This is description of this part:
Condenser holder module with a laterally movable iris diaphragm for obtaining DIC-like oblique illumination in the Carl Zeiss Jena Lu microscope (from the L-Stand family).
The Carl Zeiss Jena Lu microscope features a modular design (the same as the larger Carl Zeiss Jena Nf microscope). This microscope part (this module) consists of the following components:
- dovetail mounting with a clamping screw for attachment to the condenser lifting block
- condenser holder with a retaining screw for securing the condenser
- iris diaphragm (aperture diaphragm)
- iris diaphragm sliding carriage allowing lateral movement of the diaphragm
- eccentric mechanism allowing rotation of the carriage, making it possible to illuminate not only from the sides but also from the front or rear
- spring plate (lock) allowing the entire diaphragm assembly to be moved out of the optical path
The condenser holder has an internal mounting clamp for condensers with a diameter of 39.5 mm.
The movable iris diaphragm mounted below the microscope condenser allows oblique illumination and produces a three-dimensional image effect that increases the contrast of transparent specimens (for example individual unstained cells). This provides an effect similar to Differential Interference Contrast (DIC).
Various names are used on the secondary market for this microscope part, including:
- decenterable iris diaphragm
- decentering aperture diaphragm
- off-axis iris diaphragm
- eccentric iris diaphragm
- sliding iris diaphragm
- sliding iris
- oblique illumination condenser
- condenser with sliding iris
- oblique illumination module
- oblique illumination diaphragm
- offset iris
- Poor Man's DIC device
Note - this condenser module DOES NOT FIT Carl Zeiss Jena Nf, Ng, Lumipan, Polmi-A or Nu microscopes, even though the mounting arrangement appears very similar at first glance.
What is this part needed for?
- if you own a Carl Zeiss Jena Lu microscope that is missing this complete module
- if this microscope part is damaged or in very poor condition
- if you would like to install this diaphragm on another microscope
- if you need a movable iris diaphragm for your own DIY project
