-aplanatic universal condenser 0.9 H D DIC
14 Filter mount
15 Mechanical stage 75x50/240°R
16 Universal mounting frame
17 Reflector module FL P&C
18 Analyzer module D

INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION Axioskop 2 FS plus
Carl Zeiss Axioskop 2 FS plus microscope configurations ... Axioskop 2 FS MOT
1-6 B 40-076 e 02/01
Axioskop 2 FS plus (manual) microscope configurations) Cat. No.
Configurations
The "Axioskop 2 FS plus" research microscope is offered in the following configurations:
for transmitted-light brightfield, phase contrast, interference contrast and epi-fluorescence
Modules
The "Axioskop 2 FS plus" research microscope consists of the following modules:
"Axioskop 2 FS plus" microscope stand with 5x reflector turret, drive for objective focusing,
2-position objective slider H DIC W 0.8" FS, transmitted-light and incident-light equipment 452310-0000-000
Eyepieces:
W-PL 10x/23 Br. foc.
PL 10x/23 Br. foc. 000000-1016-758 000000-1026-548
Eyecup 444801-0000-000
Auxiliary microscope 000000-1006-362
Tubes:
Binocular tube 30°/23
Binocular phototube 30°/23 (30/70)
Binocular ergotube 6-25°/23
Binocular ergo-phototube 6-25°/23 (100/0 or 0/100)
452340-0000-000
452344-0000-000
452341-0000-000
452342-0000-000
Illuminators:
HAL 12 V 100 W halogen illuminator
HBO 103 illuminator
Separate 12 V DC 100 W power unit, stabilized
HBO 100 W transformer for HBO 100 W/2 and HBO 103 W/2
447219-0000-000
487211-9804
458417-0000-000
458451-9901
Objectives, see section 1.5
DIC sliders:
DIC slider 10x/0.30 W II
DIC slider 40x/0.8 W III 444438-0000-000 444451-9901-000
DIC prisms without polarizer:
DIC prism II / 0.9 for SENARMONT
DIC prism III / 0.9 for SENARMONT 000000-1004-902 000000-1004-903
Condensers:
Achromatic-aplanatic universal condenser 0.9 H
Achromatic-aplanatic universal condenser 0.9 H D Ph
Achromatic-aplanatic universal condenser 0.9 H D Ph DIC
Achromatic condenser 0.8 H D Ph DIC
445435-0000-000
444336-0000-000
445439-0000-000
445445-9901-000
Polarizers:
SENARMONT DIC polarizer 453622-0000-000
Filters:
6-position FL filter slider, for filter diameters d = 18 mm
3-position filter mount, for filter diameters d = 32 mm
Conversion filter 3200 ... 5500 K
446377-0000-000
452159-0000-000
467850-9901-000
Stage and condenser carriers:
"Axioskop 2 FS plus" stage carrier with condenser carrier for the attachment of Zeiss stages
Special "Axioskop 2 FS plus" condenser carrier for the attachment of non-Zeiss stages 452327-0000-000 000000-1022-999