Abstract: A light detection module having a light source emitting excitation lights to a sample a beam splitter reflecting the excitation lights toward an input and output port, and transmitting inspection lights the sample via the input and output port a light receiving element receiving the inspection lights and a housing containing the beam splitter and having a first opening installing the light source, and propagating the excitation lights a second opening corresponding to the input and output port a third opening installing the light receiving element and a fourth opening guiding a stray light transmitted the beam splitter reflecting, wherein the first, second, third and fourth opening communicate with each other at the position of the beam splitter, and the fourth opening extends in a direction perpendicular to the reflecting surface of the beam splitter.

Abstract: Predetermined voltage is applied to a liquid crystal lens by a liquid crystal lens driver. Image signals are generated based on an optical image passed through the liquid crystal lens during transient response operation caused by application of the predetermined voltage, and plural focus signals are extracted by sampling the image signals at predetermined cycles. Levels of the extracted autofocus signals are compared to determine the maximum value of the autofocus signal. Thus, with the liquid crystal lens, by making use of the transient response operation of the liquid crystal lens, a focus point can be detected in sufficient speed.

Abstract: Predetermined voltage is applied to a liquid crystal lens by a liquid crystal lens driver. Image signals are generated based on an optical image passed through the liquid crystal lens during transient response operation caused by application of the predetermined voltage, and plural focus signals are extracted by sampling the image signals of the area from which the focus signals are extracted at predetermined cycles. Levels of the extracted focus signals are compared to determine the maximum value of the focus signal. Thus, with the liquid crystal lens, by making use of the transient response operation of the liquid crystal lens, a focus point can be detected in sufficient speed.

Abstract: Predetermined voltage is applied to a liquid crystal lens by a liquid crystal lens driver. Image signals are generated based on an optical image passed through the liquid crystal lens during transient response operation caused by application of the predetermined voltage, and plural focus signals are extracted by sampling the image signals at predetermined cycles. Levels of the extracted autofocus signals are compared to determine the maximum value of the autofocus signal. Thus, with the liquid crystal lens, by making use of the transient response operation of the liquid crystal lens, a focus point can be detected in sufficient speed.

Abstract: Predetermined voltage is applied to a liquid crystal lens by a liquid crystal lens driver. Image signals are generated based on an optical image passed through the liquid crystal lens during transient response operation caused by application of the predetermined voltage, and plural focus signals are extracted by sampling the image signals of the area from which the focus signals are extracted at predetermined cycles. Levels of the extracted focus signals are compared to determine the maximum value of the focus signal. Thus, with the liquid crystal lens, by making use of the transient response operation of the liquid crystal lens, a focus point can be detected in sufficient speed.

Abstract: The actuator device includes a rotation body and a rotation restriction plate. The rotation axis of the rotation body is placed on the rotation axis holding member. The rotation restriction plate is placed on the side opposite the rotation axis holding member with respect to the rotation axis of the rotation body. As a result, when the drive means is operated to move the rotation body thereby causing the abutment of the rotation body and the rotation restriction plate, the rotation axis of the rotation body is always subjected to a force which presses it against the rotation axis holding member, and there is no force which urges the rotation body to be floated up from the rotation axis holding member.

Abstract: An actuator apparatus, comprising a rotating shaft supported in a freely rotating condition, a rotor magnet consisting of a permanent magnet which is polarized at two poles and is fastened to the rotating shaft; means for defining a first rotational position when the rotating shaft rotates in one direction; means for defining a second rotational position when the rotating shaft rotates in the other direction; and driving means for driving the rotating shaft and rotor magnet, wherein a self-hold state is formed by yokes arranged so as to form a closed magnetic circuit between the one pole and the other pole of the above-mentioned rotor magnet in at least one of the above-mentioned first rotational position and the second rotational position.

Abstract: The actuator device includes a rotation body and a rotation restriction plate. The rotation axis of the rotation body is placed on the rotation axis holding member. The rotation restriction plate is placed on the side opposite the rotation axis holding member with respect to the rotation axis of the rotation body. As a result, when the drive means is operated to move the rotation body thereby causing the abutment of the rotation body and the rotation restriction plate, the rotation axis of the rotation body is always subjected to a force which presses it against the rotation axis holding member, and there is no force which urges the rotation body to be floated up from the rotation axis holding member.

Abstract: An actuator apparatus, comprising a rotating shaft supported in a freely rotating condition, a rotor magnet consisting of a permanent magnet which is polarized at two poles and is fastened to the rotating shaft; means for defining a first rotational position when the rotating shaft rotates in one direction; means for defining a second rotational position when the rotating shaft rotates in the other direction; and driving means for driving the rotating shaft and rotor magnet, wherein a self-hold state is formed by yokes arranged so as to form a closed magnetic circuit between the one pole and the other pole of the above-mentioned rotor magnet in at least one of the above-mentioned first rotational position and the second rotational position.