Axio Imager A New Dimension In Performance

Transcript

Microscopy from Carl Zeiss Axio Imager A New Dimension in Performance The standards in materials analysis and development: light microscopy for new challenges. Axio Imager: The Future Begins Now. Materials microscopy is following new rules. The basis: the newly developed systems platform Axio Imager from Carl Zeiss, designed for quality control, quality assurance, materials analysis, and for the development of new materials. Ideal for routine applications and research, Axio Imager is setting new standards in materials microscopy. It provides numerous impressive advantages: sharper images, higher performance and greater comfort, combined with completely integrated intelligence and based on a future-oriented modular concept. In addition, Axio Imager offers flexible interfaces for external communication and network connections. And it is rugged and durable, even in the most demanding daily lab work. The outstanding features of this new microscope generation include: • improved optics with superb contrast and excellent resolution • forward-looking stand concept for highest flexibility • innovative design for maximum stability and vibration-free work • integrated intelligence for enhanced operating comfort • exceptional ergonomy for relaxed working • an optimal platform for imaging solutions providing precise and reproducible results in digital microscopy With Axio Imager Carl Zeiss is redefining light microscopy once again – with new standards that allow it to meet the increasing demands of industry, research and universities with powerful and costeffective solutions. These standards not only guarantee that you will continue to have the superior performance that you rely on today: they ensure that you will be tomorrow's leader. 2 improved image quality • innovative illumination concept • stable cell Axio Imager Images with kind permisson of Gisela Berg, Asker, Norway. • integrated intelligence • flexible imaging platform 3 The Optics: Seeing through New Eyes. New directions in optics design and even higher The illumination concept. optical performance – with Axio Imager Carl Zeiss is Obtaining more information. once again setting new standards. All relevant com- An innovative illumination concept has been spe- ponents have been carefully checked, optimized or cially developed for Axio Imager. It enables you to newly developed: from the illumination and the see your specimens in brightfield and darkfield objectives right up to the sophisticated Circular through new eyes – with minimized stray light and Differential Interference Contrast. The result: visible virtually error-free. Image contrast is outstanding, advances in contrast and resolution. especially in interference contrast, even at very high magnifications. A new concept in transmitted light: the innovative darkfield condenser. It provides perfect illumination of the 2.5x to 100x objectives without changing condensers, impossible up to now. After all, excellent illumination is the prerequisite for excellent image quality. The objective series. Experience enhanced contrast. Darkfield condenser Maximized image information – this is the Carl Zeiss goal for the objectives from Axio Imager. A wide range of objectives provides customized solutions for demands in all price and performance categories. Enhanced contrast: Axio Imager can accept a wide range of high-contrast objectives. 4 H = Brightfield HD = Bright-/Darkfield C-DIC = Circular Differential Interference Contrast LD = Long Distance Pol = Polarization contrast 20 μm • The economical Epiplan objectives: achromatically corrected and made strain-minimized, for Brightfield example, for high-quality DIC. They create a flat field image for a 23 mm field of view and are available as H, HD and LD models. • The high-contrast EC Epiplan-Neofluar objectives: perfect for precise imaging of fine color and structural details, e.g. lamella in spherulitic graphite. Excellently corrected and made strain free for sharp C-DIC, they create a flattened image for a 25 mm field of view and are available as DIC, HD CDIC, Pol and LD models. 20 μm • The impressive EC Epiplan-Apochromat objectives: the objective series with the best correction Darkfield and the highest numerical aperture, e.g. EC Epiplan-Apochromat 20x/0.60. These outstanding objectives are ideal for imaging color and structural details in the sub-micrometer range. C-DIC. Experience more contrast. Significantly optimized for Axio Imager: the Carl Zeiss contrasting technique C-DIC with needle-sharp, highcontrast images. It enables you to see structures and 20 μm sample details in unprecedented brilliance and precision. The C-DIC modules have also been further opti- Circular DIC 1 mized and are now built into a modulator revolver. Operation is even easier and faster. The expanded adjustment range with continuous transition from gray to higher orders greater flexibility and operating comfort. 20 μm Circular DIC 2 BiPb high-temperature supraconductor after final thermal treatment. Preparation: longitudinal section, polished. Objective: EC Epiplan-Apochromat 100x/0.95. M. Schubert, TU-Dresden, Germany. 5 Innovative comfort: the modulator revolver enables you to switch from one contrasting technique to another faster and more easily. The modulator revolver. The tube lens turret. Easy to operate. Enjoy the flexibility. Switching fast and easily from one contrasting With its expanded magnification range compris- technique to another – the new modulator ing a total of five intermediate magnifications, the revolver in Axio Imager was developed precisely tube lens turret from Axio Imager provides more for this purpose. Each of the four positions can be flexibility in adapting the desired field of view. The easily selected by a simple turn. The motorized tube lens turret is available in two models. model* is particularly easy to operate. When 1) Encoded: This model is important in order to switching to interference contrast, the correct automatically save with the image the actual total module with the setting previously defined is magnification. Measurement results are reliable automatically activated. If you change to bright- and reproducible. field or darkfield, the blank position will be auto- 2) Motorized: This model offers you additional matically selected for reproducible and fast results. operating comfort in your systems solutions. The tube lens turret offers yet another advantage: the use of a focusable Betrand lens, an important component for the easy observation of the objective exit pupil. Push&Click reflector change Touchscreen More options, faster handling: The turrets with Push&Click filter sets 6 * Available starting 07.2005 from Axio Imager are designed for operating comfort. Optics Motorized apertures.* Maintaining constant image quality. New for Axio Imager.Z1m: the light manager in reflected and transmitted light. The motorized aperture and field diaphragms ensure error-free, reproducible settings and consequently constant image quality. Motorization guarantees you com- The nosepiece of Axio Imager: 7 positions provide room for a standard parable results and higher productivity by magnification series, 1.25x - 100x. automating the workflow. The nosepiece. 7 eyes see more. The nosepiece in Axio Imager provides room for 7 nosepiece. That saves you time and enhances ease objectives. For the first time you now have a suffi- of operation. A further advantage: from potential cient number of objectives to use the entire stan- damage during removal or exchange. dard magnification series from 1.25x to 100x. Of course, it is also possible to combine objectives, for example: reflected light and transmitted light objectives. 7 eyes – or room for 7 objectives – also means that it is no longer necessary to change the * Available starting 07.2005 Image processing Image with kind permission of ACCESS e.V., Aachen and Foundry Institute of RWTH Aachen, Germany. 7 Contrasting Techni The Contrasting Techniques: Observing in New Dimensions. Seeing through new eyes – in contrasting this is applicable even for the standard techniques. Axio Imager enhances these techniques significantly – in brightfield with greater homogeneity and exceptional contrast, in darkfield with a background that it so black that the technique has a new name: ADF – Advanced Darkfield. By minimizing annoying stray light and reducing the longitudial color aberration of the illumination optics, this darkfield can meet the most exacting demands and recognize the finest August Köhler, Zeiss-Pioneer and one of the pio- of structures. Changing techniques requires only a neers in microscopy. The illumination principle simple turn. The motorized stand models are particu- named after him revolutionized microscopy. larly fast and easy to operate. Through all these features Axio Imager is providing a new perspective. Before: If the rules according to Köhler are not precisely followed, you can only expect this contrast, even with the best objectives. After: ADF – the new Advanced darkfield from Carl Zeiss. The result speaks for itself. Before After 50 μm KLA test structures, periods 1.6 µm. 8 EC Epiplan-Apochromat 50x/0.95, ∞/0, 0.63x camera adapter. 50 μm ques Spherulitic formation in cast iron with spherulitic graphite, polished. Images: same position and same magnification but with different contrasting techniques. Specimen preparation and image interpretation: Dr. H.-L. Steyer, Kesselsdorf, Germany. Brightfield: Classic brightfield allows you to only identify the Spherulitic formation. Matrix: white (light) Graphite: black (dark) 20μm Darkfield: Darkfield illumination reveals unevenesses in the surface (such as phase boundaries between graphite and matrix or break-outs). Spherulites here become obvious in shape and quality of preparation. Structures within the spherulites can be well observed. Starting from the seed crystal the graphite segments grew in a preferred direction. Other spherulites show bright lighting areas due to incomplete preparation or burst graphite particles. 20μm C-DIC (color contrast): The matrix is contrasted because of the relief. Hard and soft grain components as well polishing in consistencies (exclusively mechanically polished) are visible. photo left: shear direction 45° photo right: shear direction –45° 20μm 20μm Polarization: Because of the optical activity, in particular anisotropy the structure in the interior of the spherulites can be clearly seen. 20μm Polarization with additional lambda plate, sub-parallel: This technique enables optimal contrasting of the structure in the interior of the spherulite section. The interference colors make it possible to see even more details than with simply crossed polars. 20μm 9 The Stable Cell, FEM illustration The Design: Flexible for All Options. Even at first sight Axio Imager is impressive through steps, and greater efficiency. For example: the its stand design. But most important of all is the fact motorized apertures or the intensity control, that this innovative architecture creates the basis for which are automatically adjusted via filter wheels an unusually high level of flexibility. Axio Imager is at a constant color temperature. With the motor- the right microscope platform for every need and ized stands from Axio Imager, you are ideally pre- every budget. pared to document large samples with field spanning imaging and analysis. With the Z1m model, you can continously upgrade to maximum system The concept behind the stand. performance or expand the system to include 4 economical choices. laser scanning microscopy. A high degree of flexibility is offered by the two freely configurable stand models: Z1m (motorized) The imaging cell. and D1m (manual). They are ideal for users who Vibration-free documentation. want to keep all options open for future applica- Stability is essential if you want to attain good tions. For clearly defined applications and budg- results. With Axio Imager, the core elements nose- ets, the preconfigured stands M1m (motorized) piece, z-guide and stage have been designed as a and A1m (manual) are a particularly good choice. compact, stability-optimized unit. This Stable With their generous basic features, they are an Cell has been isolated from the rest of the stand attractive alternative. and is thus particularly insensitive to outside thermal influences and vibrations. This provides you Motorization. with an ideal basis for imaging, especially for work Maximizing comfort. with high magnifications and investigations over The motorization of Axio Imager is the prerequi- time. site for the powerful performance of your imaging system – a system of carefully matched components that operate together in perfect harmony. With motorization you get rapid results, constant conditions and reproducibility, safe and error-free operation, a significantly reduced number of 10 Axio Imager.A1m Axio Imager.M1m Axio Imager.D1m Axio Imager.Z1m Manual and preconfigured Motorized and preconfigured Manual and freely configurable Motorized and freely configurable Four stand models, four customized application solutions: Axio Imager. Stand Versions Axio Imager – flexibility for all areas of application Component Option A1 M1 D1 Z1 A1m M1m D1m Z1m Stand manual motorized readable by PC manual / encoded motorized 6x manual 6x encoded 6x motorized 10x motorized 6x manual HD 6x manual / encoded POL 6x encoded HD DIC 6x motorized HD DIC 7x encoded HD 7x motorized HD + O O O O O O O - + + O O +** O O O O O O + O* O O O* O O O* O* - + + O O O O O O O O O O O O + +* O O O O O O O - + + O O +** O O O O O O + O* O O O* O O O* O* - + + O O O O O O O O O O O O manual motorized fixed changeable manual motorized O + + - O O + O O O O O O - O O O O O O O + O - O O + O O O + O - O O + O O manual motorized + - O O O - O O O - O O O - O O manual manual motorized O - O - O - O O + - + - O - O O manual motorized O - O - O - O O O - O - O - O O manual motorized motorized 25nm motorized 10nm manual right / left + O - + O + O + O - O O O O O + + O - + O + O + O - O O O O O + external internal + + - O + O O + - + + - O + O O + - motorized motorized O O O O O O O O O O O O Encoding Tube lens turret Reflector turret Nose piece Modulator turret for circular DIC/TIC Stage carrier Transmitted light illumination Double filter wheel (transmitted light) Reflected light illumination*** with built in diaphragms Reflected light illumination*** Double filter wheel for reflected light Diaphragm slider for reflected light Focus (Z-Axis) Z-focus drive - built-in variant TFT display Automatic Component Recognition (ACR) ApoTome Power supply Mechanical stage 75x50; mot; CAN Scanning stages PIEZO + O O* - = included in stand = optionally available = only when equipped with Light Control Mot 430000-9304-000 = not available * ** = partly readable = with “included in stand” reflector turret, one of the following options is required: a) modulator turret for circular DIC/TIC or b) compensator-holder or c) cover (no functionality). *** = a motorized shutter is included in every reflected light illumination. At ordering it can be replaced with a high-speed shutter. 11 Tactile surfaces, buttons with selectable functions. Axio Imager's multifunctional control elements enable intuitive operation. The Ergonomy: Relax while You Work. For Axio Imager, Carl Zeiss has created a forward-look- The control buttons. ing operating concept and has greatly simplified Intuitive operation. numerous functions. Our aim is to relieve the strain on Axio Imager has a well-designed operating con- the user even more, especially when you are working cept. The control buttons, which are arranged on the system for long periods. You can therefore con- ergonomically around the focusing drive, can be centrate fully on your application. All this is supported easily distinguished thanks to their tactile sur- by technology that can be operated intuitively, irre- faces. The manual stand has five buttons whose spective of whether it is manual or motorized. functions can be freely configured, while the motorized stand has over ten. The touch screen. The control panel. Key information at a glance. Freedom of movement.* To simplify complex steps, Axio Imager.Z1m and Axio Imager can also be remotely controlled using M1m have all functions grouped together for the a freely-positionable control panel. This panel first time on a touch screen (TFT) display. This includes a focusing drive and brightness regulator. allows you to control all motorized components You can also pre-program functions of your easily at the touch of a button and display micro- choice. The panel offers an interface for the TFT scope status and control. The integrated light and for the x- and y-control of the motorized manager ensures the best possible light and con- stage – and a well thought-out concept that gives trast setting. In addition to fixed presettings, it is you greater freedom of movement. also possible to store complex procedures as individual settings and retrieve them at any time with The ergotube. just the touch of a button - the perfect way to A new dimension in comfort. ensure that Axio Imager runs smoothly in a multi- Used for the first time with Axio Imager: the new user environment. 50-15-50 ergotube from Carl Zeiss with upright, unreversed image. With a continuous 50 mm height adjustment, a fixed viewing angle of 15° (ergonomically ideal) and a continuous horizontal Touchscreen extension of 50 mm, it satisfies the highest standards in terms of comfort and provides unrestricted optical quality in all positions. Ergotube Reflected light filter The TFT display: working with complex components has never been so easy. * Available starting 10.2005 Multifunctional operating element Communication The Imaging System: Seeing Through the Eyes of a Microscope. Axio Imager provides an outstanding platform for extremely high scanning resolution at low sample a wide range of cameras, especially true for the magnifications, the digital cameras from the AxioCam family from Carl Zeiss. As customized com- AxioCam family HR are ideal for materials analysis. ponents in the Carl Zeiss systems environment, cam- Users will appreciate their large field of view at era, microscope and software are perfectly matched high resolution. An attractive alternative in terms to form an impressive systems solution in digital of price is the AxioCam MR. Both digital cameras imaging. These are tools that set new standards in guarantee needle-sharp and brilliant images, performance, flexibility and operating comfort, either in color and monochrome. The sophisticat- opening new perspectives in research and routine ed integration of Carl Zeiss cameras provides applications. important advantages: high speed, correct resolution, optimized live image or automatic exposure adjustment. All cameras in the AxioCam family are The cameras. controlled via an uniform user interface in Enjoy their individuality. AxioVision. Of course you can also adapt camera The imaging platform Axio Imager offers great operation to your current application. flexibility in camera use thanks to its standardized camera ports on the stand and software with interfaces for standard technologies such as framegrabber and TWAIN. It can accept a wide range of cameras, from simple video and digital consumer cameras to research grade models. Cameras from the Carl Zeiss camera family AxioCam are particularly suitable. With their Image acquisition The "Zeiss blue": high flexibility and sensitivity for varying needs and applications. Image with kind permission of ACCESS e.V., Aachen and Foundry Institute of RWTH Aachen, Germany. 13 Panorama Microhardness Formation of overview Testing images Analyzing Micro Hardness Indentations MosaiX TIC Measure Automatic scanning of Optical height measure- large surfaces ment and nanometer scale Extended Focus AutoMeasure Plus Expansion of depth of • Segmentation focus • Binary image processing • Automatic measurement Autofocus AutoMeasure Cumulus Automatic focusing Creation of easy measure- Workgroup ment programs with Image cataloging and measurement wizard archiving in network Mark&Find Imaging Plus Interactive Cumulus Recording and retrieving • Image enhancement • Gray morphology • Fourier transformation • Transformation of color models Measurement Single User Expanded interactive Image cataloging and measurement techniques archiving specimens Modules Image acquisition Image processing Image analysis Documentation Imaging with video and • Text and graphic elements • Annotations • Filters for contrast and sharpness Interactive measurement Image archiving and with standard parameters reporting digital cameras, microscope control Image acquisition Image processing Image analysis Basic program 14 Images with kind permission of ACCESS e.V., Aachen and Foundry Institute of RWTH Aachen, Germany. Documentation The Imaging System: Using Intelligence. The speed at which needs and applications are Growing possibilities for growing changing requires new solutions that can keep up needs. with these changes. That’s why Axio Imager offers AxioVison represents easy, economical and state-of- you so much flexibility. And that’s why the cus- the-art imaging. Application-driven, it enables both tomized imaging system AxioVision offers you mod- easy entry into digital imaging as well as demanding ular architecture in addition to powerful perform- applications. Even the entry-level model contains all ance and easy operation. The entry-level model can important functions: image capture, image process- be rapidly expanded through additional modules to ing, image analysis, documentation, configuration meet your growing needs. It’s that easy. as well as camera and microscope control. You can easily expand AxioVision to meet all your growing needs through a wide range of additional modules and application kits, for example, AutMess Plus, MosaiX, Panorama and the TIC measurement module. In addition, Carl Zeiss is continually developing new application-specific solutions. AxioVision offers VBA a wealth of impressive advantages: easy user opera- Programming environment tion, free configuration of the work environment, reliable reproducibility, automatic storing of complete processes, VBA interfaces for individual programming and the ZVI Carl Zeiss image format that links image with imaging parameters. The user- Commander friendly and workflow-oriented design has made Recording and automatic AxioVision the leader in microscope based software. execution of all steps Together with Axio Imager, it offers you an imaging platform that can meet your needs now and in the future. Configuration Multiphase Grains Graphite Customization of user automatic measuring of grain size measuring analyzing shape and size interface particle sizes and volumetric of graphite particles percentage Configuration Multiphase Grains Graphite Application kits 15 Laser Scanning: A Strong Team Member. The confocal laser scanning microscope from Carl Zeiss offers the following extraordinary features: Metallic micro cube, reflection mode Micro fiber fabric, imaging, Size of structures about. 1 um x 422.5 µm x 422.5 µm x 330.5 µm, 1 um x 1 um, 3D surface topography. 3D surface rendering with VisArt software package. • Extremely high lateral resolution through laser light in the blue-green spectrum • Measurements of differences in height down to the nanometer range via an outstanding Fluorescence mode. confocal system detection of large slope angles Brilliant results. through high-aperture objectives In fluorescence mode, conforcal systems provide • Easy operation and experimental freedom unique information on the chemical composition, guaranteed by innovative and intelligent mechanical strain or structural contamination of, software modules. for example, polymer and fiber materials. Together with the Axio Imager.Z1m and the power- Autofluorescent inclusions, phases or particle col- ful EC Epiplan-Neofluar objectives, these high-end lections can be imaged and analyzed up to several systems are expanding the horizon for new and hundred micrometers deep in the interior of a semi- exciting research results as well as for reliable transparent matrix. Deep voids or cracks can be routine applications in industry. visualized and measured with the help of fluorescent dyes. Reflection mode. Precision from nm to mm. In reflection mode, confocal systems are particularly suited for 2D and 3D analysis of microstructured surfaces with differences in height ranging from nanometers to millimeters. Low-reflection or semitransparent materials can be as precisely examined as, for example, chrome or gold surfaces. For these applications the confocal entry models offer the functionalities of a fast and modern 3D profilometer. Diffractive optics, reflection mode imaging, diamond turned grooves in polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA), 16 Profiling with StitchArt plus software package. 1. RS232 4. CAN 7. RS232 2. TCP/IP 5. CAN 8. Closed Loop 3. USB 6. CAN 9. Service Interface 1. 5. 8. 2. 6. 3. Intelligence Inside the Microscope: Fast Communication. 9. 4. 7. As the wealth of information you are working with Axio Imager.Z1m automatically identifies the grows, so do demands on communication and data objectives and reflector modules that you are management. With Axio Imager, a microscope is fully using. If you exchange a component, the new meeting these challenges for the first time. In devel- component is immediately recorded in the system. oping Axio Imager, Carl Zeiss has incorporated intel- But ACR is more than a technical innovation: it is ligence into the stand and integrated up-to-date the sum total of Carl Zeiss know-how about the interfaces. Axio Imager is therefore networkable and complex interaction of all setting parameters. This remote-controllable. And what’s more, intelligent gives you the guarantee of perfect settings – auto- controls now simplify complex procedures. matically. An important advantage for your operating comfort and security. The TCP/IP protocol. Intelligent comfort. Opening up networking. The microscope with independent Axio Imager is equipped with an Ethernet connec- control. tion, which gives it an Internet and network capa- The integrated intelligence of Axio Imager offers bility. This means that for the first time it is possi- you substantially more comfort and application ble to control the microscope remotely via exter- precision. The stand can control components inde- nal workstations, allowing you to extend your pendently and communicate steps and setting operating range. In the future, it will also be pos- parameters to external components such as cam- sible to obtain online updates or remote services eras or imaging software. The motorized models from Carl Zeiss via this interface. enable integrated z-measurements – without any additional components. But what's essential for The USB interface. you: as user you always have complete control over Rapid data flow. the system and can determine system operation. 10 x faster than before: data flow between the microscope and your computer is significantly Automatic component recognition. accelerated by the state-of-the-art USB interface, Profit from know-how. together with the CAN-BUS system – even with ACR stands for the innovative concept of auto- large amounts of data. Ideal for minimized delays matic component recognition. This means that in realtime imaging. Axio Imager motorized Axio Imager manual 17 Axio Imager 18 19 20 Axio Imager 21 Systems Overviews 22 Axio Imager 23 All Advantages Discover New Dimensions: The Benefits in Detail. Optics • New illumination concept: visibly more information • New objectives: Enhanced Contrast for outstanding contrast and resolution • Modulator and tube lens turret: more comfort and flexibility Contrasting • Renowned technique with quality improvement Techniques • C-DIC optimized for continuous transition from gray to color • Switching techniques: even easier with the new modulator turret Communication • Integrated intelligence for automatic adjustment control and guaranteed reproducibility • Innovative and easy through ACR, automatic component recognition • Flexible for network integration and remote control through standardized interfaces Ergonomy • Designed for maximum relaxation and high efficiency • Sophisticated and intuitive operating comfort • Comfort in every position: the new ergotube Stand Design • Exceptionally flexible with modular structure to meet future demands • Motorized for maximum performance and comfort • Vibration-free work through Imaging Cell • Rugged and durable in renowned Carl Zeiss quality Imaging • Leading with AxioVision software and digital cameras from the AxioCam family • Wide range of image processing, analysis and measurement modules Carl Zeiss Light Microscopy P.O.B 4041 37030 Göttingen Phone: ++49 551 5060 660 Telefax: ++49 551 5060 464 E-Mail: [email protected] www.zeiss.de/AxioImager-mat Printed on environment-friendly paper, bleached without the use of chlorine. Design, equipment and technical developments are subject to change without notice. 46-0047 e 04.2005 • Absolute precision: the new x,y scanning stage