ISO 19012-2:2013

Microscopes — Designation of microscope objectives — Part 2: Chromatic correction

ISO 19012-2:2013 specifies classes of chromatic correction and defines minimum requirements regarding chromatic correction. The defined marking on the component enables the operator to correctly use the microscope. The standard application for visual observation refers to the combination of objective and tube lens as specified by the manufacturer. The specifications regarding chromatic correction only refer to axial chromatic aberration.

Microscopes — Désignation des objectifs de microscope — Partie 2: Correction chromatique

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 05-Feb-2013
• ICS: 37.020 - Optical equipment
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 172/SC 5 - Microscopes and endoscopes
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 172/SC 5/WG 9 - Optical performance of microscope components
• Current Stage: 9092 - International Standard to be revised
• Start Date: 15-Jan-2026
• Completion Date: 14-Feb-2026

Relations

• Revises: ISO 19012-2:2009 - Optics and photonics — Designation of microscope objectives — Part 2: Chromatic correction
• Effective Date: 07-Apr-2012

Overview

ISO 19012-2:2013 defines the standard for chromatic correction in microscope objectives. Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this standard specifies classes of chromatic correction, outlines minimum requirements, and establishes component marking to ensure proper usage by operators. Focused specifically on axial chromatic aberration, ISO 19012-2:2013 helps manufacturers and users maintain consistent image quality and labeling across microscope objectives.

Key Topics

• Chromatic Correction Classes: The standard categorizes objectives into distinct classes based on their chromatic correction - Achromat, Semiapochromat, and Apochromat.
• Axial Chromatic Aberration: This standard addresses only the axial (longitudinal) chromatic aberration, ensuring color fidelity in the focal plane.
• Component Marking: It defines the markings to be used on microscope objectives to indicate the level of chromatic correction, facilitating correct identification and usage.
• Manufacturer Specifications: The requirements pertain to objectives combined with their specified tube lenses, as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Depth of Field Calculation: Explains basic criteria for the depth of field using parameters such as numerical aperture, refractive index, and reference wavelengths.

Applications

Adherence to ISO 19012-2:2013 brings significant practical benefits for manufacturers, laboratories, and users:

• Correct Identification and Interchangeability: Standardized markings help scientists and technicians easily identify objective types, minimizing errors when selecting lenses for specific tasks or experiments.
• Consistent Image Quality: By specifying minimum chromatic correction for objectives, the standard ensures reliable color rendering and sharpness in microscopy applications.
• Laboratory Efficiency: Laboratories benefit from reduced training needs and fewer mistakes, thanks to a universal marking system and defined performance classes.
• Global Compatibility: Manufacturers can produce microscope objectives that comply with international guidelines, supporting compatibility and comparability for end-users worldwide.
• Enhanced Research Outcomes: Scientists working with sensitive visual analysis receive more accurate results through minimized color distortion.

Related Standards

For comprehensive understanding and implementation, several related standards are relevant:

• ISO 19012-1: Focuses on the flatness of field or plan characteristics of microscope objectives.
• ISO 10934-1: Provides a vocabulary for light microscopy, supporting clear communication and terminology.
• ISO 8578: Specifies marking of objectives and eyepieces for microscopes, complementing the marking guidelines in ISO 19012-2:2013.
• Upcoming Parts of ISO 19012: Additional standards in the series, such as those dealing with spectral transmittance, may provide further guidelines in the future.

By following ISO 19012-2:2013 for chromatic correction, manufacturers, laboratories, and users contribute to reliable, high-quality microscopy, ensuring optical accuracy, reproducibility, and global consistency in scientific research.

Keywords: ISO 19012-2:2013, microscope objectives, chromatic correction, axial chromatic aberration, objective marking, microscopy standards, ISO, laboratory efficiency, optics standardization.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 19012-2
Second edition
2013-02-01
Microscopes — Designation of
microscope objectives —
Part 2:
Chromatic correction
Microscopes — Désignation des objectifs de microscope —
Partie 2: Correction chromatique
Reference number
©
ISO 2013
© ISO 2013
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior
written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of
the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail [e-mail]
Web www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2013 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Requirements . 2
4.1 Basic criterion for the depth of field. 2
4.2 Markings . 2
4.3 Specifications. 2
Annex A (informative) Depth of field, δ . 4
ob
Bibliography . 5
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International
Standards adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting.
Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies
casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 19012-2 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 172, Optics and photonics
...

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 19012-2
Second edition
2013-02-01
Microscopes — Designation of
microscope objectives —
Part 2:
Chromatic correction
Microscopes — Désignation des objectifs de microscope —
Partie 2: Correction chromatique
Reference number
©
ISO 2013
© ISO 2013
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior
written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of
the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail [e-mail]
Web www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2013 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Requirements . 2
4.1 Basic criterion for the depth of field. 2
4.2 Markings . 2
4.3 Specifications. 2
Annex A (informative) Depth of field, δ . 4
ob
Bibliography . 5
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International
Standards adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting.
Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies
casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 19012-2 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 172, Optics and photonics
...