Axio Imager A Question of Demand

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1 Microscopy from Carl Zeiss Axio Imager A Question of Demand Better ptics, Faster Results, a More Intelligent Research Microscope: Polarizing Microscopy Has a New Leading Light

2 A Polarizing Microscope That Surpasses All Expectations? Polarizing microscopy has a new leading light: Axio Imager. It is more than just the right stand for all research tasks. Developed on the basis of a forwardlooking system architecture, it is designed for all polarizing microscopy studies from the characterization of minerals and structures to extreme conoscopic analyses. Flexible application from mineralogy, crystallography and geology, to the glass, plastics, textile and fiber industries. Impressive in every major regard: increased resolution and visibly more information in all contrasting methods quicker, more reliable diagnoses in orthoscopy and conoscopy a new concept in ergonomics and operation a modular system architecture creating an extension platform for now and for the future manual or With Axio Imager, Carl Zeiss is setting an example for the rest, showing the way to satisfy the most diverse requirements in the laboratories of institutes, universities and industry with ever greater efficiency and economy, and showing you what exemplary attributes you can expect from polarization microscopy as of today. 2

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4 What Happens When Carl Zeiss Redefines the Boundaries of ptics? To be able to identify even greater detail and even finer structures this was our goal. To do this, Carl Zeiss redesigned its entire optical system. All the relevant components were examined, optimized or redeveloped: from the light source through to the beam path, from the objectives through to the nosepiece, and from the camera interface through to the software interface. We are delighted with the stronger contrasts and excellent resolution that Axio Imager has to offer in all polarizing techniques, and particularly in critical darkfield or DIC. IC 2 S the principle for unprecedented brilliance The systematic minimization of disruptive stray light and the dramatic reduction of the longitudinal chromatic aberration of the illumination optics the proven Carl Zeiss ICS infinity optics have been optimized further for Axio Imager s beam path. As a result, the performance of the optical system is now so remarkable that it merits a new name: IC 2 S Infinity Contrast & Color Corrected System. ffering increased resolution and visibly more information in all contrasting methods, it demonstrates a captivating ability to identify even the finest structures, and features high image contrast, homogeneity and brilliance. Another advantage of this optical system is it s freely accessible infinity space, Axio Imager allows you to add additional components, such as light sources and detectors. This means it is extremely easy to build your own individual system solutions. a. b. c. d f. Beam path optics a. Eyepiece b. Accessible interface in the space c. Reflector d. bjective e. Condenser f. HAL illumination pen interfaces e. 4. f. 1. Accessible interface in the space 2. Reflected light field diaphragm 3. Reflected light aperture diaphragm 4. Filter wheels 4

5 Glass fiber filled with liquid crystal, linear polarized transmitted light, objective: EC EpiplanNeofluar 50x/0.80 Pol Thomas Tanggaard Larsen, Research Center CM, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark, and Peter Hansen, Crystal Fibre A/S, Birkerød, Denmark The EC objectives strainfree and rich in contrast As an essential condition, objectives must be strainfree a condition that is met by Axio Imager s broad spectrum of polarizing objectives for transmitted and reflected light. At the top of the list we have the EC (Enhanced Contrast) objectives. We have redesigned and systematically expanded our ranges of proven highperformance objectives specifically for Axio Imager to now include the EC PlanNeofluar Pol objectives for specimens with a cover glass in transmitted light, and the EC EpiplanNeofluar Pol range for specimens with no cover glass in transmitted and reflected light. Both ranges provide high resolving power and superb images: color fidelity, brilliance, minimized stray light, perfect image flatness and high contrast, even for weakly birefringent objects. Perfect for observation and documentation at all magnifications. Incidentally, for low power work Carl Zeiss offers objectives with 1x and 2.5x magnifications. This means that at the lowest objective magnification, a maximum field of view of 23 mm is achieved. The nosepiece 6x centerable for Pol The encoded six position Pol centering nosepiece saves you the timeconsuming task of changing objectives or nosepieces a crucial advantage that allows efficient work when switching between methods. The rotary stage is centered in line with the first nosepiece position (reference objective), so the position of the image remains centered every time the objective is changed. With six positions, the Pol centering nosepiece offers enough room for all the objectives you use for your work. With its large M27 thread, the encoded nosepiece for Axio Imager is not only open to use for all common contrasting methods in transmitted and reflected light, but also suitable for special reflected light darkfield applications. For this purpose, the nosepiece offers one position as a receptacle for a DIC slider optionally assembled with HDDIC or with a Pol objective. The LED lamp investment in performance and cost efficiency An impressive alternative to the conventional halogen lamp the LED illumination concept offers several advantages simultaneously: constant and brightnessindependent color temperature, low heat radiation and by far the highest durability at 10,000 hours guaranteed. Axio Imager offers you two different ways of connecting the LED lamp: you can use the halogen lamp position, if you do not want to do without Koehler illumination or conoscopy, or you can position the LED lamp directly beneath the condenser, in accordance with the FixedKoehler principle. Brightfield Polarization LED the new form of illumination 5

6 What More Can You Expect From Contrasting? Designed for both traditional and modern polarization applications Axio Imager offers you all the relevant contrasting and measurement techniques. From polarizing microscopy in transmitted light through to the various standard contrasting methods in reflected light. And with an optical quality never witnessed before, thereby visibly enhancing the value of these methods: greater homogeneity and exceptional contrast in brightfield, a jetblack background in darkfield, perfect homogeneity in DIC, and needlesharp contrasts in CDIC. Another feature of Axio Imager is its range of diverse innovative details, ranging from a circular polarizer to a modulator turret, which supply crucial advantages in polarizing microscopy. In transmitted light: rthoscopy: linear and circular polarization Conoscopy Brightfield Darkfield Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) Phase contrast And in reflected light: Brightfield Darkfield Polarization Epodye fluorescence DIC and CDIC Contrasting unlimited possibilities What can you expect from a forwardlooking polarizing system? ptimum performance for every relevant contrasting method. And, with Axio Imager, at an optical quality that provides that little extra information that makes all the difference for many applications. The techniques covered by Axio Imager include: Incidentally, reflected light DIC is particularly suitable for locating ion probes, points for measurement or even microhardness indents. Barred olivine chondrule in the Coolidge meteorite in transmitted light bjective: EC PlanNeofluar10x/0.30 Pol Dr. Jutta Zipfel, Meteorite Research Section, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum, Frankfurt am Main Brightfield 6

7 Rotary stage Compensators Nylon fiber, polarization, measuring compensator 0 to 5 λ Berek 360 rotatable measurement analyzers and polarizers The polarizers classic diversity Axio Imager offers you a wide range of polarizers in various performance categories. ne thing they all have in common is the high degree of polarization colorneutral in the visible range of light, they are perfect for brilliant images and precise, standard measurements. The spectrum for transmitted and reflected light includes fixed and rotatable polarizers. Also in the range are: 360 rotatable measurement analyzers, measurement polarizers with 0.1 vernier, as well as combinations with a fixed or rotatable Lambda plate. r we have a special module with polarizer, which is heatinsensitive for a uniformly good polarization contrast when using a high energy HB103 mercury vapor lamp. Circular polarization innovation in transmitted light Axio Imager offers another practical innovation: the circular polarizer for transmitted light. Unlike in linear polarization (still prevalent today), circular polarization has orientation independent extinction. All objects now appear in their maximum interference colors. The advantages are obvious, not only for the photomicrography of thin rock sections, but also for investigating the structure of plastics, or the distribution of strain in glasses using digital analysis systems. The Pol phototube conoscopy simplified Specially designed for polarizing microscopy with Axio Imager: the Pol phototube for orthoscopy and conoscopy. The advantage of this is that the object, reticle and iris diaphragm are now visible simultaneously thanks to an additional intermediate image plane, making it easy to check the allocation of orthoscopic and conoscopic image information at any time. Ideal for quick and reliable crystallography. And, thanks to the iris diaphragm, the same also applies to the extreme conoscopic range down to a crystal size of 10 µm! The precentered Bertrand optics are focused and can be switched on and off in one easy movement, facilitating a quick change between techniques even during image acquisition or use of video equipment, e.g. in training. But Axio Imager also offers lowpriced alternatives: a simple slider with AmiciBertrand lens for larger objects or the tube lens turret with integrated AmiciBertrand optics. Polarization Polarization with λplate 7

8 Mesosiderite in reflected light bjective: EC EpiplanNeofluar 50x/0.8 Pol Dr. Jutta Zipfel, Meteorite Research Section, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum, Frankfurt am Main Brightfield CDIC Measurement techniques precision from manual to automated Perfect performance in measuring here too Axio Imager offers you a broad spectrum to suit your every requirement: from simple measuring and counting using the ballbearing rotary stage with 360 graduation and 0.1 vernier (e.g. for measuring cleavage in minerals) through to measuring path differences or strain states. This calls for a wide range of compensators in the measuring range of 0 to 30 λ. As the research stand for polarizing microscopy, Axio Imager can also handle numerous other methods. Examples include thermomicroscopy or various image analyses, e.g. involving grain size determination or particle analysis. DIC or CDIC greater homogeneity, greater contrast Improved DIC for Axio Imager at all magnifications from 5x to 100x, with homogeneity illumination across the entire field of view, and extensive optimization of the Carl Zeiss CDIC contrasting technique specifically for Axio Imager. As a result, structures and object details are now revealed with a sharpness never seen before. ADF making the darkfield even darker Axio Imager clearly and visibly enhances the value of this contrasting method. With a background that is so black it merits a new name: ADF Advanced Darkfield. Through its minimization of disruptive stray light and dramatic reduction of the longitudinal chromatic aberration of the illumination optics, this darkfield is a match for even the most demanding samples and impresses with its ability to identify the finest of structures. Brightfield Darkfield 8 Barred olivine chondrule in the Coolidge meteorite in reflected light bjective: EC EpiplanNeofluar10x/0.25 Pol Dr. Jutta Zipfel, Meteorite Research Section, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum, Frankfurt am Main

9 Al Cu alloy, 20% Cu concentration gradient in reflected light a. brightfield, b. darkfield, c. polarization, d. polarization with λplate bjective: EC EpiplanNeofluar 10x/0.25 HD DIC Claudia Wasmund, Department of Material Sciences, Physical Metallography, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt a. The new nosepiece and reflector revolver a small turn for great convenience Switching quickly and easily from one contrasting technique to another all Axio Imager nosepieces have been designed precisely for this purpose. Just one turn is all it takes to change methods. The encoded sextuple Pol centering nosepiece with M27 threads relieves you of the timeconsuming task of changing objectives. The same applies to the reflector turret: all Push&Click contrast modules, including optical components like the polarizing filters, can be stored securely in six positions (6x manually encoded, 6x ) or 10 positions (10x ), and activated as and when needed. A convenient innovation: the modulator revolver for CDIC. Each of its four positions can be easily selected with just one twist. A further plus with Axio Imager: the tube lens turret. With its expanded magnification range of four additional intermediate magnifications, this provides more flexibility in adapting the desired field of view. b. c. d. Reflector turret Polarization 9

10 How Much Convenience Can be Packed into an Intelligent Polarizing Microscope? A microscope with enough intuition to make managing workflows easier and more reliable for Axio Imager, Carl Zeiss has realized an operation and ergonomics concept that will surprise you. Newly conceived, with innovative details and integrated intelligence, many of the functions are now so simple that the polarizing microscope can virtually operate itself, irrespective of whether it is manual or, leaving you free to concentrate on more important things: your demanding research work! The diaphragms constant image conditions automatically Developed for perfectly reproducible settings and, therefore, for constant image conditions the aperture and field diaphragm automatically regulates contrast and illumination on Axio Imager stands, in both reflected as well as transmitted light beam paths. So, objectivespecific diaphragm adjustments, for example, can be stored and retrieved at any time. The touch screen innovation at first sight Complex workflows made easy now for the first time on a polarizing microscope the main functions are grouped together on a touch screen (TFT). Status display and control: everything is now available at a glance. You can immediately control all components at the touch of a button. In addition to fixed presettings, it is also possible to store complex procedures userspecifically as individual settings and retrieve them at any time just by pressing a button. The perfect way to ensure that Axio Imager runs smoothly, even in a multiuser environment. The control buttons feel the functionality Smart detail in the Axio Imager operating concept: the tactile surfaces of the control buttons. Arranged ergonomically around the focusing drive, they can be distinguished and operated without looking. n manual stands, there are five preconfigured buttons for regulating light intensity and switching the shutters in reflected and transmitted light. n models there are ten buttons available, which can be freely configured for individual settings. Structure of a singlephase Ti alloy after annealing in reflected light Polarization with λplate bjective: EC EpiplanNeofluar 2.5x/0.075 Pol C. Müller, Dept. of Material Sciences, Physical Metallography, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt ACR reflector module 10

11 Network possibilities Satellite LAN/Internet Seriell USB Ethernet WAN, ISDN, modem Several monitors Beamer The control panel microscopy without a microscope For more freedom of movement in everyday laboratory practice Axio Imager can also be controlled remotely using a freelypositionable control panel*. This panel includes a focusing drive and brightness control. You can also program other functions as required. The panel offers an interface for the TFT and for the x and ycontrol of the stage a well thoughtout concept that gives you greater convenience. Automatic Component Recognition the new mark of recognition in the research category ACR Automatic Component Recognition stands for the innovative concept of automatic recognition of objectives and reflector modules on all Axio Imager models. If you exchange a component, the new component is immediately recognized by the system. But ACR is more than a technical innovation: it is the sum total of Carl Zeiss knowhow about the complex interaction of all setting parameters. This gives you the guarantee of correct settings fully automatically. The TCP/IP protocol connection for all networks The Axio Imager is equipped with an Ethernet connection, which gives it an Internet and network capability. This means that Carl Zeiss makes it possible for you to control the research microscope remotely, even without a PC, via external workstations providing you with a clearly extended operating range of practical benefit. *available from: ACR objectives Multifunctional control element 11

12 How Do You See the Forwardlooking Imaging Platform in Polarizing Microscopy? Digital imaging at research level Axio Imager offers everything you need with its forwardlooking motorization and contemporary interfaces. Fully integrated into the Carl Zeiss systems, the microscope, camera and software complement each other. Together they form a digital imaging system that sets a new standard in performance, flexibility and ease of operation. The AxioCam cameras versatile possibilities for a versatile microscope Axio Imager offers you every possible freedom in camera usage. From simple video and digital consumer cameras to scientific microscope cameras particularly those belonging to the Carl Zeiss AxioCam family. Ideal for polarizing microscopy is the digital AxioCam HRc color camera with its extremely high scanning resolution, ensuring perfect color brilliance without color moiré, even with the finest of structures, and a large field of view with a 12megapixel resolution for each color channel at the same time. Attractive alternatives are the AxioCam MRc or AxioCam MRc5. The AxioVision software superior intelligence AxioVision is the microscope software for useroriented digital imaging solutions. AxioVision is practiceoriented, intuitive in terms of operation and easily adapted to your individual requirements. With its perfectly modular structure, this leader in digital imaging solutions is just as comfortable with simple documentation as it is with sophisticated highend applications in polarizing microscopy. Through a wide range of addon modules and applicationspecific solutions, AxioVision can be expanded with versatility to meet increasing demands, such as the acquisition of large specimens in composite or panoramic images, or the analysis of grain sizes or particles. Continuously updated and expanded, AxioVision is the solution for now and for the future. AxioVision 12

13 How Flexible Does a Costeffective Investment Need to be? ne look at the design of Axio Imager and you cannot fail to be impressed. What was important during the design process, however, was to ensure that this innovative stand architecture created the basis for an unusually high level of flexibility, resulting in more return on your investment. Axio Imager presents a microscope platform to suit every need. The stand variants flexibility times 9 Greater return on your investment in polarizing microscopy Axio Imager offers you all the scope you need to customize your research microscope to suit your requirements. We call the expansion concept rightsizing, which means that you do not have to invest in anything more or less than you actually need. You have a choice of four different stand platforms. And for each platform there are two options a BioMed variant and a Material variant depending on where the focus of your applications lies. Added to these is a stand that comes with LED illumination in transmitted light. So, a total of nine models that differ in terms of their configurability and motorization needs restructuring. These freely configurable stands are ideal for users who want to keep all options open for future applications. The preconfigured systems, with their generous basic features, are the lowcost alternatives specially designed for clearly defined applications and budgets. Both types offer manual and operation. There has never been so much flexibility in polarization. Left: PolyLlysine in transmitted light Right: Trypsinogen in transmitted light bjective: LD Epiplan 20x/0.25 DIC Polarizer with λplate, rotatable In freezedrying microscopy we work with continuous changes in magnification to observe what happens to substances in the calandria, what environmental conditions cause them to collapse. Motorization makes our work an awful lot easier. Axio Imager is very easy to work with. And we are thrilled with the quality of the image. Eva Meister, study group run by Dr. H. Gieseler, Chair of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of ErlangenNuremberg, Erlangen 13

14 Axio Imager flexibility for all areas of application Stand Coding Tube lens turret Reflector turret Nosepiece Modulator revolver for CDIC/TIC Stage support Transmitted light illumination Filter wheels (transmitted light) Reflected light illumination*** with permanently installed diaphragms Reflected light illumination*** Diaphragm sliders/filter wheels (reflected light) Focus (zaxis) TFT display Automatic Component Recognition (ACR) Apotome Power unit Mechanical stage 75x50 mot; CAN PIEZ scanning stages Mot. 2TV tube Condensers ption manual readoutable from PC coded 6x manual 6x coded 6x 10x 6x manual HD 6x manual/cod. PL 6x coded HD DIC 6x HD DIC 7x coded HD 7x HD manual fixed dovetail manual manual manual manual manual 25nm 10nm manual ACR reflector turret ACR nosepiece external internal manual A1 LED * * * * * A1 * * * * * M1 ** D1 * * * * Z1 A1m M1m ** D1m * * * * Z1m = included with stand = optional * = only if fitted with Light Control Mot = not possible * = partially readoutable ** = the following is required in addition to the reflector turret included with the stand: a) modulator revolver for CDIC/TIC or b) compensator mount or c) dust plug (no function). *** = all reflected light illuminations contain a shutter. This can be replaced by a highspeed shutter for fluorescence applications. 14

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18 All the Benefits at a Glance Which Demands Does This More Sophisticated Polarizing Microscope Meet? The optics Innovative IC 2 S infinity system for significantly greater contrast in all contrasting methods Enhanced contrast, the new generation of enhanced contrast polarizing objectives Free access to the infinity space The contrasting Fully equipped for all techniques in transmitted and reflected light methods Always in new optical quality Quick and easy technique change using nosepiece, reflector turret, modulator revolver and tube lens turret Push&Click modules for insertion or removal for secure storage of optical components The measurement Full precision spectrum from 360 rotary stage to compensators measuretechniques ment polarizers and analyzers, through to softwareassisted analyses with AxioVision The operation Innovative touch screen operation Integrated intelligence for automated settings and reliable reproducibility Automatic Component Recognition (ACR) ptimized for maximum strain relief and high work efficiency The stand Exceptional modularity for greater return on investment in all models: architecture manual,, preconfigured, freely configurable Reliable and expandable platform for future requirements Designed as a stable cell, vibrationfree and insensitive to temperature Contemporary interfaces for integration into network environment and Internet The imaging pen to the integration of all imaging components system Superior with digital color cameras in the AxioCam family and with AxioVision microscope software Customized expansion possibility using AxioVision modules and application solutions, e.g. MosaiX, grain size analysis, Particle Analyzer Carl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbH P..B. 4041, Göttingen, Germany Phone: Fax: micro@zeiss.de Subject to change. Printed on environmentallyfriendly paper, bleached without the use of chlorine e