Motic AE30-31 Instruction Manual

Episcopic-Fluorescence Attachment EF-INV-ll
Inverted Microscope AE30-31

Instruction Manual

MOTIC INCORPORATION LTD.
Prepared by Motic Instruments Inc. Canada

This instruction Manual has been prepared for users of the
AE-INV-ll Epi-Fluorescence Attachment used in conjunction
with the Motic AE30/31 Inverted Microscope.

We are constantly endeavouring to improve our instruments and
to adapt them to the requirements of modern research
techniques and testing methods. This involves modification to
the mechanical structure and optical design of our instruments.

Therefore, all descriptions and illustrations in this instruction
manual, including all specifications are subject to change
without notice.

This manual may not be reproduced or transmitted in whole or in part without
Motic’s express permission.

Fluorescence

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The optical phenomenon that occurs when light absorbed by a material, creates a molecular
excitation that causes the material to re-emit light at a different wavelength.

Fluorescence Microscope for Epi-Fluorescence

The technique of fluorescence microscopy with epi-illuminators is based on the adaptation of
the vertical illuminator used in reflected light microscopy. The radiation emitted by the light
source first passes through the exciting filter and is incident to a short-pass filter* (dichroic beam
splitter). The radiation is then reflected into the objective, which also serves as a condenser.
The objective concentrates the exciting radiation in the object field. Fluorescent light emitted
from there is collected by the objective and returned in the opposite direction to the short-pass
filter, which directs it into the eyepiece through the barrier filter.

*

A filter designed to allow the passage of radiation of wavelengths shorter than a given limit.

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Table of Contents

1.0 Names of Component Parts

2.0 Setting up the Instrument

3.0 Assembly

4.0 Microscopy

5.0 Troubleshooting Table

6.0 Care and Maintenance

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1.0 Names of Component Parts

Fig. 1

Light source Epi-fluorescence attachment

Power supply unit

Motic Instruments Inc. Canada

October 06, 2006

Epi-fluorescence
attachment EF-INV-ll

Light protective shield

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2.0 Setting up the Instrument

Avoid placing the instrument in areas exposed to direct sunlight, dust, vibration, high
temperature and high humidity

3.0 Assembly

3.1 Microscope assembly

Follow the instructions in the microscope manual.

For the purpose of performing simultaneous observation with phase contrast, attach the
appropriate phase contrast components referring to the specific instructions provided.

3.2 Installing the Epi-fluorescence attachment

Please see illustrations while assembling the attachment

Required tools

Allen hex keys: 1.5mm, 2.5mm and 5mm (supplied with attachment).

Before Starting

Turn off the microscope power switch and unplug the power cord

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3.3 Protective dust covers

See Figure 2

Pull out rear dust cover, located above the Microscope AC inlet.

Fig. 2

Rear dust cover

Microscope AC inlet

See Figures 3a and 3b

Remove side dust covers located on each side of the microscope base.

Fig. 3a Fig. 3b

Left side cover

Right side cover

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3.4 Attaching the Epi-fluorescence attachment sleeve

See Figure 4

Attach the main body sleeve of the epi-fluorescence attachment into the microscope
stand, with the notch on the sleeve facing left.

Fix the main body sleeve in this position by using the three 5mm Allen hexagonal
screws.

Fig. 4

Epi-fluorescence attachment
main body sleeve

Notch facing left

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3.5 Mounting the Epi-fluorescence attachment main body

See Figure 5

Align the pin on the Epi-fluorescence attachment with the notch in the Epi­fluorescence attachment sleeve, slide the main body of the Epi-fluorescence
horizontally into the sleeve until it cannot be pushed in any further. To secure,
tighten the fixing screws using a hexagonal Allen key.

Fig. 5

Shutter slider with
Filter holder

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3.6 Installing the shutter slider with the filter holder

See Figure 6

• Loosen one of the slider knobs.

• With the filter slider slot to the left and facing the operator, insert the slider into the

opening of the main body of the fluorescence attachment.

• Tighten the loosened knob.

Fig. 6

Block the optical path of the Epi-fluorescence by sliding
the shutter to the left.

Filter slot

Shutter slider open position

Light cut-off slider

• To prevent the specimen from fading during temporary pauses in observation, slide
the shutter to the left.

• When using transmitted light illumination, slide the shutter to the left.

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3.7 Installing the filter cassette

See Figure 7

• Slide the filter cassette into the opening on the right side of the microscope until the

two pins slot into the two matching holes on the microscope opening surround.

• Using an Allen hex key, secure the cassette firmly with the two 2.5mm clamp

screws.

Fig. 7

2.5mm clamp screws

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Filter cassette

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• Position the filter cube cover retaining plate with the opening on the left side of the

microscope.

• Slot the two pins into the two matching holes on the microscope opening surround.

• Using an Allen hex key, secure the filter cube cover retaining plate firmly with the

two 2.5mm clamp screws.

Fig. 8

Filter cube cover
retaining plate

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October 06, 2006

2.5mm Clamp screws

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3.8 Installing the Filter cubes

See Figure 9

Caution:

Always keep three blocks on the slider. Do not leave any filter slot empty as
strong light may enter and damage the user’s eyes when shifting between
excitation methods.

If fewer than three filter cubes are required for microscopy. Use a “DIA-ILL”
dummy cube to ensure that the open space in the slider is filled.

Never perform lamp centering with the UV filter cube in the optical path as
harmful UV radiation from the lamp may enter the eyes, possibly resulting in loss
of vision.

Fig. 9

Allen hex
screws

Filter cube
clamp plate

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There are a filter cube clamp plates at each end of the filter slider. Undo the Allen hex
screws holding the clamp plate on right side of the slider with the hexagonal key
supplied with the fluorescence attachment and secured inside the right filter cube cover
(Fig.10).

Fig. 10

1.5mm Allen hex key

Three filter cubes can be positioned on the filter slider.

Fig. 11

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