Olympus U-UCD8 User Manual
UNIVERSAL CONDENSER
This instruction manual is for the Olympus Universal Condenser Model U-UCD8. To ensure the safety, obtain
optimum performance and to familiarize yourself fully with the use of this condenser, we recommend that you
study this manual thoroughly before operating the microscope. Retain this instruction manual in an easily
accessible place near the work desk for future reference.
INSTRUCTIONS
U-UCD8
A X 7 3 5 3
Printed on 100% recycled paper with soy ink.
U-UCD8
CONTENTS
IMPORTANT — Be sure to read this section for safe use of the equipment. — 1-2
1 NOMENCLATURE 3-5
2 VARIOUS MICROSCOPY PROCEDURES 6-17
2-1 Brightfield Observation (BF) ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 6-8
2-2 Phase Contrast Observation (PH) ......................................................................................................................................................................... 8-9
2-3 Nomarski Differential Interference Contrast Observation (DIC)......................................................................... 10-14
2-4 Darkfield Observation (DF) ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 15-16
2-5 Simple Polarized Light Observation (KPO) ....................................................................................................................................... 16-17
3 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE 18-19
4 SPECIFICATIONS 20
5 ASSEMBLY 21-33
5-1 Mounting the Top Lens............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 21
5-2 Mounting the Optical Elements ....................................................................................................................................................................... 22-30
5-3 Mounting the Condenser..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
5-4 Centering the Condenser ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32
i
5-5 Indication Using Number Stickers ......................................................................................................................................................................... 33
IMPORTANT
This product is a universal condenser applicable in advanced research applications based on complex
combination of observation methods. By simply exchanging the optical elements, the condenser can be
used in a variety of microscopy under transmitted light, including the brightfield, darkfield, phase contrast,
Nomarski differential interference contrast (DIC) and simplified polarized light observations. The top lens
can be swung in and out to deal with objectives with low magnification (2X) to high magnification (100X).
In addition, brightfield and Nomarski DIC observations using oil immersed objectives are also available
by changing the top lens with an oil immersed top lens.
1 Getting Ready
1. This manual pertains only to the universal condenser unit. Before using this unit together with the microscope (BX40, BX50, BX60, BX41, BX51, BX52, etc.), make sure that you have carefully read and understand
both manuals, and understand how the two units should be used together.
2. This attachment is a precision instrument. Handle it with care and avoid subjecting it to sudden or severe
impact.
3. Make sure that no dirt, fingerprints, etc. are left on the lens surface.
4. Do not force any control beyond its built-in limit (stopper, click, etc.). Avoid using excessive force.
5. Swing out the top lens before attaching or detaching the condenser to or from the microscope.
6. Be sure to center the condenser before use. At maximum decentration of the condenser, the top lens and
stage holder may interfere with each other, making swinging out of the top lens impossible.
7. Remove the condenser from the microscope before attaching or removing the optical elements.
8. Do not clamp the optical element centering screws too tightly.
9. If the optical element centering screws are tightened too much while no optical element is installed, it
may be impossible to return the screws to their original positions.
10. An intermediate tube or sliders may be necessary depending on the method of observation.
11. In brightfield observation, engage the optical elements (small) other than 1, 2 and 3 in the light path. The
field of view may be cut off if optical elements 1, 2 and/or 3 are used.
1
2 Maintenance and Storage
1. Clean all glass components by wiping gently with gauze. To remove fingerprints or oil smudges, wipe
with gauze slightly moistened with a mixture of ether (70%) and alcohol (30%).
Since solvents such as ether and alcohol are highly flammable, they must be handled carefully. Be
sure to keep these chemicals away from open flames or potential sources of electrical sparks ——
for example, electrical equipment that is being switched on or off. Also remember to always use
these chemicals only in a well-ventilated room.
2. Do not disassemble any part of the attachment as this could result in malfunction or reduced performance.
3. The optical elements and index plates which are not used should be stored in a case.
U-UCD8
2
NOMENCLATURE
Universal Condenser
Optical element index plate
mounting position (Page 29)
Aperture iris diaphragm
scale (Page 7)
Aperture iris diaphragm
lever (Page 7)
Stage clamping screw*
* For easier viewing of the optical element index window, replace the stage clamping knob with this screw.
3
(Note) : Used when the U-UCD8 is combined with the IX/IX2
Optical element index window
Series or BX51WI microscope. (Page 33)
Top lens (Page 21)
The standard, dry type top lens (U-TLD) can
be exchanged with the oil immersion type
top lens (U-TLO).
Number sticker attaching groove
Turret
Number index (guideline)
Top lens swing-out lever
U-UCD8
Polarizer clamping knob
Polarizer rotation knob (Pages 12 & 17)
Top lens swing-out lever
Aperture iris diaphragm
lever (Page 7)
1- plate (Page 14)
Optical element centering screws
(Pages 9 & 15)
Clamping knob
Accommodation position.
Polarizer handling knob
4
Optical Elements (For the applicable objectives, see pages 22 - 27.)
Phase Contrast Ring (Small)
U-PH1S
U-PH2S
U-PH3S
5
Darkfield ring
U-DFA
DIC Prism (Small)
U-DIC10S
U-DP10S
Phase contrast ring (Large)
DIC Prism (Large)
Other DIC rings than the
U-DIC10S/U-DP10S.
U-PH3
Number sticker
Indication plate sheet
VARIOUS MICROSCOPY PROCEDURES
U-UCD8
}If the top lens and optical elements have not been assembled yet, first read Chapter 5, “ASSEMBLY”
(pages 21 to 30).
2-1 Brightfield Observation (BF)
Applicable objective power
Power 1.25X 2X 4X 10X 20X 40X 60X 100X
Brightfield (BF) – ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦* ¦*
Top lens OUT Top lens IN
* The NA may slightly be insufficient when a dry type top lens is used. However, this does not pose
problem in normal observations.
#When a transmitted light DIC slider (U-DICT, U-DICTS, etc.) is used in combination, pull out the
slider until it clicks in place to disengage the slider from the light path.
#When a reflected light analyzer (U-AN) is used in combination, pull out the analyzer until it clicks in
place to disengage the analyzer from the light path.
1. Rotate the turret to select the BF brightfield observation light path (no optical element engaged).
2. Pull out the polarizer handling knob to disengage the polarizer from the light path.
3. Mount the objective to be used in the revolving nosepiece and rotate the nosepiece to swing the objective in place.
4. When using a 2X to 4X objective, swing out the condenser’s top lens. Also open the aperture iris diaphragm.
#When the top lens is swung out, the microscope’s field iris diaphragm function as aperture iris
diaphragm.
5. Place the specimen on the stage.
6. Move the stage up and down to bring the specimen into focus.
6
Aperture iris
diaphragm image
Objective pupil
7
7. Reduce the field iris diaphragm opening until its image circumscribes the field of view.
8. Adjust the aperture iris diaphragm.
#If the slide glass is thicker than 1.2 to 1.4 mm, the image of the field diaphragm may remain fuzzy.
When performing photomicrography, use a side glass with a thickness between 0.2 and 1.2 mm
whenever possible.
70-80%
30-20%
Fig. 1
Field Iris Diaphragm
· The field iris diaphragm controls the size of the illuminated
area. By stopping down the field iris diaphragm, in accordance
with the objective in use, until its image circumscribes the
field of view, stray light can be reduced, which in turn increases
the definition and contrast of the image.
Aperture Iris Diaphragm
· The aperture iris diaphragm controls the numerical aperture
(N.A.) of the illuminator. In order to achieve the optimum objective performance, the opening of the aperture iris diaphragm
should be matched with the N.A. of the objective in use. This
will result in better image contrast and resolution as well as
increased depth of focus.
}When using an oil immersion type top lens, read the upper
graduations (marked “TLO”) on the aperture iris diaphragm
scale. When using a dry type top lens, read the lower graduations (marked “TLD”) on the aperture iris diaphragm scale.
· As microscopic specimens are usually low in contrast, reducing the diaphragm opening to 70% or 80% of the objective’s
N.A. will generally provide an image of acceptable quality. To
check the opening, after completing focus adjustment, remove
one of the eyepieces and look into the empty eyepiece sleeve.
As you stop down the aperture iris diaphragm, the iris diaphragm image can be seen in the objective pupil. (Fig. 1)
2-2 Phase Contrast Observation (PH)
Applicable objective power
Power 10X 20X 40X 60X 100X
Phase Contrast (PH) ¦* ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦
Top lens (U-TLD) IN (U-TLO cannot be used.)
* With the superwide-field observation (FN 26.5), flare may be observed in the peripheral areas of the field
of view. However, this does not pose problem in photomicrography.
#When a transmitted light DIC slider (U-DICT, U-DICTS, etc.) is used in combination, pull out the
slider until it clicks in place to disengage the slider from the light path.
#When a reflected light analyzer (U-AN) is used in combination, pull out the analyzer until it clicks in
place to disengage the analyzer from the light path.
1. Rotate the turret to engage the phase contrast ring (U-PH1S, U-PH2S, U-PH3S or U-PH3) that matches the
objective in use.
2. Pull out the polarizer handling knob to disengage the polarizer from the light path.
U-UCD8
8
9
3. Mount the phase contrast objective to be used in the revolving nosepiece and rotate the nosepiece to
swing in the objective.
4. Open the aperture iris diaphragm.
#When the aperture iris diaphragm is stopped down, flare may occur at the center.
5. Place the specimen on the stage and move the stage up and down to bring the specimen in focus.
6. Remove the eyepiece from the eyepiece sleeve and replace with the U-CT30 centering telescope.
7. Rotate the upper section of the U-CT30 centering telescope
and bring the bright ring (condenser ring slit) and dark ring
(objective phase plate) into focus.
8. Use the optical element centering screw to center the phase
contrast ring so that the bright ring overlaps the dark ring within
the field of view. (Fig. 2)
#If a multiple number of ring slit images appear, select the
brightest ring to overlap with the phase plate.
Fig. 2
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for each phase contrast ring.
10. Remove the U-CT30 centering telescope and replace it with
the eyepiece.
11. Widen the field iris diaphragm opening until the diaphragm
image circumscribes the field of view.
}If increased contrast is required, insert the 45IF550 green inter-
ference filter into the filter mount at the base of the microscope frame.
Loading...