Zeiss Axioskop 2 User manual

Axioskop 2
Routine Microscope
Operating Manual

INTRODUCTION
Copyright Axioskop 2 / Axioskop 2 MOT
0-2 B 40-075 e 06/98
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
Mikroskopie
D-07740 Jena
Telephone: (**49) 03641 / 64-1616
Telefax: (**49) 03641 / 64-3144
Internet: [email protected]
http://www.zeiss.de
Number of this manual: B 40-075 e
Date of issue: 30.06.1998

INTRODUCTION
Axioskop 2 / Axioskop 2 MOT Contents
B 40-075 e 06/98 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........................................................................................0-12
Overall view of Axioskop 2 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 (manual) microscope configurations and modules ......................................1-4
1.4 Axioskop 2
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
Contents Axioskop 2 / Axioskop 2 MOT
0-4 B 40-075 e 06/98
Page
CHAPTER 2 START-UP..................................................................................................................2-3
2.1 Initial start-up.............................................................................................................2-3
2.1.1 Unpacking and installation of the microscope..............................................................2-3
2.1.2 Attachment of binocular tube or phototube................................................................2-4
2.1.3 Insertion of eyepieces and centering telescope.............................................................2-4
2.1.4 Setting of the interpupillary distance of the binocular tube ..........................................2-6
2.1.5 Setting of viewing height............................................................................................2-6
2.1.6 Screw in of objectives .................................................................................................2-6
2.1.7 Attachment of universal condenser.............................................................................2-7
2.1.8 Connection to the line................................................................................................ 2-8
2.1.9 Switch microscope and HBO 100 W transformer on and off ........................................2-8
2.1.10 HAL 100 halogen illuminator.......................................................................................2-9
2.1.11 HBO 103 illuminator................................................................................................. 2-10
2.1.12 Connect PC / Laptop to the Axioskop 2 MOT microscope............................................ 2-14
2.1.13 Attachment of round cable holder ............................................................................2-14
2.2 Attachments and conversions....................................................................................2-15
2.2.1 Changing the condenser...........................................................................................2-15
2.2.2 Changing the phase stop for phase contrast or darkfield in the universal condenser...2-16
2.2.3 Changing the DIC prism in the universal condenser ...................................................2-17
2.2.4 Attachment of filter mount.......................................................................................2-18
2.2.5 Attachment of SENARMONT DIC polarizer.................................................................2-18
2.2.6 Changing the HAL 100 halogen lamp........................................................................ 2-19
2.2.7 Changing the HBO 103 W/2 mercury vapor short-arc lamp ....................................... 2-19
2.2.8 Changing the mechanical stage ................................................................................2-22
2.2.9 Changing the binocular tube..................................................................................... 2-25
2.2.10 Attachment of intermediate tube with height adjustment .........................................2-26
2.2.11 Attachment of adapter for the Axioskop 2 ................................................................ 2-27
2.2.12 Changing the technique modules on the reflector turret ...........................................2-28
2.2.13 Changing the filter set in the FL reflector module ...................................................... 2-28
2.2.14 Changing the beam splitter in the FL reflector module............................................... 2-29
2.2.15 Attachment of active coobservation equipment for 2 users .......................................2-30
2.2.16 Attachment of multi-observation equipment ............................................................. 2-32
2.2.17 Attachment of intermediate tube for image projection .............................................. 2-34

INTRODUCTION
Axioskop 2 / Axioskop 2 MOT Contents
B 40-075 e 06/98 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, manual.........................................3-4
3.1.2 Overview of operation and function controls Axioskop 2 MOT.....................................3-10
3.2 Switching on and basic settings.................................................................................3-18
3.2.1 Axioskop 2, manual ..................................................................................................3-18
3.2.2 Axioskop 2
MOT.........................................................................................................3-18
3.3 Illumination and contrasting techniques.....................................................................3-24
3.3.1 Setting of transmitted-light brightfield according to KÖHLER......................................3-24
3.3.2 Setting of transmitted-light darkfield.........................................................................3-27
3.3.3 Setting of transmitted-light phase contrast ................................................................3-29
3.3.4 Setting of transmitted-light polarization.....................................................................3-31
3.3.5 Setting of transmitted-light differential interference contrast (DIC) .............................3-36
3.3.6 Setting of epi-fluorescence........................................................................................3-39
3.4 Documentation.........................................................................................................3-41
3.4.1 Attachment of photomicrography equipment............................................................3-41
3.4.2 Attachment of videomicroscopy equipment...............................................................3-44
3.5 Multi-observation equipment.....................................................................................3-46
3.5.1 Attachment of active coobservation equipment for 2 users ........................................3-46
3.5.2 Attachment of multi-observation equipment .............................................................3-48
3.6 Drawing device.........................................................................................................3-50
3.6.1 Intermediate tube for image projection, switchable....................................................3-50
3.7 Quantitative microscopy............................................................................................3-51
3.7.1 Measurement of lengths ...........................................................................................3-51
3.7.2 Height measurement.................................................................................................3-52

INTRODUCTION
Contents Axioskop 2 / Axioskop 2 MOT
0-6 B 40-075 e 06/98
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
4.2.3 Check instrument voltage and change it, if required....................................................4-5
4.3 Troubleshooting .........................................................................................................4-6
4.4 Spares, consumables and tools .................................................................................4-10
4.5 Requesting service .................................................................................................... 4-11
ANNEX......................................................................................................................A-1
List of abbreviations....................................................................................................A-3
List of key words.........................................................................................................A-5
Certification in accordance with DIN ISO 9001 / EN 46001...........................................A-9
EC conformity declaration.........................................................................................A-11

INTRODUCTION
Axioskop 2 / Axioskop 2 MOT Microscopy in a few steps...
B 40-075 e 06/98 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 and/or Axioskop 2 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 on the nosepiece and focus on the specimen; if possible, always move
the specimen away from the objective!
(4) Move 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) After each objective change, field size and objective aperture change, which makes it
necessary to repeat steps (5) to (9).
(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
Notes on instrument safety Axioskop 2 / Axioskop 2 MOT
0-8 B 40-075 e 06/98
Notes on instrument safety
The Axioskop 2 and Axioskop 2 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!

INTRODUCTION
Axioskop 2 / Axioskop 2 MOT Notes on instrument safety
B 40-075 e 06/98 0-9
The Axioskop 2 and Axioskop 2 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 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 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 ± 10%, 50 - 60 Hz, without the need for the
voltage to be changed at the instrument.
The power unit for the HBO 103 allows changing between 120 V and 240 V. It is very
important to check that the correct voltage has been set.
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.
When the stand with motorized focusing drive is used, there is a risk of crushing between
stage carrier / condenser carrier and stand base. Therefore, avoid making any adjustments
under the stage carrier when the stage is lowered. For safety reasons, the stage lowering
procedure can be automatically switched off (see page 3-12).

INTRODUCTION
Notes on instrument safety Axioskop 2 / Axioskop 2 MOT
0-10 B 40-075 e 06/98
The Axioskop 2 and Axioskop 2 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 pull the power plug 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 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 Axioskop 2 /
Axioskop 2 MOT is an optical precision instrument which can be impaired in its performance or
damaged when handled improperly.

INTRODUCTION
Axioskop 2 / Axioskop 2 MOT Notes on warranty
B 40-075 e 06/98 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 Axioskop 2 /
Axioskop 2 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
Overall view of the Axioskop 2 Axioskop 2 / Axioskop 2 MOT
0-12 B 40-075 e 06/98
Overall view of the Axioskop 2
1 Eyepieces
2 Binocular tube
3 Stand
4 Incident-light illuminator
5 Transmitted-light illuminator
6 Condenser
7 Mechanical stage
8 Objectives

INTRODUCTION
Axioskop 2 / Axioskop 2 MOT Overall view of the Axioskop 2 MOT
B 40-075 e 06/98 0-13
Overall view of the Axioskop 2 MOT
1 Eyepieces
2 Binocular ergotube
3 Stand
4 Incident-light illuminator
5 FL excitation filter wheel
6 Transmitted-light illuminator
7 Condenser
8 Mechanical stage
9 Objectives

INTRODUCTION Axioskop 2 / Axioskop 2 MOT
0-14 B 40-075 e 06/98

INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
Axioskop 2 / Axioskop 2 MOT Contents / List of illustrations
B 40-075 e 06/98 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 (manual) microscope configurations and modules...........................................1-4
1.4 Axioskop 2
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...............................................................................................................1-15
List of illustrations
Fig. 1-1 Axioskop 2 (manual) microscope configurations ...............................................................1-4
Fig. 1-2 Axioskop 2 MOT microscope configurations ......................................................................1-8
Fig. 1-3 Objective.......................................................................................................................1-12

INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
Name ... / Instrument description ... Axioskop 2 / Axioskop 2 MOT
1-2 B 40-075 e 06/98
1 INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
1.1 Name and intended application
Manufacturer's name: Axioskop 2 microscope
Axioskop 2 MOT microscope
The Axioskop 2 and Axioskop 2 MOT microscopes have been designed as universal routine microscopes
for biomedical applications. They can be used as pure transmitted-light microscopes or, with epi-
fluorescence equipment, as combined transmitted-light / incident-light microscopes.
The Axioskop 2 and Axioskop 2 MOT microscopes are mainly used in:
− hospitals
− doctor's offices
− universities and
− industry
1.2 Instrument description and main features
With the advanced pyramid and modular design, the Axioskop 2 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
Axioskop 2, such as tubes, intermediate tubes and condensers, are easy to attach.
The Axioskop 2 is offered as a manual and a motorized / coded version. The basic stand is equipped with
either manual (Axioskop 2) or motorized / coded operation and function controls (Axioskop 2 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
- polarization 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.

INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
Axioskop 2 / Axioskop 2 MOT Instrument description and main features
B 40-075 e 06/98 1-3
Major instrument features of the Axioskop 2 (manual):
− Stable and sturdy diecast stand with T-shaped base in the pyramid design and integrated DC supply
for the HAL 12 V 100 W halogen lamp
− Stage focusing via Harmonic Drive TM 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, polarization contrast and differential interference contrast
− Ball-bearing, 5-position nosepiece with W 0.8" thread
− ICS objectives in the price performance categories A-Plan, Achroplan, Plan-Neofluar, Plan-Apochromat
− 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
− Multi-observation equipment for 2, 9 or more viewing stations
− Drawing device with intermediate tube for image projection
In addition to the above instrument features, the Axioskop 2 MOT has the following features which
differ from the manual version:
− High-precision step motor drive for stage focusing
− Motorized condenser functions (front lens, turret disk, aperture diaphragm), optional
− Coded objective nosepiece
− Coded reflector turret
− Objective-dependent brightness control in combination with the coded nosepiece
− Automatic matching of the focusing speeds and focus positions of the objectives used
− Optional and motorized, 8-position FL excitation filter wheel (filter diameter 25 mm) for incident-light
fluorescence, controlled by step motor
− The microscope can be connected to a PC via the RS 232 interface

INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
Axioskop 2 microscope configurations ... Axioskop 2 / Axioskop 2 MOT
1-4 B 40-075 e 06/98
1.3 Axioskop 2 (manual) microscope configurations and modules
Fig. 1-1 Axioskop 2 (manual) microscope configurations
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100

INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
Axioskop 2 / Axioskop 2 MOT Axioskop 2 microscope configurations ...
B 40-075 e 06/98 1-5
Key to Fig. 1-1
1 Stand
2 Eyepiece
3 Binocular tube 30°/23
4 HBO 100 W transformer
5 HBO 103 illuminator
6 HAL 12 V 100 W halogen lamp
7 FL filter slider
8 Objective
9 DIC slider
10 Compensator λ
11 Dust cover
12 DIC prism
13 Achromatic-aplanatic universal condenser 0.9 H D DIC
14 SENARMONT polarizer
15 Filter mount
16 Mechanical stage 75x50 R
17 Specimen holder with spring clip R
18 Technique module

INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
Axioskop 2 microscope configurations ... Axioskop 2 / Axioskop 2 MOT
1-6 B 40-075 e 06/98
Axioskop 2 (manual) microscope configurations) Cat. No.
Configurations
The "Axioskop 2" routine microscope is offered in the following configurations:
for transmitted-light brightfield
with objectives "A-Plan" 5x, 10x, 40x and 100x
for transmitted-light brightfield
with objectives "Achroplan" 4x, 10x, 40x and 100x
for transmitted-light brightfield and phase contrast with
objectives "Achroplan" 4x, 10x Ph 1, 40x Ph 2 and 100x
for transmitted-light brightfield
with objectives "Plan-Neofluar" 2.5x, 10x, 20x, 40x and 100x
for transmitted-light brightfield and phase contrast
with objectives "Plan-Neofluar" 2.5x, 10x Ph 1, 20x Ph 2, 40x Ph 2 and 100x Ph 3
for transmitted-light brightfield and interference contrast
with objectives "Plan-Neofluar" 10x, 20x, 40x and 100x
for epi-fluorescence and transmitted-light phase contrast with objectives Plan-Neofluar/Plan-
Apochromat, Plan-Neofluar 2.5, 10x Ph 1, 20x Ph 2, 40x, Plan-Apochromat 63x and Plan-
Neofluar 100x
Modules
The "Axioskop 2" routine microscope consists of the following modules:
Axioskop 2 stand with 4x reflector turret, Harmonic-Drive focusing drive,
5-position nosepiece H DIC W 0.8“, integrated 12 V DC 100 W power unit (stabilized),
transmitted-light equipment with filter magazine D, stage and condenser carrier,
FL incident-light equipment and HBO/XBO adjusting aid
452310
Eyepieces:
W-PL 10x/23 Br. foc.
PL 10x/23 Br. foc. 000000 1016 758 000000 1026 548
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
452344 (prep.)
452341
452342
Illuminators:
HAL 12 V 100 W halogen illuminator
HBO 103 illuminator
HBO 100 W transformer for HBO 100 W/2 and HBO 103 W/2
447219
487211-9804
458451-9901
Objectives, see section 1.5
DIC sliders:
DIC slider 10x/0.30 I
DIC slider 20x/0.50 II
DIC slider 40x/0.75 II
DIC slider 100x/1.30 III
444431
444437
444463
444480
Compensator λ, 6x20 473704
DIC prisms with polarizer:
DIC prism I / 0.9
DIC prism II / 0.9
DIC prism III / 0.9
000000 1005 002
000000 1005 003
000000 1005 004