Abstract: A microscope device includes a support member which supports a specimen, a first optical system which generates an image of a partial region upon the specimen, a second optical system which generates an overall image of the specimen, an imaging device which photoelectrically detects the images which are generated by the first optical system and by the second optical system, and a changeover mechanism which changes over between a first path from the specimen via the first optical system to the imaging device and a second optical path from the specimen via the second optical system to the imaging device. The support member, the first optical system, the second optical system, the imaging device, and the changeover mechanism are all housed within a case of the microscope device.

Abstract: A laser microscope includes: a light source that emits deep ultraviolet laser light to be irradiated on a sample; a limiting device that sets a limit to an intensity of the deep ultraviolet laser light irradiated on the sample; a detection device that detects the deep ultraviolet laser light having been reflected from the sample; a storage device that stores first information related to damage to the sample corresponding to the intensity of the deep ultraviolet laser light; and a control device that controls the limiting device based upon the first information when a sample damage limit is input from outside.

Abstract: A microscope having little damage such as deformation, discoloration or the like given to a sample is disclosed. This microscope comprises an illuminance reducing unit for reducing illuminance of an illumination light on the sample. Assuming that a time width where illuminance is at a level enough for displaying an image of the sample is TF, a time width where illuminance is lower than the level enough for displaying an image of the sample is TN, and a value &agr; is as follows: &agr;=TF/(TF+TN) the value &agr; is changed according to a velocity of a stage or the like. A monitor displays a still picture of the sample for a period of TN, the still picture being one before the time width TN.

Abstract: A confocal microscope for observing the image of an object to be observed by scanning a spot light for illuminating the object through an objective lens, comprises an aperture stop for adjusting the numerical aperture of the objective lens; and a control unit for calculating a contrast of the image of the object corresponding to each focal position while varying the focal position of the objective lens along the direction of the optical axis so as to determine the height of the unevenness on the surface of the object from a change of the contrast, thereby setting the aperture stop to have the focal depth substantially equal to the height of the unevenness.

Abstract: A microscope device includes a support member which supports a specimen, a first optical system which generates an image of a partial region upon the specimen, a second optical system which generates an overall image of the specimen, a imaging device which photoelectrically detects the images which are generated by the first optical system and by the second optical system, and a changeover mechanism which changes over between a first path from the specimen via the first optical system to the imaging device and a second optical path from the specimen via the second optical system to the imaging device.

Abstract: A microscope having little damage such as deformation, discoloration or the like given to a sample is disclosed. This microscope comprises an illuminance reducing unit for reducing illuminance of an illumination light on the sample.

Abstract: A laser microscope or a confocal laser scanning microscope is provided with a microscope main body mounted on an anti-vibration table and a laser light source for supplying a laser light to this microscope main body. The laser light source comprises a laser radiation source for radiating a laser light of a predetermined wavelength and a laser cavity for converting the wavelength of a laser light from the radiation source. The radiation source and the laser cavity are separated from each other, and are connected to each other by means of optical fiber. The laser cavity is incorporated into the microscope main body.

Abstract: A confocal microscope for observing the image of an object to be observed by scanning a spot light for illuminating the object through an objective lens, comprises an aperture stop for adjusting the numerical aperture of the objective lens; and a control unit for calculating a contrast of the image of the object corresponding to each focal position while varying the focal position of the objective lens along the direction of the optical axis so as to determine the height of the unevenness on the surface of the object from a change of the contrast, thereby setting the aperture stop to have the focal depth substantially equal to the height of the unevenness.

Abstract: This open show-case has inner and outer air ducts, a first evaporator and a first blower in said inner duct (an inner evaporator and an inner blower, respectively), and a second evaporator and a second blower in said outer duct, said blowers circulating the air to form at least two layers of air curtains running between respective upper ports at the upper end of the front opening of said show-case and respective lower ports at the lower end of said opening.