The exceptionally flexible Axio Scope.A1 microscope system from Carl
Zeiss is now being offered in a version for polarization microscopy. With
minimum effort, six different versions of the microscope can be specially and
economically configured for polarization techniques.
Bar olivine chondrule in the Coolidge meteorite in transmitted-light with Polarization (left) and Polarization with ë-plate (right). Objective: EC Plan-NEOFLUAR 10x/0.30 Pol). Reference:
Dr. Jutta Zipfel, Department of Meteorite Research, Senckenberg Research Museum, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
Within the modular system, which each user can configure for routine or research
use depending on the requirement and application, two upper parts of the microscope
stand have now been developed for polarization. A total of three lower parts
and seven upper parts are therefore available.
Designed for use in universities and colleges, research institutes in the fields
of the geosciences and mineralogy and in the exploration industry, the microscope
fulfills even the highest demands on system functionality and flexibility. Axio
Scope.A1 for polarization can additionally be used in state- of-the art materialography
applications in, for example, the building materials, glass, plastics, textile
and fiber industries. However, a version of the microscope system is also available
as a training microscope for use in education. Further capabilities include
conoscopy for crystal diagnosis, the use of numerous other measuring techniques
and documentation.
The modular design of the Axio Scope.A1 offers an interface between the upper
and lower parts of the stand to allow the use of spacers for adapting microscope
slides to the sample size. The flexible configuration of the components available
provides versions for transmitted light, reflected light or both with up to
100W light intensity. This high light intensity also makes the system suitable
for weakly reflecting samples. Axio Scope.A1 now features all relevant contrasting
techniques including differential interference contrast (C-DIC) and circular
polarization.
The microscope permits rapid switching from orthoscopy to conoscopy and is
also suitable for darkfield applications. Other benefits of the Axio Scope.A1
for polarization are the standard-compliant DIN compensator mount, high-quality,
color-neutral polarizers, ball bearing mounted rotary stages and four different
series of strain-free objective lenses.
The microscope system can be used with traditional cameras, with all cameras
in the AxioCam line and with AxioVision image processing software.