The 2nd generation Axio Imager microscope systems from Carl Zeiss meet all user demands for a versatile and easy-to-use polarization microscope. In geology, mineralogy, metallography, coal and oil petrography and forensic science, they provide more information in less time. The Axio Imager 2 systems exhibit high resolution and offer all contrasting and measuring techniques utilized in polarization microscopy. Easy, user-friendly operation via a touchscreen, the encoded nosepiece and many automated functions ensure a high level of convenience and flexibility in microscopy.

The Axio Imager 2 systems are flexible, upgradable microscopes with the option of encoded, partly / fully motorized components for both traditional and future applications, e.g. in the materials, glass, plastics, textile and fiber industries. They feature the optimized IC²S beam path (Infinity Color&Contrast Corrected System) and the strain-free, high-contrast EC Plan-NEOFLUAR Pol and EC Epiplan-NEOFLUAR Pol objectives which lie at the limits of microscopic resolution. Furthermore, Axio Imager 2 systems offer operating safety, economic efficiency and digital functionality both in routine and research. Additional technical improvements include the capability to combine reflected and transmitted light.

The modular system comprises nine stand versions, allowing users to configure their own customized polarization microscope. All traditional polarization components for orthoscopy and conoscopy are available for this purpose. The microscope versions are upgradable to include further contrasting techniques, e.g. the reflected- light techniques brightfield, darkfield, DIC, Circular DIC or even fluorescence. The Pol phototube with an additional intermediate image plane, self- supporting crosshairs and a focusing Bertrand lens has been customized for conoscopy for the examination of even the smallest crystals (> 10 µm). The offering also includes a complete range of compensators (both lambda plates and measuring compensators).

Combined with AxioVision software and the AxioCam digital microscope camera, Axio Imager 2 is the convenient system of choice for polarization microscopy.

Text and photo on the Internet www.zeiss.de/micro-press.

The BioSciences and Industrial divisions of Carl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbH, a 100% subsidiary of Carl Zeiss AG, endeavors to meet the needs of its users. As a manufacturer and supplier of microscopy solutions and systems for research, laboratories, routine and industrial applications, the company is one of the global market leaders. The product line includes light microscopes and camera systems, systems for laser scanning microscopy and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, a wide selection of spectrometers and components for image processing and documentation. During fiscal year 2007/08, the Microscopy Group at Carl Zeiss generated revenues of approximately EUR 339 million with a global workforce of about 1,730.

Further information is available at www.zeiss.de/micro

Carl Zeiss AG is a leading group of companies operating worldwide in the optical and opto-electronic industry. The five independently operating business groups are active in the future-oriented markets of Medical and Research Solutions, Industrial Solutions and Lifestyle Products. Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The company has been a technological pioneer in optical innovation for more than 160 years.

Carl Zeiss develops and distributes products and services under the ZEISS brand name for biomedical research and medical technology, as well as for the semiconductor, automotive and mechanical engineering industries. Planetariums, binoculars, and camera and cine lenses are valued by millions of users around the world. The eyeglass business is now bundled in Carl Zeiss Vision International GmbH, the number two eyeglass provider in the world.

Carl Zeiss AG is fully owned by the Carl Zeiss Stiftung (Carl Zeiss Foundation). During fiscal year 2007/08 (ended Sept. 30), the company generated revenues of EUR 2,731 million. Carl Zeiss has around 13,000 employees in more than 30 countries, including more than 8,000 in Germany.