JENA — Carl Zeiss is now introducing the Axio Lab.A1 microscope for examinations in the materials sciences. Its particularly intuitive operation makes this upright microscope suitable for routine lab applications in metallography, quality control and for inspection tasks in production lines. This permits microscopic examinations of metallographic specimens and samples made of polymers or other materials. The Axio Lab.A1 can be used to determine not only the structure and surface quality of specimens, but also cracks or impurities.

The benefit of this microscope for industrial applications is the 50 watt halogen illumination which is also excellently suited for darkfield and differential interference contrast in circularly polarized light (C-DIC). Both contrasting techniques require a large amount of light. The interference contrast in particular is unique in this class and offers additional information about the sample, e.g. tiny defects or scratches that are not visible in brightfield or darkfield applications. The 22 millimeter field of view offers the user optimal visibility of the sample.

All objective lenses in the standard magnification series are accommodated on a 5-position turret so that no change is now necessary during work. The Axio Lab.A1 also includes a 4-position reflector turret and a large selection of binocular photo and ergonomic tubes. The ergonomic, compact design and easy, intuitive operation are special benefits not only for daily routine, but also for training and education.

The microscope system can be used with traditional cameras, with all cameras in the AxioCam line, particularly with the attractively-priced AxioCam ERc 5s, and with AxioVision image processing software.

Carl Zeiss

The Carl Zeiss Group is a leading group of companies operating worldwide in the optical and opto-electronic industries that generates revenues totaling around EUR 2.1 billion (2008/09). Carl Zeiss offers innovative solutions for the future-oriented markets of Medical and Research Solutions, Industrial Solutions and Lifestyle Products.

The Carl Zeiss Group has approximately 13,000 employees worldwide, including more than 8,000 in Germany. The Carl Zeiss business groups hold leading positions in their markets. Carl Zeiss AG, Oberkochen, is fully owned by the Carl Zeiss Stiftung (Carl Zeiss Foundation).

Carl Zeiss MicroImaging

Carl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbH comprises the Microscopy Group of the Carl Zeiss Group. Carl Zeiss MicroImaging is one of the leading manufacturers of microscope systems and offers total solutions for biomedical research, the healthcare sector and high-tech industries. Its 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. Carl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbH is headquartered in Jena, Germany. Other manufacturing and development sites are located in Göttingen and Munich. In fiscal year 2008/09 the Microscopy Group at Carl Zeiss generated revenues of approximately EUR 365 million with a global workforce of around 1,700 people.

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