Abstract: A method of synthesizing negative-thermal-expansion ceramics of synthesizing Zr(1−x)XxW2O8 in which X represents a substituent element for zirconium Zr, and 0≦x <<1, having a negative thermal expansion coefficient, the method comprising mixing two mols of tungsten trioxide WO3 and one mol of the sum of zirconium oxide ZrO2 and a substituent element X in accordance with substitution amount x at a stoichiometrical ratio, further mixing the thus obtained starting material in a powdery form having a particle size distribution including two groups of particles comprising smaller diameter particles with a particle size of 0.

Abstract: Zr(1−x)XxW2O8 in which x represents a substituent element for zirconium Zr, and 0≦x<<1, having negative thermal expansion coefficient synthesized previously is heated and melted, or a starting material formed by mixing 2 mols of tungsten trioxide WO3 and 1 mol of the sum of zirconium oxide ZrO2 and a substituent element X in accordance with a substitution amount x at a stoichiometrical ratio and then quenching the same by being placed in a casting mold of an arbitrary shape and annealing the obtained castings by being heated at 120 to 500° C., whereby negative-thermal-expansion ceramics can be molded to arbitrary size and shape without press molding the starting powder and with no formation of voids and crackings in the inside.

Abstract: A CCD microscope includes: two polarized light illumination systems for irradiating polarized lights having vibrating directions in perpendicular to each other selectively to an object to be observed, and an analyser disposed on an optical path from the object to a CCD device for picking-up an image of the object, the analyser having a vibrating direction in parallel with the vibrating direction of the polarized light from one polarized light illumination system, and in perpendicular to the vibrating direction of the polarized light from the other polarized light illumination system. The surface state of the object is picked-up by a polarized light of one polarized light illumination system that is kept unchanged for the polarized state upon reflection on the surface, while the inner state of the object is picked-up by a polarized light of the other polarized light illumination system that is changed for the polarized state.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bead-inlaid picture by inputting a desired original image as a motif for a bead-inlaid picture by an image input device, dividing the inputted original image into each of pieces in a size equal with that of a bead, comparing numerical data for the hue and the brightness obtained for each of the pieces and numerical data for the hue and the brightness predetermined for each of the beads and replacing the numerical data for each of the pieces with a color code allocated to a bead having numerical data most approximate with the obtained data and outputting signals corresponding thereto by an image processing device, feeding beads allocated with color codes while dividing them on every color codes by a feeder, arranging the thus fed beads in accordance with the arranged sequence for each of the pieces in the original image by an actuator and, fusing the arranged beads on a glass plate.

Abstract: The attempt is to improve the light utilization effect by concentrating and irradiating the light on the observation area, and at the same time, to be able to simply wipe the end clean even when dirtied by oil. Optical fiber light guide 7 for illumination is arranged concentrically on the peripheral part of image incident end part 6 in of image guide 6 that has been inserted inside of pipe 2; that light exit end part 7 out is arranged closer to objective lens 3 than the focal point position of objective lens 3.

Abstract: A laser manipulation apparatus for trapping and separating an optional micro-sample comprising a cell plate having a first cell for storing a liquid medium containing micro-sample s and a second cell for storing a liquid medium not containing micro-sample s each of the first and second cells being opened at the upper surface, in communication with each other by way of a narrow induction channel for inhibiting free movement of the micro-sample s, an optical trapping system for irradiating and trapping a single micro-sample out of a group of micro-sample s dispersed and suspended in the liquid medium stored in the first cell and a sample separation device for moving the single micro-sample from the first cell through the induction channel into the second cell.

Abstract: The present invention involves a multi-point laser trapping device in which laser light is irradiated on medium that includes micro-particles, and captures and arranges multiple micro-particles within said medium simultaneously; and is characterized by irradiating the aforementioned laser light from a single laser light source, and by arranging in that light route grating which forms on medium a diffraction pattern consisting of multiple point laser spots.

Abstract: An illuminating system for the miniature CCD camera of a direct contact microscope. Light from a light source is channeled through a fiber optic bundle to two half spheres where the light rays are reflected through an observation hole to an object. The illuminated image of the object is directed through a magnifying lens to the CCD camera for displaying on a monitor.