Microscopes

Owned by Former user (Deleted)
Last updated: Nov 13, 2021 by jr_barnes
2 min read

Issues log

Exp. 378

  • Image capture scale calibration on scope A.1 in the smear slide area of the lab was found to be incorrect when compared with the micrometer.  The scope was installed in Punta Arenas, and the issue was likely occurring throughout Exp 385.  The scale label placed next to the scope was also incorrect.  The scale applied to the image with image capture is about .82cm instead of 1 cm.  Programmers working to recalculate scale.  This issue was noted on a second scope as well, but to a lesser extent. 

Exp. 378T

  • Replaced coolLED 585 and 490 nm and combiner for the MBIO microscope. During the previous expedition (385) very distinct "web" artifacts appear in the field of view and images taken, despite refocusing the light sources. The new 490 nm light source still show this artifact, but fainter. We are awaiting follow-up replied from coolLED (as of Dec. 2, 2019).

  • The 10x10 gridded reticle (KR-406; 26mm) is missing. This reticle facilitates counting of microbiological specimens. Two pieces are currently being ordered. 

Exp. 382 Iceberg Alley

  • Shutter assembly on one of the Cannon 1D cameras had come loose and the LCD screen showed Err 20.  Etienne was able to get the shutter back in place and clear the error.  The camera has had no issues since.

Microscopes

  • Micrometer slide KR-812(1x3) was broken under an objective during routine field of view calibration.

  • Axio Scope.A1 (#90818) XY stage screw came loose. In one instance, it also had a partially blocked field of view even if all accessory lenses and filters appear to be in place, but was cleared when the binocular tubes were adjusted. This might indicate a loose intermediate lens along the illumination path, which can be looked at in more detail during the next service call.

  • The microscope cameras often become unresponsive, giving a "Busy camera" pop-up message when a user attempts to capture an image. This happens if the camera was previously being turned off BEFORE closing the ImageCapture or SPOT software,

  • A micropaleontologist inquired about setting up one of the newer model Axioskops for differential interference contrast (DIC) method, often used to observe diatoms. At present, we only have the Nomarski lenses for the objectives of the Axioplan2 Imaging microscope, currently set up for fluorescence microscopy (MBIO). The accompanying 63x objective is no longer in the inventory, so a new one has been ordered. For future expeditions that require the DIC method, the Axioplan2Imaging can be moved to or swapped with a unit from the Microscope Laboratory.  Note that the new models of Zeiss microscopes may only support PlasDIC, the new version of the classical Smith/Nomarski DIC (cf: http://microscopy.berkeley.edu/courses/TLM/dic/dic_vs_plasdic.html). For related parts and variants of the Axio Scope.A1, see https://www.micro-shop.zeiss.com/en/us/system/legacyredirectsystem/10183.

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