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Gulf Coast Repository

Microscopes

Overview

Thumbnail image of microscopy room The GCR has a dedicated microscopy room and a wide range of microscopes for use by paleontologists, sedimentologist, and igneous/alteration petrologists. Microscopy is useful for identifying microfossils to date marine sediments, assessing grain size and composition, and classifying rock types. A fluorescent microscope is also available for microbiological sample analysis.

Note: Most microscopes are equipped with Zeiss cameras for digital microphotography.


Upright Microscopes

Thumbnail image of upright microscope Upright microscopes are typically used for the observation of nannofossils, thin sections, and smear slides.

  • Zeiss AxioScope.A1 POL (3)
    • simultaneous transmitted and reflected polarized light viewing
    • large variety of objectives
    • Zeiss Axiocam 705 Color Camera
  • Zeiss AxioScope.A1 5 (1)
    • simultaneous transmitted and reflected polarized light viewing
    • large variety of objectives
    • Zeiss Axiocam 705 Color Camera
  • Zeiss Axioplan Pol (1)
    • simultaneous transmitted and reflected polarized light viewing
    • large variety of objectives
    • Spot Camera
  • Zeiss Axiophot Pol (1)
    • equipped for differential interference contrast, phase contrast, and fluorescence studies
    • cross-polarized light, plane-transmitted light, and darkfield illumination
    • Zeiss Axiocam 705 Color Camera
  • One Zeiss Axio Imager A2 Pol (1)
    • equipped for differential interference contrast
    • Zeiss Axiocam 705 Color Camera

A range of objectives are available for the upright light microscopes. Please contact the GCR for specific needs.


Stereoscopes

Thumbnail image of Stereoscope Stereoscopes are typically used for the observation of microfossils and large specimens.

  • Zeiss Discovery V8 (4)
    • manual 8:1 zoom
    • reflected light viewing
    • Zeiss Axiocam 305 Color Camera

Epifluorescence Microscopes

Epifluorescence microscopes are typically used for cell counting.

  • Zeiss Axio Imager A2 (1)
    • configured for epifluorescence
    • Zeiss Axiocam 705 Color Camera

Procedures & Manuals