ZOLIX Standard Achromatic Microscope Objectives
| Brand | ZOLIX |
|---|---|
| Model Series | X4, X10, X20(S), X40(S), X60(S), X100(S)(OIL) |
| Magnification | 4×, 10×, 20×, 40×, 60×, 100× |
| Numerical Aperture (N.A.) | 0.10–1.25 |
| Working Distance (W.D.) | 37.5 mm (X4) to 0.185 mm (X60) and 0.195 mm (X100 OIL) |
| Tube Length | 195 mm |
| Parfocal Distance | 45 mm |
| Cover Slip Thickness | 0.17 mm |
| Thread Standard | RMS (Royal Microscopical Society, 4/5″ × 1/36″) |
Overview
ZOLIX Standard Achromatic Microscope Objectives are precision-corrected optical components engineered for routine brightfield and basic contrast microscopy applications in academic, industrial, and quality control laboratories. Designed to meet the ISO 8578 standard for microscope objective specifications, these objectives employ classic two-element achromatic doublet construction to minimize chromatic aberration (primary and secondary) and spherical aberration across the visible spectrum (400–700 nm). Each objective is optimized for a finite conjugate optical path with a standardized 195 mm tube length and 45 mm parfocal distance—ensuring seamless interchangeability and mechanical compatibility with conventional upright microscopes adhering to legacy RMS (Royal Microscopical Society) mounting standards (4/5″ × 1/36″ thread). The series includes both dry and oil-immersion configurations, with the X100(S)(OIL) objective requiring immersion oil (n = 1.515) to achieve its full N.A. of 1.25 and maximize resolution at the diffraction limit (~0.23 µm lateral resolution at 550 nm).
Key Features
- Achromatic correction for reduced color fringing and improved image fidelity in routine transmitted-light microscopy
- Consistent 45 mm parfocal distance across all magnifications ensures minimal refocusing when switching objectives
- RMS-threaded (4/5″ × 1/36″) mechanical interface compatible with legacy and modern finite-conjugate microscope bodies
- Spring-loaded focusing mechanism (denoted by “S”) on X20, X40, X60, and X100 models prevents accidental contact damage to coverslips and specimens
- Optimized for standard 0.17 mm thick cover glasses; performance degrades measurably with deviations beyond ±0.01 mm thickness
- Robust anodized aluminum housings with engraved magnification, N.A., and W.D. markings for lab-grade traceability and operational clarity
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
These objectives are intended for use with standard glass microscope slides (1.0–1.2 mm thickness) and No. 1.5 cover slips (0.17 mm nominal thickness). They support routine imaging of fixed or stained biological tissues, metallurgical samples, polymer thin films, and printed circuit board (PCB) inspection targets. All objectives comply with ISO 8578:2017 (Microscopes — Objectives — Nomenclature, marking and specifications) and are manufactured under a documented quality management system aligned with ISO 9001 requirements. While not certified for clinical diagnostics per IEC 61010-1 or FDA 21 CFR Part 820, they are routinely deployed in GLP-compliant materials characterization workflows where objective calibration traceability is maintained via user-defined verification protocols.
Software & Data Management
As passive optical components, ZOLIX standard achromats do not incorporate electronic interfaces, firmware, or embedded sensors. Their performance parameters—including magnification, numerical aperture, working distance, and parfocal offset—are fully deterministic and independent of software control. When integrated into digital microscopy systems, metadata (e.g., objective ID, magnification, N.A.) must be manually entered or selected from a predefined configuration library within acquisition software (e.g., NIS-Elements, ZEN Blue, or open-source Micro-Manager). For audit-trail compliance in regulated environments, users are advised to maintain objective-specific calibration logs documenting serial numbers, date of installation, and periodic verification of focal plane alignment and magnification accuracy against NIST-traceable stage micrometers.
Applications
- Undergraduate and graduate-level biology and materials science teaching laboratories
- QC/QA inspection of coated substrates, semiconductor wafers, and pharmaceutical tablet coatings
- Metallurgical analysis of grain structure and phase distribution in polished metallographic sections
- Forensic fiber and particulate identification using transmitted white light and polarized illumination
- Calibration reference for higher-end plan-apochromatic or phase-contrast objective validation
- Cost-effective replacement optics for aging finite-conjugate microscope platforms where upgrade to infinity-corrected systems is not yet justified
FAQ
What does “(S)” indicate in model designations such as X40(S)?
It denotes a spring-loaded nosepiece mechanism that retracts the front lens element upon contact with the cover slip, protecting both the objective and specimen during coarse focusing.
Can the X100(S)(OIL) objective be used dry?
No—its design assumes immersion oil (refractive index 1.515) between the front lens and cover slip. Dry use results in severe spherical aberration, loss of resolution, and reduced contrast.
Is this objective compatible with infinity-corrected microscopes?
No—these are finite-conjugate objectives designed exclusively for 195 mm tube length systems. Use with infinity-corrected microscopes requires a matched tube lens and introduces uncorrected aberrations.
What is the maximum usable field number for these objectives?
When paired with a standard 18 mm field-of-view eyepiece, the practical field diameter ranges from ~4.5 mm (X4) to ~0.18 mm (X100), constrained by the objective’s inherent field curvature and vignetting characteristics.
Are replacement parts or repair services available?
ZOLIX provides limited refurbishment and recoating services for damaged anti-reflection coatings; however, internal lens element replacement is not supported due to proprietary cementing and alignment procedures.
