Microscopy

The microscopy platform makes available to the ICAC-CERCA research teams a set of instruments for the observation and capture of images for the detailed analysis of archaeological artifacts (lithic, biological materials, sediments, etc.).

Services

Observation at low magnification: ZEISS Stemi 305, 508 and 2000-C 508
- Three-dimensional observation of the artifacts.
- Capture of images and measurements.
Petrographic observation (lithic materials, sediments): ZEISS Axioskop 40, NIKON Eclipse 50iPOL.
- Observation of thin sheets with parallel and crossed nicols, conoscopy, and orthoscopy.
- Capture of images and measurements.
Observation of biological materials (charcoal, seeds, pollen, etc.): OLYMPUS BX51
- Observation in bright field, dark field, phase contrast, polarization, and phase contrast differential DIC.
- Capture of images and measurements.

Check out at CERCAGINYS full information on this scientific facility

Equipment

Binocular magnifiers ZEISS Stemi 305 (zoom 5:1), Stemi 2000-C (zoom 7.7:1) and Stemi 508 (zoom 8:1).
Polarizing microscopes ZEISS Axioskop 40 (equipped with 6 objectives: 2.5x, 5x, 10x, 20x, 40x, 50x) and NIKON Eclipse 50iPOL (equipped with 5 Nikon objectives: UW plan 2x, 4x, 10x, 20x and 40x).
Biological microscope OLYMPUS BX51 (equipped with 4 objectives: 5x, 10x, 20x, 50x).
Cameras: OLYMPUS DP23 (6.4 Mpx) and EUROMEX Cmex DC-10000-P (10.0 Mpx), with dedicated imaging software.

Responsible

Marie-Claire Savin (archaeologist and geologist), senior technician of the Archaeometric Studies Unit at the ICAC