The second generation of the Axio Imager microscope system from Carl
Zeiss is setting new standards in materials microscopy. Whether in quality
testing and assurance, in materials analysis or the development of future materials
- optical quality, performance and comfort are the major benefits of the
Axio Imager. The microscope system provides clear operation and open interfaces
for communication with other systems and network connection. The upgradeability
of the sturdy systems enables users to also meet future demands.
Micrograph of a polycrystalline silicon solar cell taken with the Axio Imager microscope system from Carl Zeiss, brightfield, EC Epiplan- APOCHROMAT 50x/0.95.
Special features of the Axio Imager also include its flexibility and the continuous
vertical adjustment of the sample area and an optical system that provides maximum
information about the sample in all contrasting techniques, e.g. brightfield,
darkfield or C-DIC.
The new Axio Imager generation for materials microscopy is the ideal platform
for imaging solutions in digital microscopy – for precise and reproducible
results. Four versions are available – from coded and partly motorized
to fully motorized – which individually meet the users’ demands
on a microscope system for materials analysis, materials development and quality
inspection. The M2m and Z2m versions feature motorized reflected-light beam
paths and motorized Z-drives. The high-performance focus of the Z2m model ensures
consistent precision at a step width of 10 nanometers even in continuous operation
at high loads. Furthermore, this model features automatic component recognition.
With the motorized versions, the user design of the TFT display has been completely
revised to guarantee even more operating convenience.
Additional technical improvements include the capability to combine reflected
and transmitted light into mixed light, access to the luminous-field diaphragm
and aperture diaphragm planes in the reflected-light beam path in all versions,
the exchangeability of the fine drive knob and the fine drive disk, and a newly
designed transmitted-light beam path for more homogeneous illumination in transmitted
light even with low objective magnifications.
The line of EC Epiplan-APOCHROMAT objectives that can be used with the Axio
Imager meets the highest demands and provides optimum results in materials microscopy.
The EC Epiplan- NEOFLUAR HD/DIC and EC Epiplan-NEOFLUAR HD lines result in additional
versions matched to the different user requirements. The high-quality EC EPIPLAN
line of objectives will meet the demands of users faced with specific routine
tasks in materialography. If a longer working distance is required, the LD versions
offer the necessary space on the sample.
The microscope system is primarily tailored to the needs of the metal-working,
mining and photovoltaic industries, and research institutions in the fields
of materials sciences and geology. It can be supplemented with the AxioCam camera
and the AxioVision software from Carl Zeiss. However, the stand is also available
in the Non-Metallic Inclusions (NMI), Particle Analyzer and LSM 700 complete
systems.