Oil-Immersion Observation - Nikon ECLIPSE Ei Instructions Manual

3.6

Oil-Immersion Observation

The "Oil" mark on the side of an objective indicates that it is an oil-immersion type objective. (The
oil-immersion objective also has a black band around the barrel end.) An oil-immersion objective is used with
the immersion oil applied between the front of the objective and the coverglass. For an oil-immersion objective
with a numerical aperture of 1.0 or more, also apply immersion oil to the condenser to take full advantage of
its performance. (An oil-immersion type condenser needs immersion oil to be applied between the front of the
condenser and the specimen.)
The condenser has an oil receptacle around the front of its lens.
Example of oil-immersion

Apply immersion oil to the condenser and then objective.
Condenser:
Add a drop of oil on the condenser lens, and then place the specimen on the stage.
Objective:
Rotate the revolving nosepiece to move the objective out of position. Add a drop of oil to the specimen.
Slowly rotate the revolving nosepiece to bring the objective back into position.
Eliminating air bubbles

Make sure that air bubbles are not trapped during oil application. Air bubbles degrade the image.
Do any of the following to eliminate air bubbles:
• Rotate the revolving nosepiece to move the objective back and forth once or twice.
• Add another drop of oil.
• Wipe off the oil and apply again.
Handling of the immersion oil

• Use a minimum quantity of oil. If too much oil is applied, surplus oil may flow out onto the stage and the
condenser and degrade performance.
• Any oil residue left on the lenses of oil-immersion type objectives or adhesion of oils on the front lens of dry
type objectives will degrade image quality. After completing oil-immersion observation, be sure to clean the
objective, condenser, and any other parts that may be stained by oil.
• To wipe surplus oil on the front of the condenser lens, loosen the fixing screws for the condenser to remove
the condenser.
• Use petroleum benzine to wipe off oil and finish with absolute alcohol (ethyl or methyl alcohol). If petroleum
benzine is not available, use methyl alcohol instead. In that case, wipe off the oil several times as the
detergency of methyl alcohol is weaker than petroleum benzine. (You can wipe off the oil generally 3 to 4
times.)
• When handling petroleum benzine and absolute alcohol, be sure to follow the instructions described in "4.
Handling flammable solvents" in "
• Close the oil container cap tightly after use. Make sure that the cap is closed tight after refilling the
container. Check the cap periodically to make sure it has not come loose, allowing oil to leak out.
• Do not press the container hard. Oil may splash out.
• If you find an oil drips around the container, wipe them off.
• Avoid contact of immersion oil with eyes or skin. In the event of contact with eyes or skin, take one of the
following measures although Nikon immersion oil does not contain any toxic ingredients.
Contact with skin: Rinse your skin thoroughly with soap and water.
Contact with eye: Rinse your eye thoroughly with water (more than 15 minutes) and see a
• Do not leave immersion oil in the sun (ultraviolet rays may damage it).
Chapter 3 Detailed Explanation
WARNING" at the beginning of this manual.
doctor.
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