Zeiss Auto Focus, Operating Manual

Page: 25 / 38

OPERATION
Auto Focus equipment Setting up Auto Focus Carl Zeiss
06/2013 425131-7044-001 25
In the online application mode, the set-up parameters apply which were entered in AxioVision
(version 4.9.1. or later) or other imaging software if this has an interface to Auto Focus and
controls set-up parameters.
Auto Focus generally works in continuous mode, i.e. continuous checks are made as to whether
the sample is still in focus.
If imaging software with no interface to Auto Focus is used for the image capture, this may
result in poorly focused images during capture if the Auto Focus and image capture activities are
simultaneous.
Work / Load by AF :
Selecting this option supports the Auto Focus Work / Load run; see also section 4.7 on page 30.
Selecting this option may result in collisions between the samples and the objectives. For this
reason it is important to follow the instructions given in section 4.7 on page 30.
Focus Wheel:
In experiments, this option can be used for switching off manual adjustment of the focus drive via the
focus wheel. This prevents inadvertent adjustment of the focus and therefore the creation of an offset.
See also section 4.3, page 27. Focusing is carried out entirely by the Auto Focus if activated.
Resolution and Speed:
The Exact , Balanced and Fast options are used to increase the speed of focus during a focus search by
reducing the focus resolution.
The focus resolution is:
−
Exact: 0.3 times the depth of field of the objective
−
Balanced: 1 time the depth of field of the objective
−
Fast: 3 times the depth of field of the objective
Surface of Specimen:
The
Reflective
,
Partially Reflective
and
Diffuse
options can be used to specify the type of surface of
the sample. See also Table 3 on page 26, Surface of sample and recommended settings.
If the sample has a structure which is parallel to the grid pattern of the structured light of the
Auto Focus during focusing, Auto Focus may jump backwards and forwards between the two
different focus planes. To avoid this and to facilitate correct focusing, the Auto Focus sensor can
be turned manually on the microscope in 15° steps up to a maximum of +/- 90°. This can also be
monitored and manually adjusted for improved visualization of the Auto Focus signal from the
sample, using AxioVision (version 4.9.1. and later) under Hardware Auto Focus Control.