AxioImager A2R

Refer to the original PDF for tables, figures and page layout.

Page 1
The Standards: Light Microscopy for the Toughest
Challenges in Materials Analysis and Quality Control
Axio Imager 2
A New Dimension in Performance
Mic ro s c o py  f ro m  C a r l  Zei s s


Page 2
Axio Imager 2
Visionary Performance
Whether in R&D, quality control or failure analysis, the 
challenges facing materials microscopy are becoming 
greater every day. With the triedandtested Axio Imager 
system platform from Carl Zeiss you will be able to win 
these challenges. The Axio Imager microscopes offer the 
very highest quality: sharper images, higher optical and 
operational performance with greater comfort – not only 
in research, but also in routine applications. Axio Imager 2 
stands out thanks to its sophisticated operating concept 
and flexible interfaces for external communication and 
network connections. And Carl Zeiss’ future-oriented 
modular concept means that these durable and robust 
systems will be able to cope with any future requirements 
that arise. Several outstanding features of this second-
generation Axio Imager are: 
• an optimized operating concept 
• improved optics with superb contrast and excellent 
 resolution
• forward-looking stand concept for upgradeability
• innovative design for maximum stability and 
 vibration-free work
• optional automated functions for enhanced operating 
 comfort
• exceptional ergonomics for stress-free use
• an integrated system approach for digital imaging 
 solutions providing high quality reproducible results
With this second-generation Axio Imager Carl Zeiss is 
responding to the increasing demands of industry and 
academia. Put your faith in a reliable, powerful and 
cost-effective analysis platform and in the optimized quality 
of light microscopy.
Cover image: cast iron with spherulitic graphite, polished.
Circular Differential Interference Contrast
EC Epiplan-APOCHROMAT 50x/0.95
With kind permission of Dr. H.-L. Steyer, Struers, Kesselsdorf, 
Germany


Page 3
Contents
The Optics  
4
The Contrasting Techniques  
6
The Areas of Application 
8
The Software   
10
The Cameras    
12
Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy  
13
The Design   
14
The Ergonomics 
15
Specifications   
16
System Overview  
18


Page 4
4
The Optics
A New Quality Before Your Eyes
The objective series
Experience enhanced contrast (EC)
To obtain comprehensive image information, you need to use 
a wide range of objectives. With the Axio Imager objective 
series Carl Zeiss has provided solutions for all levels of optical 
requirements and price / performance categories.
EC EPIPLAN objectives
An economical, all-around series of objectives, which have 
been achromatically corrected with minimum optically 
strain for an impressive quality DIC, and, in addition, pro-
viding a flat field image for a 23 mm field of view. They are 
available in brightfield or brightfield/darkfield versions. 
Differential Interference Contrast in circularly polarized 
light is also possible with all EC EPIPLAN objectives using 
only a single C-DIC prism.
EC Epiplan-NEOFLUAR objectives
The particularly high-contrast EC Epiplan-NEOFLUAR 
objectives, which have high degree of correction and 
minimized optical strain, enabling you to achieve sharp 
C-DIC and a flat, in focus, 25 mm field of view – ideal for 
viewing fine color and structural details, e.g. lamellae in 
spherulitic graphite. Available as DIC/C-DIC, Brightfield/
Darkfield, Pol and LD (long working distance) versions, 
they also offer the additional benefits of long working 
distances and high numerical apertures.
EC Epiplan-APOCHROMAT objectives
The EC Epiplan-APOCHROMAT objectives satisfy the very 
highest demands. They are ideal for imaging color and 
structural details in the sub-micrometer range and are 
renowned for offering the best optical correction and 
highest numerical apertures. Based on ICS optics from 
Carl Zeiss, these innovative Enhanced Contrast objectives 
perform at the limits of what optics can achieve with regard 
to contrast and image fidelity. 
The new Axio Imager generation is the result of the latest innovations in optical 
design. Carl Zeiss has taken its renowned optical performance to new heights once 
again and has carefully designed and optimized all relevant components. Discover 
the visible advances that have been made in image contrast and resolution.
The illumination concept
Obtain brilliant image quality
An innovative illumination concept has been specially deve-
loped for the Axio Imager, enabling you to see your specimen 
in brightfield and darkfield with unprecedented quality, 
minimized stray light and imaging that is virtually aberration 
-free. Outstanding image contrast is achieved, especially in 
interference contrast, even at very high magnifications.
Further information 
can be found at 
www.zeiss.de/objectives


Page 5
5
Greater comfort, simple change of 
contrasting techniques: the modulator 
turret for interference contrast
The tube lens turret
Increase your flexibility
With its expanded magnification range comprising a total 
of five intermediate magnifications, the Axio Imager tube 
lens turret offers greater variability when it comes to ad-
apting the desired field of view. The tube lens turret is 
available in two models. 1) Encoded: this model allows 
manual operation of the tube lens turret (magnification 
change) while providing automatic feedback of the user 
selection for reliable and repeatable documentation, 
scaling factors and measurements. 2) Motorized: this model 
offers you additional operating comfort for your system 
solutions by automatic selection based on user-defined 
configurations. The tube lens turret offers yet another 
advantage: the use of a focusable Bertrand lens, an impor-
tant component for the easy observation of the objective 
exit pupil.
The modulator turret
Easy to operate
Switching quickly and easily from interference contrast to 
other techniques – the Axio Imager modulator turret has 
been developed precisely with this goal in mind. Each of 
the four positions can be easily selected with a simple 
turn. The motorized model is particularly easy to operate. 
When switching to interference contrast, the correct 
prism with the setting you have previously defined is 
automatically activated. If you switch to brightfield or 
darkfield, the path is cleared automatically for fast and, 
above all, reproducible results.
The reflector turret
Fast switching made easy
All Push&Click contrast modules can be stored securely in 
six or ten positions and activated as needed using manual 
or motorized operation.
Motorized apertures
Maintaining constant image quality
Using the motorized aperture and luminous field 
diaphragms you can achieve error-free, reproducible 
illumination settings and, consequently, constant image 
quality. System integrated motorization guarantees you 
comparable results and higher productivity by automating 
the workflow.
The nosepiece
Seven eyes see more
The Axio Imager nosepiece provides room for up to seven 
objectives. You now have a sufficient number of objectives 
to use the entire standard magnification series from 1x to 
100x. Naturally, it is also possible to combine objective 
types, for example reflected light and transmitted light 
objectives. Seven eyes – or room for seven objectives – 
also mean that it is no longer necessary to exchange the 
objectives, saving you time and increasing safety. 
More options, faster handling:
the reflector turrets with Push&Click modules
Monitor: Al/Al2O3 
composite material
Dirk Staudenecker, 
University of Applied 
Sciences, Materials 
Engineering Working 
Group, Aalen, Germany


Page 6
6
The Contrasting Techniques
Observing in New Dimensions
Brightfield and darkfield
Maximum homogeneity and a stray light free image 
background 
In brightfield the Axio Imager provides homogeneous 
illumination and exceptional contrast while, in darkfield, 
the background is so dark that the technique has earned a 
new name: ADF – Advanced Darkfield. By minimizing 
disturbing stray light and reducing the longitudinal color 
aberration of the illumination optics, this darkfield is 
suitable for the most challenging of samples and impresses 
even when faced with the finest of structures. Switching 
between techniques only requires a simple turn. The 
motorized stand models allow you to work particularly 
quickly and conveniently.
C-DIC
Perfect for all structures
Circular Differential Interference Contrast (C-DIC) is a 
polarization-optical technique which, in contrast to ordina-
ry Differential Interference Contrast (DIC), uses circularly 
polarized light. This technique has a number of decisive 
advantages for the contrasting of differently aligned object 
structures. The specimen no longer has to be rotated for 
best image contrast and quality, as is the case in basic DIC. 
With C-DIC it is simply enough to adjust the position of the 
C-DIC prism to adjust for best image quality whether it 
is for contrast and/or resolution independent of sample 
orientation. And all this is possible using one C-DIC prism 
for a homogeneous unsurpassed quality image. 
New imaging options improve the visualization of your samples. The developments 
we make at Carl Zeiss lead to new discoveries in research and more reliable testing 
and results. This applies not only to standard, but also, in particular, to sophisticated 
contrasting techniques, like the innovative C-DIC method. Axio Imager 2 will clearly 
enable you to enhance your results.
Before: if the rules according to Köhler are 
not precisely followed only inferior contrast 
images are possible, even with the best 
objectives.
After: ADF – Advanced Darkfield from 
Carl Zeiss. The result speaks for itself.
August Köhler, Zeiss pioneer and one of the pioneers in microscopy.
The illumination principle named after him revolutionized microscopy.
KLA-Test structures, period 1.6 μm
EC Epiplan-APOCHROMAT 50x/0.95, ∞/0, camera-adapter 0.63x
50 μm
50 μm


Page 7
7
Brightfield:
Classic brightfield allows you to identify only the spherulitic formation. 
Matrix: white (bright), graphite: black (dark).
Darkfield:
Unevenness in the polished surface (such as grooves of the phase boundaries between 
graphite and matrix or notches) clearly reveals the shape of the spherulites and thus 
the polishing quality. Structural features within the cut spherulites can be identified. 
Starting from the crystallization nucleus, the cut surfaces of the graphite segments 
become visible in their divergent orientation (preferred direction of crystallization). 
Incomplete polished spherulites contain bright points and more extensive bright areas.
Circular Differential Interference Contrast (C-DIC):
The matrix is contrasted on the basis of the polishing relief. Hard and soft structural 
constituents become visible, as does what remains of the polishing striae (exclusively 
mechanically polished).
Polarization (crossed polars):
The optical activity, in particular anisotropy, makes the structure inside the  
spherulites clearly visible.
Polarization with additional lambda compensator:
This technique allows optimal contrasting of the structure inside the spheru lite sec-
tion. The interference colors make it possible to see even more details than with 
simply crossed polars.
20 μm
20 μm
20 μm
20 μm
20 μm
Cast iron with spherulitic 
graphite, polished.
Images: same position and 
same magnification, but with 
different contrasting tech-
niques. Specimen preparation 
and image interpretation:
Dr. H.-L. Steyer, Kesselsdorf, 
Germany


Page 8
8
The Areas of Application
Opting for Versatility
The applications
Opaque or transparent
The range of materials and samples encountered in quality 
control, materials testing and research is vast. Axio Imager 
offers the perfect solution for performing analyses. 
Metallic structures, composites, glass, wood and ceramics 
can be analyzed just as effectively as polymers, liquid 
crystals or semiconductor-based MEMs, wafers and photo-
 voltaic elements, for example.
Contrasting
Competence in all contrasting techniques
Additional information helps you to make decisive 
advances. You can choose from a variety of contrasting 
techniques to achieve optimum optical quality for your 
applications: in reflected light it is possible to observe your 
samples in brightfield, darkfield, Differential Interference 
Contrast (DIC), Circular Differential Interference Contrast 
(C-DIC), polarization or fluorescence contrast, while in 
transmitted light, you can examine your samples in bright-
field, darkfield, Differential Interference Contrast (DIC), 
polarization or circular polarization.
The sample space can 
be adjusted continuously 
for sample heights from 
0 to 63 mm.
The sample area
For samples from just a few μm to 63 mm in height
You can adjust the sample space individually to suit your 
particular sample. The size can be adjusted within wide 
ranges, depending on the configuration. If you are using 
a reflected light stage support in combination with a 
reflected light stage, it is possible to examine samples of 
up to 63 mm in height, while with a transmitted light 
stage support and transmitted light stage a height of 
45 mm can be achieved.
Axio Imager 2 is an investment in the future, whether in the area of research, testing or failure 
analysis. Here you will find a system integrated platform that offers you the perfect support 
for your applications. Time and again the modular structure and application-specific 
components will adapt to the growing and changing needs faced in our fast paced world. 
The stage carrier can be removed or its height adjusted by hand.


Page 9
9
Liquid-crystalline phase of [C14mim]Br  
Polarization contrast EC EPIPLAN 10x/0.20 at 
100 °C in a THMS600 Linkam heating stage
Anna Getsis and Anja-Verena Mudring, Faculty 
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Solid-State 
Chemistry and Materials, Ruhr-University 
Bochum, Germany
Bundle of stretched polyelectrolyte molecules
Rhodamine G stain with fluorescence
LD EC Epiplan-NEOFLUAR 100x/0.75
Konstantin Demidenok, Leibniz Institute of 
Polymer Research Dresden e.V., Germany
Tetrahedral inclusions in glass
Brightfield
SCHOTT AG, Corporate Research and  
Technology Development, Mainz, Germany
Layer of gold detaching from a silicon wafer
Brightfield ACHROPLAN 10x/0.25
Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing 
Technology and Applied Materials Research, 
Department for Bonding Technology and 
Surfaces, Bremen, Germany
Microhardness impression in a maraging steel
Brightfield EC Epiplan-NEOFLUAR, 50x/0.80
Sébastien Reymann, University of Applied 
Sciences, Materials Engineering Working 
Group, Aalen, Germany 
Magnetic domains on a silicon-iron electrical 
sheet Kerr microscopy
EC Epiplan-NEOFLUAR 20x/0.50
Dr. Rudolf Schäfer, Leibniz Institute for 
Solid State and Materials Research Dresden, 
Germany
AlNi3,5 anodized according to Barker
Polarization contrast
EC Epiplan-NEOFLUAR 20x/0.50
ACCESS e.V. Aachen and Foundry Institute  
of RWTH Aachen  University, Germany
Maraging steel recast structure, nital etch  
with white, unetched areas
Differential Interference Contrast
EC Epiplan-NEOFLUAR, 50x/0.80
Sébastien Reymann, University of Applied 
Sciences, Materials Engineering Working 
Group, Aalen, Germany
Structure of the surface of a furniture wood
Darkfield EC Epiplan-
APOCHROMAT 10x/0.30
Carl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbH, 
Light Microscopy, Göttingen, Germany
Stress cracks in acrylate layer
Brightfield ACHROPLAN 10x/0.25
Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing 
Technology and Applied Materials Research, 
Department for Bonding Technology and 
Surfaces, Bremen, Germany


Page 10
15
The Ergonomics
Relax While You Work
The touch screen
All key information at a glance
To simplify complex steps, Axio Imager.Z2m and .M2m 
have all the main functions grouped together on a color 
touch screen TFT-Display. This allows you to control all 
motorized components easily at the touch of a button and 
display and control the microscope status. If required, the 
integrated light and contrast managers ensure the best 
possible light and contrast setting. In addition to fixed 
presettings, it is also possible to store complex procedures 
as individual settings and retrieve them at any time with 
just the touch of a button. The Axio Imager microscopes 
are therefore ideal even in a multi-user environment.
The control buttons
Intuitive operation
Axio Imager has a well-designed operating concept. The 
control buttons, which are arranged ergonomically around 
the focusing drive, can be easily distinguished thanks to 
their tactile surfaces. The manual stand has five pre-pro-
grammed buttons, while the motorized stand features ten 
buttons, the functions of which can be freely configured.
The docking station
Remote microscopy
Axio Imager can be remotely controlled using a freely-
positionable control panel. This panel includes among 
other features a focusing drive and illumination control. 
Other functions can also be programmed, as required. 
The panel offers an interface for the TFT-Display and for the 
lateral X-Y control of the motorized stage. A well developed 
concept that gives you a greater freedom of movement 
and is highly ergonomic.
The ergophototube
Relaxed working
With its upright, unreversed image, 50 mm continuous height 
adjustment, ergonomic, fixed viewing angle of 15º and a 
continuous horizontal extension of 50 mm, the 50-15-50 
ergophototube from Carl Zeiss satisfies the highest 
standards in terms of comfort and provides unrestricted 
optical quality in all positions.
Ergophototube
TFT-Display
Reflected light filter
Multifunctional control element
Docking station


Page 11
16
Specifications
Axio Imager.A2m
Axio Imager.M2m
Axio Imager.D2m
Axio Imager.Z2m
Components
Option
A2 
LED
A2
M2p
M2
D2
Z2
A2m
M2m
D2m
Z2m
Stand
manual
+
+
-
-
+
-
+
-
+
-
motorized
-
-
+
+
O*
+
-
+
O*
+
Encoding
readable by PC
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Tube lens turret
encoded
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
motorized
-
-
O
O
-
O
-
O
-
O
Reflector turret
6x encoded
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
-
O
O
6x motorized
-
-
O
O
O
O
-
+
O
O
6x motorized ACR
-
-
-
-
-
O
-
-
-
O
10x motorized ACR**
-
-
-
-
O
O
-
-
O
O
Nosepiece
6x encoded  POL
O
O
-
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
6x encoded HD DIC
O
O
-
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
6x motorized HD DIC
-
-
-
O
-
O
-
O
-
O
6x motorized HD DIC ACR
-
-
-
O
-
O
-
O
-
O
7x encoded HD
O
O
+
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
7x motorized HD
-
-
-
O
-
O
-
O
-
O
Modulator turret C-DIC/TIC 
manual
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
motorized*****
-
-
-
O
-
O
-
O
-
O
Modulator turret for 
transmitted light - DIC
motorized*****
-
-
-
-
-
O
-
-
-
O
Transmitted light LED
-
+
O
+
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
Transmitted-light illumination
manual
-
+
-
-
+
-
O
O
O
O
motorized
-
-
-
+
-
+
-
-
-
O
Double filter wheel 
(transmitted light)
manual
-
+
-
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
motorized
-
-
-
O
-
O
-
-
-
O
Reflected-light illumination
manual***
O
O
O
O
O
O
+
-
+
-
motorized***
-
-
-
-
-
O
-
+
-
+
Luminous field diaphragm 
(reflected light)
manual
O
O
O
O
O
O
+
O
+
O
motorized
-
-
-
-
-
O
-
O
-
O
Aperture diaphragm 
(reflected light)
manual
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
motorized
-
-
-
-
-
O
-
O
-
O
Double filter wheel 
(reflected light)
manual
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
motorized
-
-
-
O
-
O
-
O
-
O
FL attenuator
manual
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
motorized
-
-
-
-
-
O
-
O
-
O
Switching reflected 
light/transmitted light
manual
+
+
-
-
+
-
+
-
+
-
by means of a software 
-
-
+
+
-
+
-
+
-
+
Mixed light using additional 
power supply unit
manual
+
+
-
-
+
-
+
-
+
-
by means of a software 
-
-
+
+
-
+
-
+
-
+
Focus (z-axis)
manual
+
+
-
-
+
-
+
-
+
-
motorized 25 nm
-
-
+
+
-
-
-
+
-
-
High-performance focus (10 nm)
-
-
-
-
-
+
-
-
-
+
TFT-Display
-
-
-
O
+
-
+
-
+
-
+
ApoTome
-
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
Power supply unit
external
-
-
+
+
-
+
-
+
-
+
internal
+
+
-
-
+
-
+
-
+
-
CAN BUS stages  
motorized****
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
Scanning stages  
 
Piezo
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
DC / stepper motors
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
Fast Z-Piezo insert
with manual stage
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
with scanning stage
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
Motorized 2TV tube
-
-
-
O
O
-
O
-
O
-
O
Condensers
manual
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
motorized
-
-
O
O
-
O
-
O
-
O


Page 12
17
+ 
=  included with stand
O 
=  optional
- 
=  not possible 
* 
=  possible to use motorized (6-pos. and 10-pos.) reflector turret
**  
=  ACR function not possible with Axio Imager.D2 and .D2m
*** 
=  all reflected light illuminations contain a motorized shutter
 
    This can be replaced by a high-speed shutter for fluorescence applications (optional).
****  =  for use on the Axio Imager.A2, .A2m, .D2 and .D2m, USB/CAN converter 432909 is required
*****  =  only in connection with motorized nosepiece
Measurements
in mm (inch) 
Stand
Axio Imager.A2m
Axio Imager.M2m
Axio Imager.D2m
Axio Imager.Z2m
Contrast manager
-
+
-
+
Light manager
+
+
+
+
TFT-Display
-
+
-
+
Remote control
-
O (docking station)
-
O (docking station)
Height of sample space
0 – 63 mm (reflected-light stage carrier)
0 – 45 mm (reflected-light/transmitted-light stage carrier for removable condenser holder)
0 – 25 mm (reflected-light/transmitted-light stage carrier with condenser holder)
Depth of sample space
136 mm (distance from optical axis to stand)
121 mm (distance from optical axis to dovetail mount for stage carrier)
Dimensions
388 (H) x 300 (W) x 400 (D) mm
Weight (total)
20 – 30 kg 
20 – 40 kg
20 – 30 kg
20 – 40 kg
Weight (stand)
16.6 kg 
17.5 kg 
16.4 kg
17.0 kg
Eyepiece
Field of view number 23/25
Objective magnification
1x – 100x
Objectives
Reflected light:  
EC EPIPLAN, EC Epiplan-NEOFLUAR, EC Epiplan-APOCHROMAT
Transmitted light: N-ACHROPLAN, EC Plan-NEOFLUAR, Plan-APOCHROMAT, C-APOCHROMAT, FLUAR
Special:  
LD EPIPLAN, LD EC Epiplan-NEOFLUAR
Condensers
Manual/motorized achromatic, manual/motorized achromatic-aplanatic, manual/motorized 
achromatic-aplanatic Universal, LD and darkfield condensers
Tubes
Binocular tubes, phototubes, ergotubes and ergophototubes
Stages
Manual/motorized mechanical stages, 360° pol-rotary stages and scanning stages
Illumination
Reflected light:  
12V 100W HAL, 12V 100W HBO
Transmitted light: 12V 100W HAL, 12V LED
Contrasting techniques  
Reflected light:  
 Brightfield, darkfield, Differential Interference Contrast, Circular Differential Interference Contrast,  
simple polarization, fluorescence 
Transmitted light:  Brightfield, darkfield, Differential Interference Contrast, phase contrast, polarization


Page 13
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System Overview


Page 14
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System Overview


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Information subject to change.
Printed on environmentally-friendly paper, 
bleached without chlorine.
70-2-0020/e – printed 05.09
New Horizons in Materials Microscopy
The Future Before Your Eyes
Carl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbH
07740 Jena, Germany
Industrial | Göttingen Location
Phone  :  +49 551 5060 660
Telefax :  +49 551 5060 464
E-Mail  :  micro@zeiss.de
www.zeiss.de/AxioImagerMAT
Find out more about our patents at:
www.zeiss.de/mikro-patente
Standards met:
ISO 9001, ISO 13485, 
ISO 14001
Axio Imager 2 from Carl Zeiss is a system platform that 
can be used for demanding quality control and materials 
analysis tasks, as well as for the development of new 
materials. The stands are exceptionally Ç exible and can be 
expanded to cover a wide range of applications, meaning 
that Carl Zeiss can offer you a high degree of adaptability 
in line with your future requirements. The combination of 
a motorized stand with additional motorized components, 
plus camera and control software, enables the systems to 
be used optimally for your applications, with maximum 
efÆ ciency and comfort. 
Axio Imager 2 from Carl Zeiss is just as well suited to 
research as it is to routine applications and sets new 
standards in materials microscopy. The stable cell provides 
ideal conditions for vibration-free work, and – thanks to 
the sophisticated production technology from Carl Zeiss – 
you can be conÆ dent that you are buying a product that 
will stand the test of time.
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