Abstract: A microscope cube includes a housing including a first opening on a first wall of the housing and a second opening on a second wall of the housing, the first wall adjacent to the second wall; an excitation filter disposed within the first opening; an emission filter disposed within the second opening; and a dichroic mirror positioned within the housing. In one aspect, the dichroic mirror has a thickness greater than or equal to 1.5 mm. In another aspect, the excitation filter is positioned at an angle relative to the first wall of the housing.

Abstract: An optical device is for receiving light from a light source, the light source having an emission wavelength. The optical device includes an elongated light guide, a first end of the light guide configured to receive light from the light source; and a phosphor disposed on a second end of the light guide, an excitation wavelength of the phosphor substantially similar to the emission wavelength of the light source. The light guide is formed of a material configured to dissipate at least some heat generated by the light source.

Abstract: A microscope cube includes a housing including a first opening on a first wall of the housing and a second opening on a second wall of the housing, the first wall adjacent to the second wall; an excitation filter disposed within the first opening; an emission filter disposed within the second opening; and a dichroic mirror positioned within the housing. In one aspect, the dichroic mirror has a thickness greater than or equal to 1.5 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing light to molecules of a specimen in a fluorescence microscope includes a light emitting diode and an optical element including a phosphor. The molecules have a peak excitation wavelength. The LED emits light at a first wavelength; the phosphor is capable of receiving the light at the first wavelength and emitting light at a preselected second wavelength different than the first wavelength. The second wavelength is substantially similar to the peak excitation wavelength of the molecules.

Abstract: A light source for fluorescence microscopy is designed to provide relatively constant illumination (lumens) of the specimen over the useful life of the light generator, such as the bulb, arc, or filament. In another aspect, the present invention provides for a light source for fluorescence microscopy designed to reduce heat transmission to optical components from the light generator, while providing adequate transmission of the required excitation wavelengths of light.