Customized Microscope Systems to Meet Even the Highest Demands

With Axio Imager 2, Carl Zeiss is presenting the new generation of its proven microscope system for biomedical research and materials applications. The customized configurability of the ten stand versions meets user requirements for a solution that combines outstanding flexibility and maximum ease of use with the highest performance and functionality. All stands feature the basic function of the light manager which can be used to separately store and reproduce the illumination intensity for each magnification. In addition, the motorized microscope stands allow the simple selection of stored contrasting techniques via the contrast manager. With the possibility of storing the most important system parameters for up to ten users, Axio Imager 2 is the first microscope system to offer multi-user operation.

The optimal Axio Imager 2 system is available for every field of application – from advanced routine to high-end research in the life and materials sciences.

A special benefit for live cell imaging is offered by the new optical design for the transmitted light beam path and the condensers, allowing homogeneous illumination at low magnifications and an even greater working distance. Reproducible settings guarantee reliable results for any task requiring the evaluation of a large number of samples or specimens – for observation, findings, documentation, interactive measurement and report generation.

The automatic switch between reflected and transmitted light and the generation of mixed light have been implemented in particular for the growing research field of bionics where, for example, living cells or organic tissue are examined on inorganic carrier substances with multidimensional image acquisition. This functionality is also completely integrated into the light and contrast manager. For the very first time, the motorized modulator turret for transmitted light DIC makes it possible to set differential interference contrast reproducibly and, in combination with fluorescence image acquisition, to remove the DIC prism automatically from the light path. This prevents sample-induced artifacts. The Z-stand (Axio Imager.Z2 / Z2m) has been specially designed for continuous operation. It features a high-performance focus drive, with which even the smallest focus movements can be executed over long periods of use, also with large scanning stages.

All Axio Imager 2 microscope stands are encoded, i.e. the AxioVision software automatically stores important information about the magnification and contrast or illumination settings. As the reflected light beam path of all stands is equipped with diaphragm sliders and filter wheels, optical sections can be generated with ApoTome, also with entry level systems. Another new feature is the triggerable LED light source for Köhler illumination which, together with the z-piezo insert for manual and scanning stages, permits the fast acquisition of Z-stacks or high resolution overview images.

Axio Imager 2 offers optimal solutions for image acquisition, image processing, archiving, reporting and image analysis with the AxioVision software: from simple image acquisition to the documentation of fast processes at high temporal resolution.

Carl Zeiss AG

Carl Zeiss AG is a leading group of companies operating worldwide in the optical and opto-electronic industries. 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. 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 over 8,000 in Germany.

Carl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbH

Carl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbH is a 100% subsidiary of Carl Zeiss AG. The leading manufacturer of microscope systems offers total solutions for biomedical research, the healthcare sector and high-tech industries. The product line spans a broad spectrum from light microscopes and systems for laser scanning microscopy and spectrometry to hardware and software for image processing and documentation.

Microscopes from Carl Zeiss allow scientists to gain important knowledge about diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and tuberculosis. This results in new diagnostic techniques and better drugs for therapy. ZEISS microscopes support the development of new materials and enable more efficient quality inspection in industry.

Carl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbH is headquartered in Jena. Other manufacturing and development sites are located in Göttingen and Munich. During fiscal year 2007/08, the Microscopy Group at Carl Zeiss generated revenues of approximately EUR 340 million with a global workforce of about 1,700. Further information is available at www.zeiss.de/micro.