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Center for Microscopy and Image Analysis

Widefield - Zeiss Axio Observer (Schlieren)

Zeiss Axio Observer Z1

This inverted wildfield system is suited to image live-cells as well as fixed samples in fluorescence and transmission light modes. A temperature and CO2 controlled environment is possible for live cell experiments. 

Responsible Person

responsible person

Location

University Zurich, Irchel Schlieren 5th Floor, Room WAD-K-126 .

Training Request

 Follow this link to apply for an introduction to the microscope

The Zeiss Axio Observer Z1  features the following modalities:

Wide-field microscopy

 Fluorescence wide-field microscopy is a technique where the entire specimen is illuminated uniformly, causing fluorophores within the sample to emit light. This emitted fluorescence is then captured by a camera or detector, producing an image that shows the distribution of fluorescent molecules. It's widely used for observing cellular structures, proteins, and other biomolecules tagged with fluorescent markers. The technique offers high sensitivity and allows for real-time imaging of live cells, making it invaluable in biological and medical research.

Differential interference contrast microscopy (DIC)

Differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy is an advanced optical microscopy technique that enhances the contrast in unstained, transparent specimens. DIC utilizes polarized light split into two beams that pass through the specimen at slightly different angles. When these beams recombine, the differences in optical path length cause interference, creating an image with high contrast and pseudo-3D effect. This technique is particularly useful for observing fine details and structures within live cells and tissues without the need for staining, making it ideal for dynamic studies in cell biology.

Phase contrast microscopy (PH)

 Phase contrast microscopy is a technique designed to enhance the contrast of transparent and colorless specimens, such as living cells, by converting phase shifts in light passing through the specimen into changes in intensity. It employs a phase plate to create constructive and destructive interference, which highlights differences in refractive index within the sample. This allows for the detailed visualization of cellular structures and organelles that are otherwise invisible under standard bright-field illumination. Phase contrast microscopy is widely used in biological research for examining live, unstained cells and tissues.

Technical Specifications

Microscope body

  • inverted ZEISS Z1 body

  • Motorized encoded xy-stage and motorized encoded z-drive

  • Definite focus system

  • Motorized fluorescence turret, filter-wheel, condenser turret, light path switcher

  • Incubator dark (temperature and humidity control)

Light Sources
  • Halogen lamp for transmitted light
  •  ZEISS Colibri 7
Common Fluorophores Excitation LED (nm)
DAPI, Alexa Fluor 405, Hoechst 33342 385/30 nm
CFP, Alexa Fluor 433 423/44 nm
GFP,  Alexa Fluor488, Cy2, FITC 469/38 nm
YFP, Oregon Green, Sytox Green 511/44 nm
TRITC, Cy3, tdTomato, Alexa Fluor 546, Alexa Fluor 555 555/30 nm
mCherry, Alexa Fluor 568, Alexa Fluor 594, 590/27 nm
Alexa Fluor 633, Alexa Fluor 647, Cy5, DRAQ5, ATTO-647N 631/33 nm

Camera System

  • Hamamatsu Orca Flash 4.0 V2 sCMOS

  • 16 bit cooled monochrome camera

  • 2304 x 2304 pixel (6.5 x 6.5um pixel size) back-illuminated sCMOS

  • QE: 82 %

  • dynamic range 16 bit

  • Exposure times 1 ms to 10s 

Environmental control

  • TempModul S1 - reliable control of of temperature up to 0.1°C accuracy

  • CO2-Modul S1 - allows for a stable concentration between 1-8% (in 0.1% steps)

Accessories
  • Sample Holders for Wellplates, 35 mm dishes, Slides

Available Optics
Name Magnification NA Immersion WD (mm)

EC Plan Neofluar (Ph1)

   5x

0.16

Air

18.5
EC Plan Neofluar (Ph1)   10x                             0.3 Air 5.2
LD Plan Neofluar (Ph2)   20x 0.4                   Air 7.4-8.4
LD LCI Plan Apochromat (DIC)   25x 0.8 IMM 0.57
LD Plan Neofluar (Ph2)   63x 0.75 Air 1.2-2.2
i-Plan Apochromat (DIC)   63 x 1.4 Oil 0.18

PH = phase contrast, DIC = Differential Interference Contrast, IMM = multi immersion (either water, glycerol or oil)

Available Filters

 

ZEISS Filtersatz 90 HE LED

  
Reflection to sample (Excitation filter) Beamsplitter Transmission to camera (Emission filter)  
BP 385/30 QBS 405 QBP 425/30  
BP 469/38 QBS 493 QBP 515/30  
BP 555/30 QBS 575 QBP 592/25  

BP 631/33

 QBS 653 QBP 709/100  

Filtersatz 91 HE LED
Reflection to sample (Excitation filter) Beamsplitter Transmission to camera (Emission filter)
BP 423/44 TBS 450 TBP 467/24
BP 511/44 TBS 538 TBP 555/25
BP 591/27 TBS 610 TBP 687/145

 

User Guide

 ZEISS Axio Observer (Schlieren) Guide

Links & Literature

Sample preparation
 

Filter example
 

Spectra viewer

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