Swift M15 Series User manual

Swift M15 Series

Compound Microscope

Use and Care Manual

SWIFT OPTICAL Enduring Quality and Technical Excellence

SWIFT M15

Your Swift M15 microscope is an instrument of precision, both optically

and mechanically and will last a lifetime with a minimum amount of

maintenance. It is built to the highest and most rigid optical and

mechanical standards and has many built-in features to insure durability

and high performance in the hands of both student and professional

users.

Illuminator

Objective

Slide Holder

Head

Eyepiece

On/Off Switch

Illuminator Rheostat

Iris Diaphragm

Mechanical

Stage Control

Coarse Focus

Control

Diopter

Adjustment

Fine Focus

Control

Arm

Base

Nosepiece

COMPONENTS OF THE MICROSCOPE

ARM – the vertical column (attached to the base) which supports the

stage, and contains the coarse and fine adjusting knobs and mechanism.

BASE – the housing and platform of the instrument to which the arm is

attached. The base stands on rubber feet and contains the illuminator

assembly.

COARSE FOCUS – the larger, outside knob of the focus control which

facilitates rapid and heavy movement of the focusing mechanism. In order

to prevent gear damage, the focus control is equipped with an upper limit

stopper that protects the high magnification objectives and slides.

COAXIAL CONTROLS – the focusing mechanism moves the stage up

and down to bring the specimen into focus. The coaxial focusing system

combines both the coarse and fine focus into one knob located on both

sides of the microscope. The control is designed for a continuous

operation over the range of the stage movement. The system is also

furnished with a tension control to prevent “stage drift”.

CONDENSER – the function of the condenser is to provide full

illumination to the specimen plane and to enhance the resolution and

contrast of the object being viewed. The standard condenser of the M10

Series has a numerical aperture of 1.25 with filter carrier and iris

diaphragm. It is mounted in a sub–stage focusing assembly that can be

raised or lowered for precise light control.

DIOPTER ADJUSTMENT – located on the left eyepiece of the binocular

head and is designed to help compensate the difference between the

user’s eyes.

EYEPIECES – the upper optical element that further magnifies the

primary image of the specimen and brings the light rays in focus at the

eye-point.

FINE FOCUS – the smaller inner knobs of the focus control which allows

for slow and subtle focusing movement to bring the specimen into sharp

focus.

HEAD – the upper portion of the microscope which contains the refracting

prisms and the eyepiece tubes which hold the eyepieces.

ILLUMINATION – the built-in light source which provides the optical

system with light. The M10 Series uses a variable intensity 6V 20W

Halogen.

IRIS DIAPHRAGM – a multi-leaf round shaped device which is controlled

by a lever. It is similar to a camera shutter, and is installed under the

condenser. By moving the lever back and forth, the iris diaphragm opens

and closes, increasing and decreasing the contrast of the specimen. If the

image is “washed out” the iris diaphragm is opened too wide. If the image

is too dark the iris is not open wide enough.

NOSEPIECE – the revolving turret that holds the objective lenses,

permitting changes in magnification by rotating different powered

objective lenses into the optical path. The nosepiece must “click” into

place for the objectives to be in proper alignment.

OBJECTIVES – the infinity plan optical system which magnifies the

primary image of the instrument. Magnifications are typically 4X, 10X,

40X and 100X.

SIEDENTOPF – a binocular head design where the interpupillary

adjustment (increasing or decreasing the distance between the

eyepieces) is achieved by twisting the eyepiece tubes in an up and down

arc motion similar to binoculars.

STAGE – the table of the microscope where the slide is placed for

viewing. This component moves upward and downward when the

focusing knobs are turned. The stage of the M10 has a built-in mechanical

stage with a below-stage ergonomic “X” and “Y” axis controls. A finger

clip holds the slide securely and is designed to be a slow return holder to

provide protection to the specimen.

IMPORTANT TERMINOLOGY

“COATED” LENS – in attempting to transmit light through glass, much of

the light is lost through reflection. Coating a lens increases the light

transmission by reducing or eliminating reflection, thus allowing more light

to pass through.

COMPOUND MICROSCOPE – a microscope having a primary magnifier

(the objective) and a second (the eyepiece) to both conduct light, amplify

magnification and convert the image into a field of view easily seen by the

human eye.

COVER GLASS – thin glass cut in circles, rectangles, or squares, for

covering the specimen (usually a thickness of 0.15 to 0.17mm). The

majority of specimens should be protected by a cover glass, and must be

covered when using 40XRD or 100XRD objectives.

DEPTH OF FOCUS – the ability of a lens to furnish a distinct image

above and below the focal plane. Depth of focus decreases with the

increase of numerical aperture or with the increase of magnification.

EYE POINT or EYE RELIEF – the distance from the eye lens of the

eyepiece to your eye where a full field of view is seen.

FIELD OF VIEW – the area of the object that is seen when the image is

observed. It may range in diameter from several millimeters to less than

0.1mm.

FOCAL LENGTH – parallel rays of light after refraction through a lens will

be brought to a focus at the focal point. The distance from the optical

center of the lens to the focal point is the focal length.

NUMERICAL APERTURE (NA) – a measure of an objective’s light

gathering capabilities. The concept may be compared to the F-valve in

photographic lenses. Generally speaking, N.A. values of less than 1.00

are "Dry" objectives. Values of 1.00 or greater require oil as a medium.

Please note that condensers are part of the optical system and are also

assigned an N.A. value. That value must be at least as high as that of the

highest objective used.

PARFOCAL – a term applied to objectives and eyepieces when

practically no change in focus is needed when changing objectives. The

objectives on your microscope are parfocaled at the factory so that only

a slight adjustment of the fine focus knob is needed to maintain focus

when switching magnification.

RESOLUTION or RESOLVING POWER – the ability of a lens to define

the details of the specimen at a maximum magnification. This is governed

by the NA (Numerical Aperture) of the lens. For example, a 40X objective

with NA 0.65 has a maximum resolving power of 650X, equal to 1000

times the NA. This rule of NA x 1000 is true of all achromatic objectives.

WORKING DISTANCE – the distance from the lens of the objective to the

cover slip on the slide, when the specimen is in focus.

ASSEMBLY

USING THE SWIFT M15 MICROSCOPE

Once you have learned the terminology and purpose of each component

of the microscope, use of the microscope is simple. By following these

steps, you will be able to begin studying the specimen quickly and easily.

1. Open the slide holder of the mechanical stage and carefully place the

slide against the fixed side and back edge of the mechanical stage.

Now slowly release the slide holder lever to hold the slide in place.

2. Align the specimen under the objective lens by using the adjustment

knobs under the mechanical stage. The bottom knob moves the slide

from right/left while the top knob adjusts the slide from front/back.

These knobs allow for precise movement and scanning of the slide.

3. Rotate the nosepiece to place the lowest power objective (4XD) over

the specimen. Be sure the objective “clicks” into position.

4. Adjust the interpupillary distance of the Siedentopf binocular head for

a comfortable view. Align the eyepiece tubes of the binocular head to

create one perfect circle, by moving the eyepiece tubes in an arc

motion.

5. While viewing through the eyepiece, rotate the coarse focus knob to

bring the specimen into focus. This should be done slowly and

carefully.

6. To adjust the contrast of the specimen, open the iris diaphragm to its

largest aperture. If additional contrast is required to permit accurate

viewing of the specimen, the diaphragm should be slowly closed until

the details of the specimen are sharply defined. Be careful not to

close the aperture too much. Although you may be achieving a higher

contrast, the fine structure of the image maybe destroyed. Reducing

the aperture increases the contrast and depth of focus, but it also

reduces resolution and introduces diffraction. The aperture must be

adjusted for each objective.

NA 0.25 for 10XD

NA 0.65 for 40XRD

NA 1.25 for 100XRD

The iris diaphragm is not intended to control the brightness of the

illumination, but induce contrast of the specimen by diffracting light

rays.

7. Use the fine focus control to complete the focus and produce the

sharpest image.

8. For additional clarity, use the left eye diopter adjustment to correct the

differences between the user’s eyes. Set the adjustable left eye

diopter at zero. Then focus with the coaxial focusing knob, using your

right eye only (close your left eye). Now using your left eye only,

adjust the diopter ring until a clear image is seen (close your right

eye). The diopter adjustment is now set to the users eyes and will not

need to be adjusted again until a different user uses the microscope.

9. Now you can rotate the nosepiece to higher magnification objectives.

The objectives are parfocaled so that once the lowest objective (4XD)

is focused, only a slight turn of the fine focusing knob is required

when changing to 10XD, 40XRD and 100XRD objectives.

OIL IMMERSION

It is desirable to use immersion oil with the 100XRD objective. Oil

generates a fine resolution and brightness of the image viewed through

the microscope. Drop a tiny amount of oil (1 drop) onto the slide prior to

focusing with the 100XRD objective (between the slide and the objective

tip). It is essential to thoroughly clean the objective tip after use. Please

contact Swift Optical or your authorized Swift dealer for the appropriate

immersion oil to use.

IMPORTANT: The focal distance of the 100XRD and 40XRD objective to

the slide surface is very close and only the 100XRD objective is sealed to

prevent immersion oil contamination, it is a good practice to avoid

dragging the 40XRD objective through an oiled slide.

COMMON PROBLEMS IN MICROSCOPY

If you have a problem, you may be able to correct it yourself. Here are a

few common problems and easy solutions you may want to try before

calling for service.

CAUTION – Never disassemble electrical, mechanical or optical

components. This servicing should only be done by an authorized Swift

technician. The Limited Lifetime Warranty will be null and void if

disassembled by a non-Swift dealer.

Immersion Oil

100XRD Objective

Slide

A. PROBLEM - Image appears “washed out” or weak

CORRECTION -

1. Slowly close the iris diaphragm.

2. Objective lens is dirty. See “Care and Cleaning” Section

3. Eyepiece is dirty. See “Care and Cleaning” Section

B. PROBLEM - Hairs or dust seem to be moving in the image

CORRECTION - The iris diaphragm is not open wide enough. Slowly

open the iris diaphragm to increase the size of the opening allowing

for additional illumination.

C. PROBLEM - Unable to bring specimen into focus with any objective

CORRECTION - Eye lens of the eyepiece is partially unscrewed.

Remove the eyepiece and screw the two sections together.

D. PROBLEM - Image of the specimen goes out of the focus all by itself.

CORRECTION – Increase the focus tension by turning the tension

knob found next to the left coarse focus knob.

E. PROBLEM – Focusing knobs turn with difficulty even with tension

knob loosened.

CORRECTION - Microscope should be disassembled by qualified,

authorized repairman, cleaned and re-lubricated.

CARE AND CLEANING

Swift microscopes are designed to function with minimal maintenance, but

certain components should be cleaned frequently to ensure ease of

viewing. The power switch should be turned off or the microscope should

be unplugged when not in use.

CLEANING – The front lens of the objectives (particularly the 40XRD and

100XRD) should be cleaned after use. The lens surface may be gently

cleaned with a soft camel hair brush, or blown off with clean, oil-free air to

remove dust particles. Then wipe gently with a soft lens tissue, moistened

with optical cleaner (eyeglass or camera lens) or clean water. Immediately

dry with a clean lens paper.

CAUTION - Objectives should never be disassembled by the user. If

repairs or internal cleaning should be necessary, this should only be done

by qualified, authorized microscope technician. The eyepiece(s) may be

cleaned in the same manner as the objectives, except in most cases

optical cleaner will not be required. In most instances breathing on the

eyepiece to moisten the lens and wiping dry with a clean lens tissue is

sufficient to clean the surface. Lenses should never be wiped while dry as

this will scratch or otherwise mar the surface of the glass.

The finish of the microscope is hard epoxy and is resistant to acids and

reagents. Clean this surface with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

Periodically, the microscope should be disassembled, cleaned and

lubricated. This should only be done by a qualified, authorized microscope

technician.

DUST COVER AND STORAGE – All microscopes should be protected

from dust by a dust cover when in storage or not in use. A dust cover is

the most cost-effective microscope insurance you can buy. Ensure that

the storage space is tall enough to allow the microscope to be placed into

the cabinet or onto a shelf without making undue contact with the

eyepieces. Never store microscopes in cabinets containing chemicals

which may corrode your microscope. Also, be sure that the objectives are

placed in the lowest possible position and the rotating head is turned

inward and not protruding from the base. Microscopes with mechanical

stages should be adjusted toward the center of the stage to prevent the

moveable arms of the mechanical stage from being damaged during

storage in the cabinet.

HALOGEN REPLACEMENT

The Swift M15 is equipped with a 6V 20W halogen illumination system.

The life of the halogen bulb may vary depending on use and intensity. To

prolong the life of the halogen, you should always turn off the unit when

not in use.

WARNING: FOR YOUR SAFETY, TURN SWITCH OFF AND REMOVE

PLUG FROM POWER SOURCE OUTLET BEFORE MAINTAINING

YOUR MICROSCOPE.

a. Carefully lay instrument on its side, taking care to avoid damage to

the specimen slide holder located on top of mechanical stage.

b. Loosen large chrome locking screw located on hinged door of

illuminator base.

c. Swing door open to expose the halogen lamp.

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