Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a component that transfers solid-borne sound includes a solid-borne sound damper having at least one spacer made of brake lining material arranged in association with the component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for optically measuring properties of transport systems (50) in membranes (40), particularly carrier or channel proteins. In order to be able to measure the properties of biological transporter molecules (50) with a high throughput, the invention proposes that the device (1) comprise an optical measurement unit (2) and a data processing unit (6) having a process control (7) and a data capture.

Abstract: A laser radiation-guiding device including: a laser including a control unit; ports for connection of one module each, it being possible that laser radiation may exit at the ports. The device further can include joining part sensors respectively assigned to a port and whose electrical condition depends on whether a predetermined joining part is spaced apart from the respective port by less than a maximum distance in a predetermined orientation relative to the respective port, and an evaluating unit connected to the joining part sensors via a signal link that detects the electrical conditions of the joining part sensors and, depending on the detected conditions, emits a control signal to the control unit of the laser or to a laser radiation-blocking unit, by which emission of eye-damaging laser radiation to the ports of the device can be prevented inhibited.

Abstract: A microscope includes an optical member; a movable member that moves so as to pass near the optical member at a time of observation operation of the microscope; and a dust removing member that is mounted on the movable member, and that exerts a function of removing dust adhered on a surface of the optical member when the movable member moves.

Abstract: Diffracted light generated by a diffraction grating passes through a tube lens, reflected by a reflection mirror and forms illuminating light in a strip pattern on the surface of a sample. Thus, fluorescence generated by an objective lens from the sample passes through the objective lens, the reflection mirror and a tube lens, and forms an image of the sample on the diffraction grating. When the diffraction grating is removed from an optical system and a dichroic mirror is arranged, in instead of the reflection mirror, fluorescence from the sample passes through the dichroic mirror, and forms an image of the sample on an imaging surface of an imaging device by an imaging lens. Thus, a microscope which can be used by being switched from a normal fluorescent microscope and uses the diffracted light is provided.

Abstract: An assembly for converting a microscope into a phase contrast microscope includes a first optical Fourier element that Fourier transforms light from a coherent light source, a cell in the Fourier plane arranged to receive light from the first optical Fourier element, a second optical Fourier element arranged to receive light from the cell and inversely Fourier transform the received light to provide an image, an image sensor that detects the image and generates an electronic representation of the image, and an adaptor capable of coupling the first and second Fourier elements, the cell, and the image sensor to the microscope such that the first Fourier element Fourier transforms light collected by the microscope objective.

Abstract: Systems and methods for injecting secondary images into viewing fields of surgical microscopes are disclosed. Some exemplary embodiments may provide secondary image injection in a picture-in-picture arrangement, thereby allowing a surgeon to simultaneously view the one or more secondary images and the surgical field through the oculars of the surgical microscope. Some exemplary embodiments may allow injection of secondary images including live video, such as live images from an endoscope, as well as previously obtained images, such as stored images from pre-operative studies.

Abstract: A scanning examination apparatus 1 is provided, the apparatus including a detachable objective lens 6 or 6?, a scanner 3 for two-dimensionally scanning light F from a specimen 100 focused by the objective lens 6 or 6?, a scanner control device 13 for controlling the operation of the scanner 3, and an optical detector 9 for detecting light scanned by the scanner 3, wherein the scanner control device 13 changes the scanning direction of the light F depending on an image formation mode of the light F at the objective lens 6 or 6? which is attached.

Abstract: A method of automatically focusing a microscope in which a beam of light is directed from a light source through an objective of the microscope system to an object whereby light is reflected from the surface thereof; reflected light is collected and directed to an imaging system. The incident beam of light is limited in spatial extent by imaging an aperture to form an illumination pupil, the centroid of illumination of the illumination pupil is aligned with the incident optical axis of the instrument. The reflected light is split in the imaging system into at least one pair of images from eccentric sections of an imaging pupil displaced from the optical axis in opposite directions. The separation of the images thereby produced is determined to provide an indication of the object distance. A focusing system implementing the method and a microscope fitted with such a system are also described.

Abstract: Excitation light ?ex is two-dimensionally scanned onto the living body tissue in the form of condensed light using an x-axis scanning mirror, a y-axis scanning mirror, and a condenser lens, whereby the excitation light ?ex is cast onto the living body tissue. This allows fluorescence observation with a relatively low output intensity of a laser light source. Furthermore, a white light image is generated by scanning the white light in the same way, thereby enabling fluorescence observation in the same observation region and at the same timing as with normal observation. This enables fluorescence observation of a sufficient area which allows the user to distinguish living body tissues in an endoscope observation image while suppressing deterioration in the laser light source.

Abstract: A microscope, e.g., a surgical microscope, includes an image generation device in the light path or light paths of the microscope. Images based on real-time or static data concerning the object in view, e.g., a patient's MRI data and/or parameters of one or more surgical instruments being used to operate on the patient, are projected into the microscope's light path so the surgeon does not need to look away from the surgical field and does not require other personnel to read outloud the settings and data from the machines being used in the surgery.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a temperature-controllable objective, particularly for microscopes and other optical equipment, which comprises a main barrel as the main component part of the objective. The main barrel contains at least one correction mount, cylinder sleeves, mounting rings, carrier rings and/or adjusting rings, and imaging optical elements. In order to control the temperature, at least one structural component part of the objective or an element arranged between structural component parts of the objective is constructed as a temperature-controllable element or as a temperature-controllable foil which is connected (not shown) by leads to a device for monitoring temperature. Further, a temperature gauge or temperature sensor is arranged in the objective and is likewise connected to the device for monitoring temperature.

Abstract: A surgical microscope (100) has viewing beams (109a, 109b) passing through a microscope imaging optic which includes a microscope main objective system (101) having a magnification system of variable magnification. The microscope imaging optic transposes a convergent viewing beam (109a, 109b) from the object region (114) into a parallel beam. The surgical microscope includes an OCT-system (120) for examining the object region (114). The OCT-system (120) makes available an OCT-scanning beam (190) which is guided through the microscope imaging optic.

Abstract: Without setting an examination site, it is possible to easily position an end face of a narrow-diameter end portion at a suitable position with respect to an examination target, allowing an image of the examination site to be acquired quickly and easily. The invention provides an objective-lens guiding device comprising a support portion secured to an objective lens having a narrow-diameter end portion; and a cylindrical portion for accommodating the narrow-diameter end portion. The support portion supports the cylindrical portion such that a front end of the cylindrical portion is disposed at a location farther toward the front than an end face of the narrow-diameter end portion, and so as to be capable of moving in an optical axis direction.

Abstract: An object of interest is illuminated within the field of view of a microscope objective lens located to receive light passing through the object of interest. Light transmitted through the microscope objective lens impinges upon a variable power element. The variable power element is driven with respect to the microscope objective lens to scan through multiple focal planes in the object of interest. Light transmitted from the variable power element is sensed by a sensing element or array.

Abstract: A scanning microscope including a light source for generating an illumination light beam, a beam deflection apparatus for guiding solely the illumination light beam via an illumination light path over and/or through a sample, at least one objective for focusing the illumination light beam onto and/or into the sample, components for generating a manipulation illumination pattern, components for imaging the manipulation illumination pattern onto and/or into the sample via a manipulation light path, and a detection device that receives detected light emanating from the sample. The manipulation light path omits the beam deflection apparatus and is separate from the illumination light path.

Abstract: A stereomicroscope of the Greenough type includes a first monocular microscope and a second monocular microscope, which define a first beam path and a second beam path, respectively, wherein the first and second microscopes are arranged at a convergence angle to one another and comprise magnification systems for producing equal magnifications which can be varied synchronously with one another. At least one optical element in the first microscope has a different optically effective diameter compared to at least one corresponding optical element in the second microscope.

Abstract: A noncontact form measuring apparatus emits a laser beam L. In the apparatus, a prism bends the laser beam into an X-axis direction, so that a Z-axis displacement of an objective optical system is converted by the prism into an X-axis displacement on a measurement coordinate system. A movement of an X-axis stage is converted into a Z-axis displacement on the measurement coordinate system. The apparatus moves an internal gear as a measurement object and the prism, reads X, Y, and Z coordinates at each focal point, and measures a three-dimensional form of inner teeth of the internal gear. The apparatus may translate the internal gear in a Y-axis direction, to measure a partial form of the inner teeth. The apparatus may turn the internal gear in an angular ?-direction, to measure a whole circumferential form of the inner teeth.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for modifying the distance between a microscope table and a microscope objective. The vertical adjusting mechanism of the microscope table encompasses a eccentric member which is rotatable about a shaft. At least one actuating button is mounted on the shaft. The eccentric member is embodied such that the microscope table can be subjected to a fine or rough vertical adjustment using of the eccentric member and a monolithic actuating button.

Abstract: A variable view imaging system for observation of micro object with variable view orientation and position includes a telecentric lens group, a scanning mirror, wedge prisms, a deformable mirror and related optical elements. The combination of a scanning mirror and a telecentric lens group decouples the motion of scanning mirror and the view angle. The view angle is determined only by the angle of the wedge prisms. This design increases the zenith angle of the view and simplifies the kinematics of the system. The wedge prisms and the scanning mirror can supply a flexible view in a compact way. The wavefront error induced by the wedge prisms is corrected by the deformable mirror. In order to achieve the desired view state during operation, the scanning mirror angle and the wedge prisms angle are calculated iteratively based on the kinematics and Jacobian matrix of system.

Abstract: When a semiconductor device 11 is observed, first, when it is detected that a solid immersion lens 6 comes into contact with the semiconductor device 11, the solid immersion lens 6 is caused to vibrate by a vibration generator unit. Next, a reflected light image from the solid immersion lens 6 is input to calculate a reflected light quantity m of the reflected light image, and it is judged whether a ratio (m/n) of the reflected light quantity m to an incident light quantity n is not greater than a threshold value A. When the ratio (m/n) is greater than the threshold value A, it is judged that optical close contact between the solid immersion lens 6 and the semiconductor device 11 is not achieved, and the solid immersion lens 6 is again caused to vibrate. When the ratio (m/n) is not greater than the threshold value A, it is judged that optical close contact between the solid immersion lens 6 and the semiconductor device 11 is achieved, and an observed image of the semiconductor device 11 is acquired.

Abstract: A microscopy system is configured for creating 3D images from individually localized probe molecules. The microscopy system includes a sample stage, an activation light source, a readout light source, a beam splitting device, at least one camera, and a controller. The activation light source activates probes of at least one probe subset of photo-sensitive luminescent probes, and the readout light source causes luminescence light from the activated probes. The beam splitting device splits the luminescence light into at least two paths to create at least two detection planes that correspond to the same or different number of object planes of the sample. The camera detects simultaneously the at least two detection planes, the number of object planes being represented in the camera by the same number of recorded regions of interest. The controller is programmable to combine a signal from the regions of interest into a 3D data.

Abstract: A medical stereo observation system includes a stereo imaging unit producing a first image for a left eye and a second image for a right eye that mutually have parallax and a stereo display unit capable of displaying stereoscopically the images produced by the stereo imaging unit. The stereo imaging unit has a first imaging optical system producing the first image for the left eye and a second imaging optical system producing the second image for the right eye, and focal positions of these imaging optical systems are located far away from the intersection of optical axes of the imaging optical systems, viewed from the stereo imaging unit. Whereby, a large-depth space can be comfortably observed in a wide range and a viewer can observe an observation object without bringing about a feeling of fatigue.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting optical aberrations in optical devices, such as wide-field microscopes, optical tweezers and optical media devices, such as DVD drives. The system uses adaptive optics to correct optical aberrations, such as spherical and space-variant aberrations. Spherical aberrations can be corrected using one adaptive optical elements and space-variant aberrations can be corrected using numerous adaptive optical elements in tandem. The adaptive optical elements may be of several types, such as a liquid lenses, deformable membrane mirrors or various liquid crystal phase and amplitude modulators. Adaptive optics can also be used to simultaneously shift the focus of the optical device and correct optical aberrations.

Abstract: The optical detection system typically used in micromechanical cantilever-based instruments, e.g. scanning probe microscopes, chemical or biological sensing probes like “artificial noses”, or molecular force probe instruments, can hardly cope when measuring samples immersed in a fluid, i.e. a gas, gel, or liquid having another refractive index than the environment. Optical readout or detection becomes problematic as soon as the refractive index of the fluid changes, because signals can shift significantly. The invention provides an improved optical means at the interface between the fluid and the environment, avoiding signal shifts, and thus avoiding time-consuming and difficult re-calibration or re-adjustment of the microscope or other cantilever-based instrument.

Abstract: A specimen slide unit for holding a specimen that is to be examined under a microscope or analyzed with a laboratory analysis system includes a specimen slide, a data carrier device and a signal element. The data carrier device has a radio frequency identification tag that can be read out and/or written on using Phase Jitter Modulation so as to switch a communication carrier frequency between two predefinable communication carrier frequencies. The signal element can be activated so as to assist an operator in following a predefinable processing sequence including a second specimen slide unit when the RFID tag is in a range of action of the read/write device. The signal element can be a visual or an acoustic signal element.

Abstract: A microscope including a body and an optical axis reorientation device is described. The optical axis reorientation device is coupled to the body. The optical axis reorientation device includes at least two selectively adjustable mirrors and is rotatable, with respect to an optical axis of the microscope, to reorient a view of an object observed through the microscope while substantially maintaining a constant position of the microscope body.

Abstract: Microplates containing spherical “microsphere” fluorescence standards are disclosed. The microplates can be prepared using several methods including airbrushing, application with an inkjet printer, or controlled evaporation. Spherical bead standards containing two or more regions stained with dyes of different fluorescence lifetimes, and methods for their preparation are also disclosed. The microplates can be used as calibration standards for fluorescence and confocal microscopes, and as calibration tools for microscope-based high content screening (“HCS”) instruments.

Abstract: A host system defines a plurality of partial areas for a observation object which is a sample, obtains a partial image of an observation object in the partial area captured using a TV camera at the interval of the depth of focus of an objective lens in the depth-of-focus direction of the objective lens, generates from the partial images a focused partial image in which an object contained in the partial area is represented in a focusing state regardless of the difference in a position in the depth-of-focus direction, and generates and displays a focused image of an observation object by combining focused partial images generated in the respective partial area.

Abstract: A stereomicroscope of the telescope type includes a first beam path and a second beam path, wherein in the first beam path a first telescope system and in the second beam path a second telescope system are provided, wherein the magnifications of both telescope systems are equal and can be changed synchronously to each other, and wherein a common main objective is allocated to both beam paths. In order to increase the resolution without loss in depth of field, it is proposed that at least one optical element of the first telescope system has, compared to at least one corresponding optical element of the second telescope system, a different optically effective diameter.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an interference microscope and a method for operating an interference microscope, in particular a 4? microscope, standing wave field microscope, or I2M, I3M, or I5M microscope, at least one specimen support unit associated with the specimen being provided. For determination of the phase position of the interfering light in the specimen region, on the basis of which the interference microscope can be aligned, the interference microscope is characterized in that for determination of the illumination state in the specimen region of the interference microscope, at least one planar area of the specimen support unit is configured to be detectable by light microscopy.

Abstract: It is possible to change a focal position or spot diameter of an optical stimulation laser beam without causing any misalignment of the optical axis, thus precisely applying optical stimulation to a desired position or region on a specimen.

Abstract: The use of one or more wavefront modulators in the observation beam path and/or illumination beam path of a microscope provide various advantageous results. Such modulators may be adapted to change the phase and/or the amplitude of light in such a way to carry out displacement and shaping of the focus in the object space and correction of possible aberrations. The possible areas of use include confocal microscopy, laser-assisted microscopy, conventional light microscopy and analytic microscopy.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for operating an endothelium reflection microscope. The apparatus includes an optical head, which comprises: (i) an illuminating system, (ii) a frontal eye observation optical system along a central channel in which an alignment-use light spot is received and imaged by a camera having a digital optical sensor, and (iii) an enlarged-imaging optical system for enlarged observation or photographing of the subject part by the digital camera. The apparatus further comprises a motor for operating the optical head, and a CPU controller for automatically controlling the motor, the illuminating system and the frontal eye observation optical system.

Abstract: An optical microscope applies laser light to a sample through the an objective lens, detects reflected light reflected by the sample through the objective lens, changes a focal position of the laser light in an optical axis direction, extracts a focal position for spectrum measurement based on a detection result of the reflected light when the focal position of the laser light is changed, adjusts the focal position to coincide with the extracted focal position, separates outgoing light exiting from the sample by application of the laser light with the adjusted focal position from the laser light, and measures a spectrum of the outgoing light separated from the laser light with a spectroscope.

Abstract: Light-field microscopy is facilitated using an approach to image computation. In connection with an example embodiment, a subject (e.g., 105) is imaged by passing light from the subject through a microlens array (e.g., 120) to a photosensor array (e.g., 130) to simultaneously detect light from the subject that is passed through different directions to different locations. In certain embodiments, information from the detected light is used to compute refocused images, perspective images and/or volumetric datasets, from a single-shot photograph.

Abstract: To provide a laser scanning microscope including a laser beam source for stimulation that emits a laser beam for stimulation for applying photostimulation to a sample, a scanner that performs scanning with the laser beam for stimulation, a control device that controls the scanner, and an objective lens that condenses the laser beam for stimulation used for scanning by the scanner to the sample. The scanner has at least one acoustooptic device arranged on an optical path of the laser beam for stimulation. The control device determines a plurality of frequencies on the basis of the position and the range of a photostimulation region, and simultaneously applies the high-frequency signals of the determined plurality of frequencies to a vibrator attached to the acoustooptic device.

Abstract: An objective optical system includes a first group having positive refractive power and a piano-convex lens with the convex surface facing the image side; a second group having positive refractive power and a lens whose extreme-object-side lens surface is a convex surface facing the object side; a third group having negative refractive power and a lens whose extreme-image-side lens surface is a concave surface facing the image side; a fourth group having positive refractive power and a lens disposed on the extreme object side, whose image-side lens surface is a convex surface facing the image side and a lens disposed on the extreme image side, whose object-side lens surface is a convex surface facing the object side; and a fifth group having positive refractive power and a combined lens formed by joining a convex lens and a concave lens, the joined surface having negative refractive power.

Abstract: A system is provided for marking on a recording medium (36), such as a label, the location of imaged tissue with respect to an exposed surface of the tissue (34). Tissue is imaged by a microscope (11) capable of imaging sections of the tissue below the exposed tissue surface through optics. A ring (32) applied to the surface of the tissue stabilizes the tissue to the optics and localizes a portion of the tissue surface through an aperture in the ring. An actuator (38) is connected to both the ring and the microscope for moving the ring to adjust the position of the tissue with respect to the optics, thereby allowing an operator of the system to survey different images of tissue sections with the microscope.

Abstract: A clear fluorescence image is easily obtained irrespective of variation of scattering due to variation of the depth of a focus position in a specimen.

Abstract: A tube for a microscope includes an adaptation interface, a rotatable operator interface, a beam deflecting device, and a rotatable beam deflecting unit. The beam deflecting device includes a beam-splitting device. A rotation of the operator interface is constrainedly coupled to a rotation of the beam deflecting unit. The beam deflecting device deflects, in the direction of the beam deflecting unit, a light beam coming from the adaptation interface.

Abstract: An illumination system for a fluorescence microscope is provided. The illumination system includes a carriage removably receivable within the microscope and a plurality of filter cubes movably arranged on the carriage, wherein each filter cube is moveable between an active position and an inactive position. Each filter cube includes a housing having first and second openings and a solid state light source secured to the housing. The solid state light source emits light when the filter cube is moved into the active position. Each filter cube further comprises at least one optical filter disposed within the housing, wherein the optical filter corresponds to the solid state light source.

Abstract: A device for confocal observation of a specimen, having a mask, which is located in the illumination beam path and the image beam path and is rotatable around a central axis, the mask being provided with openings for generating an illumination pattern moving on the specimen, an arrangement of a plurality of focusing microoptics which is adjusted to the geometric arrangement of the openings of the mask and to the rotation of the mask in order to concentrate the illumination light by each of the microoptics into a respective one of the openings of the mask, and a beam splitter for separating light from the specimen from illumination light, wherein the beam splitter is arranged in the beam path between the mask and the arrangement of the microoptics, and wherein an optical arrangement is provided in the beam path between the mask and the arrangement of the microoptics.

Abstract: A defect inspection apparatus which includes a pattern image obtaining unit obtaining a pattern image of a predetermined part by causing focusing control to be performed in order to achieve focus on the predetermined part within an observation object according to set focusing control parameters, a pattern image storing unit storing the pattern image, and a detecting unit detecting the presence/absence of an abnormal condition of a part to be inspected by making a comparison between the pattern image of a reference part within the observation object, and the pattern image of the part to be inspected within the observation object. The focusing control parameters, set when the pattern image of the part to be inspected is obtained, are determined based on sample information obtained when the pattern image of the reference part is obtained.

Abstract: An optical system for arranging between a light source and a field diaphragm in an illumination beam path of a microscope comprises n imaging optical elements with focal lengths fi and Abbe numbers ?i (i=1, . . . , n). The following relationship is met for the optical system: ? i = 1 n ? h i f i · v i ? 0.07 , where hi is one half of the bundle diameter of a bundle of light rays proceeding from a point of the light source at the entrance to the imaging optical element i.

Abstract: A movable objective lens assembly that includes an infinity-corrected objective lens providing the microscope with an optical field of view. The assembly permits the imaging of a specimen under investigation over an area of the specimen much larger than the field of view of the objective lens without moving the microscope and/or a specimen stage relative to one another. The assembly includes a mirror system and the linearly movable infinity-corrected objective lens. The mirror system includes a plurality of mirrors that provide a folded optical path that allows the objective lens to be moved relative to the specimen without moving the entire microscope. The mirror system and the objective lens are pivotably mounted relative to the rest of the microscope so as to allow the objective lens to be located substantially anywhere within a circular, or circular-sectoral, viewing area.

Abstract: A correction device for an imaging optical arrangement exhibiting a light path (1), in particular for a microscope, that exhibits at least one plane-parallel transparent plate (9), which is held in a mounting plate in the image beam path (1) and is propelable around at least one axle in a tipping and/or a swiveling motion, in order in adjust a definite parallel misalignment of the beams in the image beam path (1) by a change in the tipping situation of the plate (9). A confocal microscope with such a correction device exhibits a confocal screen (4), which illustrates a specimen mark (10), whereby the plane-parallel plate (9) is placed in front of the detector unit (2) in the light path (1), in order to center the illustration of the aperture diaphragm on the detector unit.

Abstract: The present invention serves to vary and adjust the transmitted light illumination in microscopes, particularly with respect to the numerous, different illumination situations. The device, according to the invention comprises modules for darkfield illumination, brightfield illumination, and/or diffuse illumination and/or for adapting the object field in which an illumination unit can be selectively coupled to different modules and in which actuators are provided for implementing the adjustments within the modules and for producing the desired connections, these actuators being operated by means of operating elements of a control unit. The adjustments within the modules and the implemented connections are detected and are stored in the control unit so as to be reproducible. The proposed solution makes possible a broad application by means of an ergonomic arrangement of the operating elements and adjusting and/or changing the illumination situations in a simple and reproducible manner.

Abstract: A microscopy system allows to superimpose a light optically generated microscopic image of an object with an electronically generated image. The electronically generated image is composed of two input images, one of which is independent of optical settings of an ocular tube, such as a rotational position and a magnification thereof, and the other input image is dependent of the optical setting.

Abstract: Microscope, in particular an optical scanning microscope with illumination of a specimen via a beam splitter, which is arranged in an objective pupil and includes at least a reflecting first portion and at least a transmitting second portion, whereby the reflecting portion serves to couple in the illumination light and the transmitting portion serves to pass the detection light in the detection direction or the transmitting portion serves to couple in the illumination light and the reflecting portion serves to couple out the detection light, with a first scanning arrangement. Means are provided in the detection light path for the overlay of at least one further scanning arrangement for illumination and detection.