AxioObserver MATBroch
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Page 1\nAxio Observer\nPrecise Analysis \nAhead of Its Time: the Next Generation\nInverted Microscope for the Investigation,\nDevelopment and Analysis of Materials \nM i c r o s c o p y f r o m C a r l Z e i s s\n\n\nPage 2\n2\nThe New Pioneer in Materials\nMicroscopy: Axio Observer\nWhy should first-class optics need to be redesigned?\nWhy should an intuitive operating concept be made\neven easier? Why should a high-performance micro-\nscope system be pushed to new limits? The answer:\nBecause today’s standards will no longer be accept-\nable in industry and academic research tomorrow.\nBecause new developments are governed by acceler-\nating investment cycles, increasingly exacting quali-\nty requirements, miniaturization, and the pressure to\nreduce costs. \nThe generation leap needed in high-level materials\nmicroscopy has now been made: Here is a new\nresearch and analysis platform which will meet your\nchallenging demands of today and tomorrow. Fea-\ntures include:\n• New optics providing optimum resolution and\ncontrast\n• Innovative touch screen display operating concept\n• Automatic Component Recognition (ACR)\n• Enhanced modularity for ever changing \napplications\n• Reproducibility and stability\n• Three stand versions: Axio Observer.A1m, \nAxio Observer.D1m and AxioObserver.Z1m – \nfrom the economical entry level to top-end \nperformance\nAxio Observer from Carl Zeiss. Materials microscopy\nat its best. \n\n\nPage 3\n3\nAxio Observer\n\n\nPage 4\n1\n3\n4\n5\n6\n7\n8\n12\n13\n14\n15\n16\n17\n18\n19\n9\n10\n11\n2\n4\nSetting new standards: \nthe apochromatic beam path\nWith apochromatic correction, the latest generation\nof Carl Zeiss beam path optics sets new standards.\nIt gives Axio Observer images unprecedented, uni-\nform brilliance. Homogeneous illumination across\nentire viewable fields. And, most importantly, a high\ndegree of contrast. Thanks to the new design, light\nscatter in the reflected-light path is drastically elim-\ninated. Seeing your specimens in brilliant contrast\nand aberration-free – with all objectives, and with\nall methods, whether brightfield or darkfield – may\nmake you believe you have new eyes. \nSuperior Definition and Contrast:\nthe Leap in Optical Performance\nAxio Observer boosts high-end materials microscopy\nby unprecedented optical performance. With ex-\ntremely low light scattering and surprisingly high\ncontrast, it provides distinctly more information \ncontent with the high quality images it generates.\nCarl Zeiss has redesigned and optimized the entire\noptics of Axio Observer. The beam path has been\napochromatically corrected so it brings out the full\npower of the Carl Zeiss objectives adding brilliant\nquality to all contrasting methods. \nBeam path\n1 Intermediate image\nplane, trinocular tube\n2 Eyepiece\n3 Intermediate image\nplane, front port\n4 Intermediate image\nplane, base port\n5 Beam path switch:\nbase port/front\nport/visual obs.\n6 Side port prisms\n7 Tube lens\n8 Analyzer\n9 Reflector module\n10 Field diaphragm\n11 Aperture diaphragm\n12 Filter slider\n13 HAL lamp\n14 HAL lamp\n15 Field diaphragm\n16 Polarizer\n17 Aperture diaphragm\n18 Condenser\n19 Objective\n\n\nPage 5\n5\n1.\n2.\n1. Zinc with deformation twins,\n200x magnification, polarized light\n2. Gray cast iron with GJL flake graphite,\n500x magnification, brightfield\nMicrographs courtesy of University of Applied\nSciences, Aalen, Germany\nNew level of contrast in all\nmethods\nThe effects of Axio Observer’s apochromatically cor-\nrected reflected-light beam path immediately catch\nthe eye. In brightfield, with better homogeneity\nand color fidelity. In darkfield, with a black back-\nground that makes even the finest structures come\nout. The microscope offers all relevant methods \nin transmitted and reflected light: brightfield, dark-\nfield, polarization, DIC; plus C-DIC and fluorescence\nin reflected light. Method change is especially fast\nand convenient with the motorized stands. When\nyou select the motorized diaphragms, Axio Observer\nautomatically adapts the settings.\nH = Brightfield, D = Darkfield, DIC = Differential Interference Contrast, C-DIC = Differen-\ntial Interference Contrast in polarized light, Pol = Polarization, LD = Long Distance\nObjectives of higher image quality \nCarl Zeiss objectives are distinguished by a mini-\nmum of scattered light and reflections, better trans-\nmission and greater homogeneity. Axio Observer’s\napochromatic illumination concept brings out these\nquality characteristics to the fullest extent. The\nresult: images of superior quality. The objective\nseries available for this powerful materials micro-\nscope are tailored to match different requirements\nand applications – from the economical and flexi-\nble to the sophisticated and high-resolving. \nEpiplan\nManufactured with achromatic correc-\ntion and low strain, the objectives of this\neconomical series permit DIC of convinc-\ning quality and produce images that are\nflat within a diameter of 23 mm in the\nintermediate image plane. Available in\nH, HD and LD versions.\nEC Epiplan-Neofluar\nThese extra-high-contrast objectives are\nperfect for the rendition of finest color\nand structure details. Made with sophis-\nticated correction and low strain, they\npermit brilliant C-DIC and produce a flat\nimage field of 25 mm. Available in DIC,\nHD, C-DIC, Pol and LD versions.\nEC Epiplan-Apochromat\nThe finest objective series Zeiss offers,\nwith the best correction and the highest\nnumerical aperture, for example, the \nEC Epiplan-Apochromat 20x/0.60. These\nobjectives are most suitable for the\nimaging of finest color and structural\ndetails in the submicrometer range. \nFor further information, please visit\nwww.zeiss.de/objectives\n\n\nPage 6\n6\nEfficiency You Can Rely on –\nNo Matter which Method\nThe 6-place reflector turret,\nmotorized for convenience\nThe new motorized reflector turret with six filter\nplaces offers a high degree of flexibility and an added\nmeasure of operating convenience. The Push&Click\nreflector modules can be exchanged in virtually no\ntime, and – starting with the Axio Observer genera-\ntion – the complete turret can easily be replaced\nwithout assembly work. The letters ACR* designate\nthe new comfort in materials microscopy. ACR \nautomatically reads and recognizes the reflector\nmodule, whereupon the microscope configures itself\naccordingly. \n* Automatic Component Recognition. Available for Axio Observer.Z1m. \nAdvanced to better match practical requirements,\nAxio Observer offers a multitude convenience for\nthe various contrasting methods: Automated com-\nponents for the reflected-light beam path, a new\nreflector turret, automatic control of contrast and\nillumination – innovative details that relieve you of\nmany operating steps, making sure you always have\nthe correct setting selected.\nThe automated reflected-light\nbeam path ensures constant \nimaging conditions\nContrast and illumination in Axio Observer are con-\ntrolled automatically. The motorized aperture and\nilluminated field diaphragms keep imaging condi-\ntions and thus reproducibility constant. Objective-\nspecific diaphragm settings can be saved 1:1 and\nconveniently restored at any time. The same applies\nto the lamp voltage – save it separately for each con-\ntrasting method and objective, and rest assured that\nbrightness in the eyepieces or the camera is always\nthe same. \nLED, the economically superior\nillumination principle\nAxio Observer’s new LED illumination has a number\nof advantages: no need to adjust the lamp filament,\nand an extremely long illumination lifetime. This is\ndecisive especially for routine laboratories, where\nevery downtime needed for lamp change costs time\nand money. LED illumination is particularly suitable\nfor reflected light with brightfield, DIC and C-DIC.\nA matter of seconds: simply exchange reflector modules\nwithout demounting the reflector turret.\nReflector turret\n\n\nPage 7\n7\nCorrect settings made automatically:\nthe contrast manager\nDependable and time-saving, the contrast manager\nof Axio Observer sets all necessary components auto-\nmatically and correctly. This saves you several steps\non the way to the optimum result – you simply select\nthe contrast, nothing else. The same convenience is\neffective when you change magnifications. \nEfficient protection and more: \nthe light manager \nConvenient and comfortable for your eyes in direct\nobservation, the light manager of the Axio Observer\ngeneration is more than an efficient protection against\nexcessive light intensities. Both in reflected and trans-\nmitted light, it correctly adjusts the light intensity as you\nchange the magnification. \nAlCu alloy, 20% Cu concentration gradient \nPanorama micrograph, AxioVision, brightfield reflected light.\nEC Epiplan-Neofluar 5x/0.13 Pol\nClaudia Wasmund, Institute of Materials Science, University of\nTechnology, Darmstadt, Germany\nLED illumination\nWorkflow\nContrast manager\nLight manager\n\n\nPage 8\n8\nDocking station\nSafety is a prime concern with \nAxio Observer. For example, all settings \ncan be protected by a password.\nThe TFT display, whether on the stand or in the\ndocking station, provides transparent, menu-\ncontrolled operation and configuration.\nConvenience Meets Intelligence:\nthe New Operating Concept\nEnhanced overview and certainty:\nthe new displays\nThe new level of operating convenience material-\nizes in a touchscreen TFT display placed next to the\nmotorized Axio Observer.Z1m stand. It boosts the\nefficiency of the workflow and the certainty of your\ncontrol actions, and provides a perfect overview.\nConsistently combining control and monitoring,\nthis compact unit is unique in materials microscopy.\nWith extremely straightforward menu logic inde-\npendent of the PC you can control the entire micro-\nscope. Activating individual functions or comple-\ntely preset processes takes a mere touch with your\nfinger tip. For Axio Observer.D1m stand, a compact,\ndetachable LCD display has been designed, which\nAxio Observer sets new standards of operating con-\nvenience and efficiency. An intelligent operating con-\ncept integrates the entire workflow, from planning\nto monitoring to analysis. Consistent and well engi-\nneered, it includes direct hands-on operation as well\nas remote control. A concept that lets you tap the\nimmense performance potential of this innovative\nhigh-end platform in the most economical and \nreliable way. \nfurnishes comprehensive status information. It is\nhelpful for system configuration and displays all\nsettings – objectives, contrasting methods, and\nmagnification. \nMaximum freedom of work \norganization: the docking station\nPerfectly integrated in your workflow, the docking\nstation offers you every freedom to control the motor-\nized microscope stand as your application requires: via\nPC, or completely by remote control. This is relevant\nwherever access to the microscope is difficult or impos-\nsible, or where your specimens need constant environ-\nmental conditions. The combination of all controls in\na compact unit permits access to the complete menu\nlogic of the TFT, plus all controls for specimen position-\ning. Five pushbuttons on the focusing knob can be\nfreely assigned to functions of your choice.\n\n\nPage 9\n9\nLCD display, ergonomic tube or push-\nbutton ring: the entire operating concept \nof Axio Observer is designed for a fast,\nconvenient workflow.\nDistinct advantage for the convenience and certainty\nof operation: Automatic Component Recognition \nidentifies objectives and reflector modules.\nCuP alloy, DIC, 100x magnification\nMicrograph courtesy of University of Applied\nSciences, Aalen, Germany\nConvenience does not stop short\nof the manual controls\nYou need not let go of the focusing knob to reach\nthe other controls of Axio Observer. The freely assign-\nable pushbuttons on the ring around the focusing\nknob can be operated blindly, so you can control the\nentire microscope without taking your eyes off the\neyepieces. Before you start your examination, make\nuse of another practical detail, the focus stop: Set to\nthe maximum permissible approach between the\nobjective and the specimen, it efficiently protects\nboth. \nACR – the intelligent highlight of\nthe new microscope generation\nAppreciable time saving, reduced risk of faulty\noperation, and more convenience – these are the\nbenefits of Automatic Component Recognition\n(ACR). This Carl Zeiss innovation automatically\nreads which reflector module and which objective\nyou have fitted to the microscope, and updates the\nsystem configuration accordingly. A feature that is\nideal in everyday work, especially if the modules\nare alternatingly used on several microscope\nstands.\nComfortable posture with the\nergonomic viewing tube\nWith its 50 mm height adjustment and an ergo-\nnomically ideal, fixed 25° viewing angle, the Ergo\ntube allows you to use your Axio Observer in a\ncomfortable posture, reducing fatigue in long\nworking sessions. \nWorkflow\nErgonomic viewing tube\nFreely positionable \nLCD display\nFocusing knob with \npushbutton ring\n\n\nPage 10\n10\nModules\nImage Processing\n• Text and graphic elements\n• Annotations\n• Filters for contrast and\nsharpness\nInside4D\nVisualization in 3D\nImaging Plus\n• Image enhancement\n• Gray morphology\n• Fourier transform\n• Transformation of color\nmodels\ns\nTIC\nOptical height measure-\nment in the nanometer\nrange\nAsset Archive\nAsset cataloging and\narchiving\nTopography\nHeight measurement\nbased on Z-Stacks\nOnline Measurement\nAll measurements functio-\nnality in online image\nImage Analysis\nInteractive measurement with standard parameters\nInteractive\nMeasurement\nExpanded interactive \nmeasurement techniques\nAutoMeasure\nEasy creation of measure-\nment programs with a\nmeasurement wizard\nDocumentation\nImage archiving and \nreporting\nImage Processing\nImage Analysis\nDocumentation\nBasic program\nAutoMeasure Plus \n• Segmentation \n• Binary image processing \n• Automatic measurement\n\n\nPage 11\n11\nMultiphase\nParticle Analyzer\nCalotte Grinding \nMeasurement\nCoating thickness \nmeasurement\nMultiphase\nAutomatic measurement \nof particle sizes and \nvolume shares\nApplication solutions\nConfiguration\nCustomization of user\ninterface\nCommander\nRecording and \nautomatic execution \nof work steps\nVBA\nProgramming environment\nConfiguration\nIf you do not have the time to create your own soft-\nware configurations but need solutions tailored to\nspecific tasks, you can find them in AxioVision. For\nalmost any application. Already the basic module\ncomprises all essential functions such as acquisi-\ntion, basic image processing, image analysis, docu-\nmentation, configuration, and camera and micro-\nscope control. With a broad spectrum of sup-\nplementary modules and application solutions, \nAxioVision can be adapted to growing requirements –\neasily, quickly and economically. Carl Zeiss con-\ntinuously adds new, application-specific solutions \nto the range. The user-friendly design has made\nAxioVision the world’s leading imaging software.\nGrains\nGrain size analysis\nGraphite\nAnalysis of form and size\nof graphite particles\nNMI\nAnalysis of the content of\nnon-metallic inclusions in\nsteel according to interna-\ntional standards\nParticle Analyzer \nProjects\nProject management for \nparticle analysis (VDA 19, \nISO 16232, ISO 4406)\nAxioVision\n\n\nPage 12\n12\nTrue Excellence Shows up in the Details:\nthe System Components\nConvincing from entry-level to\nhigh-end models: \nCarl Zeiss microscope cameras\nModern cameras must satisfy requirements as var-\nied as the application set in materials microscopy.\nAccordingly, the new Axio Observer microscope\nprovides a variety of standardized optical-mechan-\nical camera ports and software solutions, allowing\nyou to use a wide spectrum of cameras, from \ndigital consumer models to professional digital \nsystems with C-Mounts. AxioCam, the Carl Zeiss\nfamily of digital microscope cameras, comprises dif-\nferent performance grades and price brackets, one\nof which is certain to match your application. Fully\nintegrated, all Carl Zeiss cameras can be directly\ncontrolled via AxioVision imaging software. Provid-\ning optimized live images at high speed, immedi-\nately calibrateable resolution, automatic exposure\nsetting and more, they are powerful answers to\nyour documentation problems. \nStages for automated procedures\nAxio Observer can be optioned with many different\nstages. A new motorized scanning stage has been\nspecially developed for high precision tasks to be per-\nformed with Axio Observer. It is perfect, for example,\nfor the automated recording of large specimens\n(mosaic images), but useful also with application soft-\nware modules such as for the analysis of non-metal-\nlic inclusions. \nAxioCam ICc1\nAxioCam ICc3\nAxioCam MRc\nAxioCam MRc5\nLeft: 1.4 megapixels for routine applications\nRight: 3.3 megapixels for routine applications requiring\nhigher resolution\n1.4 megapixels for applications requiring higher\nimage quality, especially for specimens with broad\ncontrast range \n5 megapixels for documentation results of\ntop quality and high resolution \nVersatile and modular design to suit your diverse\napplications are not the only benefits you can expect\nof the research class of Carl Zeiss materials micro-\nscopes. In addition, you have the freedom to choose\namong a spectrum of high-performing components to\nconfigure the version that meets your requirements in\nthe best and most economic way. You can rely on \nthe performance of an expertly optimized overall \nsystem. And you can be sure that any future develop-\nment can be integrated via standardized microscope\ninterfaces. \n\n\nPage 13\n13\n1.\n2.\n3.\nCombined precision: \n90° rotating & mechanical stage\nRotating through more than 90°, centerable and\nmoving in X and Y, this new stage for Axio Observer\nallows precise alignment of your material speci-\nmens. During rotation, the focused specimen area\nconstantly remains in the center rather than turn-\ning out of the field of view. This stage is particular-\nly important for specimens having distinctly aligned\nstructures. Examples: Rolled metal sheets, semicon-\nductors, PCBs, components of geometrical shape,\netc. And it is indispensable for distinguishing\nbetween anisotropic and isotropic constituents of\nstructure in polarization work. \nAnalyzer sliders for every \napplication\nMany different analyzer sliders are available for \nAxio Observer, including a fixed analyzer, a measur-\ning analyzer rotating through 360°, and the most\nversatile model: a rotating analyzer with rotating\nfull-wave plate. The range of options provides a\nhigh degree of flexibility to suit every application. \nGlass or metal stage inserts for\nthe most exacting demands\nGlass inserts with their smoother surface are most\nuseful for specimens of softer metals like copper, tin,\nbrass, aluminum, beryllium or magnesium, which are\nsusceptible to scratching when shifted about on the\nstage insert during observation. The strong point of\nAxio Observer’s new metal inserts is their rigidity. The\nhigh-grade spring steel will not yield under loads,\neven if many samples have to be examined per day.\nThus it is ensured that the optical reference plane is\nmaintained and all parts of the specimen are in focus.\nStage inserts for Axio Observer are available with dif-\nferent inside apertures matching standard specimen\ndiameters, plus a 10 mm aperture for very small spec-\nimens. \n1. Fixed analyzer\n2. ±10° rotating analyzer with \n±10° rotating full-wave plate \n3. Slider with 360° rotating analyzer \n90° rotating\nstage\nGliding stage\nMechanical stage\nScanning stage\nAxioCam HRc\nAnalyzer sliders\nSelectable resolution up to 3 x 13 megapixels for top\nquality and extremely high resolution at the very\nlimit of what is technically feasible\n\n\nPage 14\n14\nA Safe, Future-proof Decision:\nthe Stand \nThree stand models – \nthree high-performance systems\nWith Axio Observer, you take a performance leap to\nthe next generation of materials microscopy, irre-\nspective of which stand forms the basis of your analy-\nsis platform. The three versions constitute three high-\nperformance systems. Each of them is a stable\nplatform on which you can face the growing require-\nments in materials development and analysis with\ncompetence and capability:\nLarge and strong , the stand of Axio Observer com-\nbines flexibility with stability and thereby sets the\nnew standard in materials microscopy. The choice\nbetween three microscope stand options is not a mat-\nter of weight class, but of specific microscope options,\naimed at optimum functionality and economy for your\nmaterials microscope applications.\n• Axio Observer.A1m: Thanks to the innovative\nbeam path design, even the entry-level model\nwill ensure excellent imaging results\n• Axio Observer.D1m: In addition, this stand\nversion offers coded and motorized compo-\nnents that can be read via the PC – for greater\ncertainty in measurements and greater operat-\ning convenience\n• Axio Observer.Z1m: This fully motorized\nstand expands the performance capabilities by\nmotorized focusing (z control), ACR, TFT dis-\nplay and docking station. Currently the ulti-\nmate in operating convenience, flexibility and\nreproducibility available to materials microscopy\nAxio Observer.A1m\nAxio Observer.D1m\nAxio Observer.Z1m\n\n\nPage 15\nStative\n15\nAxio Observer\nEquipment\nOption\nA1m\nD1m\nZ1m\nStand\nmanual\n+\n+\n-\nmotorized\n-\no*\n+\nreadable from stand\n-\n+\n+\nFocus control\nmanual (2 mm / 0.2 mm)\n+\n+\n-\nmotorized\n-\n-\n+\nPower supply unit\nexternal\n-\n-\n+\ninternal\n+\n+\n-\nDisplay\nLCD\n-\no**\n-\nTFT\n-\n- \n+\ndocking station for TFT\n-\n-\no\nTube lens mount\n1x\n+\no\no\nOptovar turret\n3x, coded\n-\no\n-\n3x, motorized\n-\n-\no\nLight manager\n-\n+\n+\nContrast manager\n-\n-\n+\nRevolving objective nosepiece\n6x HD DIC manual\n+\n-\n-\n6x HD DIC coded\n-\n+\n-\n6x HD DIC motorized ACR\n-\n-\n+\nReflector turret\n6x manual\no\no\no\n6x coded\n-\no\no\n6x motorized\n- \no\no\n6x motorized ACR\n-\no\no\nReflected light\napochromatic manual\n+\no\no\napochromatic motorized\n-\no\no\nReflected light diaphragm slider\nmanual\no\no\no\nmotorized\n-\no\no\nDocumentation\nside port left\no\no\no\nside port right\n- \no\no\nside port left / right\n-\no\no\nfront port / base port\n-\no\no\nSwitching mirror for 2 lamps\nmanual\no\no\no\nmotorized\n- \no \no \nTransmitted light\nmanual condensor\no\no\no\nmotorized condensor\n-\no\no\n- = not possible\n+ = included in stand\no\n= optional\no* = optional: reflector turret, condenser and reflected light system\no** = holder with LCD display (432923-0000-000)\ncarrier for transmitted light illumination with LCD display (423922-0000-000)\n\n\nPage 16\n\n\nPage 17\n\n\nPage 18\n\n\nPage 19\n\n\nPage 20\nMicroscope class\n• The new research-grade inverted materials\nmicroscope from Carl Zeiss\n• Universally suitable for all applications in mate-\nrials research and development\n• The strong alternative with near-limitless speci-\nmen space\nNew optics\n• Apochromatic correction for unequalled contrast\nwith all methods\n• Consistently high brilliance\n• Homogeneous illumination\n• Broad range of special objectives for materials\napplications\nMethods\n• Equipped for all relevant contrasting methods\n• 6-place reflector turret for convenient change\nof reflector modules\n• Automated components of the reflected light\nbeam path, providing the highest level of\nreproducibility\n• Contrast and light managers for automatically\ncontrolled microscope settings\n• New LED illuminating concept, no alignment\nand no lamp change required\nInnovative operating concept\n• New control and monitoring convenience\nthrough TFT or LCD display\n• High flexibility of system control: stand, TFT or\nPC, or complete remote control via docking\nstation\n• Intelligently positioned manual controls\nStability\n• Peerless stability thanks to \npyramidal design\n• Designed for uncompromising \nreproducibility\nAnalytical system\n• Powerful AxioVision imaging software\n• Modular expandability for all functions such as\nMosaiX, Panorama, TIC measurement, etc.\n• Leading in confocal laser scanning microscopy\nin both reflection and fluorescence modes\n• Completely integrated with the entire product\nline of Carl Zeiss microscope systems\n• Wide range of digital cameras\nThe extension concept\n• High-performance microscopy with three stands\nmade to measure \n• High economy, long service life, future-oriented\ndesign for easy upgrade\n• Broad spectrum of matched system components\n• Open-architecture system allowing easy linking of\nexternal components\n• Future-proof growth platform\nAdvantages\nCarl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbH\nP.O.B. 4041, 37030 Göttingen, Germany\nPhone: +49 551 5060 660\nFax: +49 551 5060 464\nE-mail: micro@zeiss.de\nwww.zeiss.de/axioobserver\nPrinted on environmentally-\nfriendly paper, bleached with-\nout the use of chlorine.\nSubject to change.\n46-0126 e 03.2007\nDistributed by:\nAllied High Tech Products, Inc.\n2376 E. Pacifica Place\nRancho Dominguez, CA 90220\n(800) 675-1118\nwww.alliedhightech.com\n