Olympus AX70/AX80 Microscopes

Olympus Updated: 2007-09-10
Olympus AX70/AX80 Microscopes

The AX70 frame is constructed with extreme attention to detail on an open platform design intended to meet the ever-changing demands of the research community. This large platform is capable of numerous configurations for multiple applications from automated remote inspection to macro imaging.

The AX80 is a fully motorized version, with a high-speed autofocus mechanism. The AX80 answers demands for automated microscopic procedures from repetitive observations to remote operation. Increased versatility in advanced imaging is assured by a multi-port camera system designed for film and CCD devices.

Fluorescence Imaging
Fluorescence microscopy has become central to biomedical research. The AX70, with its built-in incident light fluorescence illuminator and a host of valuable features, provides a wide selection of accessories for this expanding technique:

* REXBA excitation balancer: This special filter system is used to balance the relative strength of multiple fluorescence signals in a single image. The REXBA allows the user to adjust the intensity of excitation light in three regions--UV, blue and green--and therefore adjusting the strength of the corresponding emission light in the image.

* Eight-position filter turret: Will hold eight fluorescence filter sets to handle the explosive growth in fluorophores
* Dual lamphouse: Allows two light sources to be attached simultaneously, such as a xenon and mercury lamp*, for illumination versatility
* Chromatically corrected collector lens: focuses the illuminating light from the lamphouse equally across the spectrum for optimal excitation of fluorescence probes (from the UV to blue to green to red)

Multiple Camera Imaging
Imaging through a variety of cameras is easily accomplished through a selection of multi-port heads.

* Multi-camera observation tube U-MPH: This multiple port head can support up to five film or CCD cameras simultaneously, with the ability to perform spectral separation between two of the ports. Port selection is motorized.
* Dual camera port DPT-2: Will attach two film or CCD cameras
* Spectral separation dual camera port DPT-3: Will attach two CCD cameras with a user-selectable beam-splitter for wavelength separation
* The U-PHOTO is a premium photomicrography system. Four cameras can attach simultaneously, including 35mm, Polaroid, and CCDs. A 400 pixel CCD allows for extremely precise metering of 30%, 1%, or 0.1% of the field of view. One percent and 0.1% spots can be moved and placed at the exact location of interest.

Features of the U-PHOTO:

* Two 35mm camera ports
* One large format port for Polaroid or CCD camera
* One dedicated CCD camera port
* Built-in 2:1 continuous zoom module
* Spot metering of 0.1% with flexible spot gives perfect exposure for the area of interest. The spot can be moved by the user throughout the field to select area to be metered. Spot color is selectable red or yellow.
* Auto bracketing in up to seven steps to ensure best exposure
* Reciprocity correction for almost all films is built into unit memory
* Super fluorescence Auto Mode for long exposures (total exposure time is constantly recalculated to account for photobleaching)
* Data imprinting on film is standard
* DX coding is recognized automatically
* Optional half-frame slider and scale bar slider for all objectives
* Bright frame focusing telescope creates a red or yellow frame around the field of view for when the background is dark
* Optional memory card allows storage of multiple user settings

Motorization
A number of key components are motorized in the AX80 and can be motorized in the AX70, simplifying routine operations and making remote operation possible. Components that can be motorized include:

* Nosepiece: Instantly select up to six objective lenses
* Fluorescence filter cube turret: Instantly select either four or eight fluorescence filter sets
* Multi-camera observation tube U-MPH: Send the image to the eyepieces for visual observation, or to one of two camera ports
* Condenser: Fully automated to maintain Köhler illumination in transmitted light brightfield, fluorescence and DIC
* Filters: Instantly select up to six transmitted light filters
* Universal imaging head U-Photo: Includes imaging control for up to four film and/or CCD cameras in one system
* Focus drive: Internal focus motor with 0.1-micron sensitivity
* Stage: Motorized stages for the AX are available through fine vendors such as Ludl and Prior

Remote Operation The AX70 can be controlled remotely via a PC through two available RS-232 ports. A simple set of commands controls operation of all the motorized items mentioned above.

* RS-232 port on touch screen control unit MCB: For PC control of all motorized functions
* RS-232 port on new 8-position hand switch: For PC control of fluorescence filter cubes, objective selection, lamp and shutter
* Many top level imaging programs are capable of controlling the AX70, including Image Pro Plus, IPLab, AnalySIS and Vysis

Macro Imaging-0.5x Objective
This special objective allows for macro imaging on the AX70, with large field of view of 53mm.

* Macro objective of 0.5x: Allows 53mm field of view for large area imaging
* Macro condenser: Allows illumination for all objectives, from 0.5x to 100x

Multi Control Unit-MCB
The MCB serves as a master control unit for the AX80. Its interface is fast and easy to use touch plasma screen. It allows for control of all microscope functions-from turning on the lamp to selecting camera ports. Multiple languages allow easy interface for all users. An RS-232 port allows for computer control.