LW Scientific Phase Contrast User Manual

Phase Contrast

Instruction Manual

Introduction

Living micro-organisms and protists come into view easily with the LW Scientific Phase Contrast system. The Phase Contrast
system alters the path of transmitted light to make transparent objects easy to see, providing for excellent contrast and
interior cell structure detail not possible under normal bright- field microscopy. The Phase Contrast system is available with
the M2 LabScope, Revelation III, Mi5 and i4 microscopes.

Features

The Phase Contrast kits are available with powers of 10X, 20X, 40X, and 100XR Oil. Each Phase Contrast kit has three com­ponents: phase condenser, phase objectives, and a centering / telescoping eyepiece. The M2 LabScope, Mi5, and i4
Phase Kit includes a “Turret” phase condenser, with 10X, 20X, 40X, and 100X phase settings and bright field settings
together on one condenser.

Turret Condenser

Centering
Telescoping Eyepiece

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Installation

1

Remove the normal bright-field condenser from the microscope. Store carefully in a dust-free container.

Install the phase condenser for the magnification needed. The phase condenser power must match the phase

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objective magnification.

Optional: Use the green filter (in the swing-out filter holder or below on the field lens) for better contrast.

3

Remove the standard objectives from the nosepiece and install the phase objectives for the magnification

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needed. The phase objectives can also be used for bright-field. Store the removed objectives in a dust-free
container.

Set your phase objective in place and make sure the condensers is set to the matching power. Raise the micro-

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scope stage up to the focal plane, and raise the condenser to it’s highest position, almost touching the underside
of the slide.

Remove the slide during the phase ring alignment process.

6

Remove one of the 10X eyepieces and set to the side.

7

Insert the centering / telescoping eyepiece, adjust the light to maximum setting, and look through the centering

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eyepiece with one eye. Adjust the centering eyepiece to telescope outward until the annulus rings are in focus. You
will see a dark ring and a bright ring of light.

Using the two silver knobs on the condenser, adjust the condenser until the light ring is centered under the darker

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annulus ring. On the M2 LabScope, Mi5, and i4 Turret Condenser, the two alignment knobs are at the rear of the
turret and must be pushed in to engage the annulus ring. This process must be repeated for each magnification
power. Once aligned, the condenser should not need to be realigned unless condenser is moved.

Replace the normal eyepiece and begin phase contrast observation. Adjust the condenser vertically to achieve

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the best phase contrast, starting with the condenser at the highest setting closest to the slide.

To change phase powers on the M2 LabScope, Mi5, and i4, simply rotate your objectives and turn the wheel on the

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Turret Condenser.

When finished, replace normal objectives and condensers and store phase components carefully in a dust-free

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container.

Cleaning

Follow the guidelines in your microscope manual for cleaning your Phase Contrast Kit. Lens paper, lens cleaning solution,
and canned air can be used on your phase components. Keep your phase kit in dust-free containers.

MKT-7.5.3-L-124 | Rev 1

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