Chapter 3 Individual Operations
3.16 Fluorescence Observation
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3.16
Fluorescence Observation
3.16.1
Warning
The mercury lamp (or xenon lamp) used with the Epi-fl attachment requires careful
handling. Be sure to read the warnings described in the beginning of this manual and
in the operating manual provided by the manufacturers of the mercury lamp power
supply (or high-intensity light source) and lamp. Observe all the warnings and
precautions described in those documents.
3.16.2
Shutter of the Epi-fl attachment
The shutter blocks illumination. When suspending
microscopy, close the shutter to prevent fading of
specimen colors. (Set the shutter lever to the C
position to move the shutter into the optical path
and block light.) To protect important specimens,
make it a habit to use the shutter whenever
appropriate.
When pausing Epi-fluorescent microscopy to
perform microscopy using diascopic light, move the
shutter into the optical path to block the
Epi-fluorescent light.
3.16.3
Light shielding plate of the Epi-fl attachment
The light shielding plate protects the observer's eyes from reflected ultraviolet light, which is
originally emitted through the objective, from the specimen. To remove the plate, loosen the
clamp screw and pull it forward.
3.16.4
Field diaphragm of the Epi-fl attachment
The field diaphragm is used to restrict the illumination to the area of the specimen being viewed.
Operating the field diaphragm lever changes the size of the field diaphragm. For normal
observations, stop down the diaphragm so that the aperture boundaries are just outside (or
inside) the field of view. Illuminating an area broader than necessary will result in stray light
entering the field of view, generating flare, reducing image contrast, and expanding the area of
the specimen subject to fading.
Appropriate field diaphragm settings are particularly important for photomicrography and digital
image capturing. In general, good results will be obtained by stopping down the field diaphragm
to slightly wider than the area to be reproduced within the photo frame or monitor display.
Field diaphragm lever
Shutter
lever
Light shielding plate
