Abstract: The invention relates to a microscope (10) that encompasses an objective system (30) and a zoom system (32). The microscope furthermore has a diaphragm (60) for limiting the aperture of the beam path. A control unit (64) is furthermore provided, that control unit (64) automatically ascertaining, as a function of the current manifestation of at least one parameter of the microscope (10), a respective setting of the diaphragm (60) predetermined for the current manifestation, and setting the diaphragm (60) accordingly.

Abstract: An optical imaging system with microlens array with integral structure includes a microlens array having a back surface for depositing sample material to be imaged and one or more microlenses on a front surface. At least one of the one or more microlenses are aligned to the deposited sample material. A plate is attached to the microlens array. A microscope objective is positioned proximate to the plurality of microlenses.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices and systems that apply full-field optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology to three-dimensional skin tissue imaging. A special designed Mirau type objective and an optical microscope module allowing both OCT mode and orthogonal polarization spectral imaging (OPSI) mode are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a fluorescence microscope light source apparatus and a fluorescence microscope capable of obtaining high-luminance light in a wavelength of 500 to 550 nm and having reduced background noise when a sample is observed. The fluorescence microscope light source apparatus to be installed in a fluorescence microscope including an illumination light bandpass filter includes: a laser diode that emits blue light as excitation light; a phosphor that converts the excitation light from the laser diode into illumination fluorescence with a wavelength region of 500 to 550 nm; an optical system that extracts the illumination fluorescence from the phosphor; a first condenser lens that condenses the excitation light onto the phosphor; a light guide body having one end face on which the illumination fluorescence is incident and the other end face from which the illumination fluorescence exits; and a second condenser lens that condenses the illumination fluorescence onto the one end face of the light guide body.

Abstract: The light measurement device is provided with a moving-image acquisition part and an analysis processing part. The analysis processing part includes: a luminance-value-data acquisition part for acquiring the luminance value data; a luminance-value extraction part for extracting a peak value and a bottom value of the luminance value, from the luminance value data; a pixel extraction part for extracting a target pixel configuring an image of a predetermined cell from a plurality of pixels, on the basis of the evaluation value. The pixel extraction part extracts, as the evaluation value, the target pixel on the basis of at least one of an amplitude of the luminance value obtained from a difference between the peak value and the bottom value and a change ratio of the luminance value obtained from a ratio of the peak value relative to the bottom value.

Abstract: An apparatus for investigating a sample surface is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a probe array comprising a substrate and a plurality of probe tips extending from the substrate, the probe tips comprising a transparent and deformable material and configured to contact the sample surface; an actuator configured to move the probe array towards the sample surface; a light source configured to illuminate the probe tips with an illumination through the substrate; and an image capture device arranged to detect a change in intensity of the illumination reflected from the probe tips.

Abstract: The present invention provides a full-color three-dimensional optical sectioning microscopic imaging system and method based on structured illumination, includes an illumination source, a dichroic prism positioned at the illumination optical path, a structured light generator positioned at the reflected optical path of the dichroic prism, a lens positioned at the transmitted optical path of the dichroic prism, a beam splitter positioned at the optical path of the lens, an objective lens and a sample stage positioned at the upper optical path of the beam splitter, a reflector mirror and a tube lens positioned at the lower optical path of the beam splitter and a CCD camera positioned behind the tube lens. The illumination source is an incoherent monochrome LED or a white light LED The structured light generator is a DMD (Digital Micro-mirror Device).

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for methods and systems for three-dimensional imaging of subject particles in media through use of dark-field microscopy. Some examples, among others, include a method for obtaining a three-dimensional (3D) volume image of a sample, a method for determining a 3D location of at least one subject particle within a sample, a method for determining at least one spatial correlation between a location of at least one subject particle and a location of at least one cell structure within a cell and/or other similar biological or nonbiological structure, a method of displaying a location of at least one subject particle, method for increasing the dynamic range of a 3D image acquired from samples containing weak and strong sources of light, and method for sharpening a 3D image in a vertical direction.

Abstract: The disclosure features systems for providing information to a user about the user's environment, the system featuring a detection apparatus configured to obtain image information about the environment, where the image information corresponds to information at multiple distances relative to a position of the user within the environment, and an electronic processor configured to obtain focal plane distance information defining a set of one or more distance values relative to the position of the user within the environment, construct one or more confocal images of the environment, from the image information and the set of one or more distance values, wherein each of the one or more confocal images corresponds to a different distance value and comprises a set of pixels, and transform the one or more confocal images to form one or more representative images comprising fewer pixels and a lower dynamic range.

Abstract: The information budget of a light field microscope is increased by increasing the field of view and image circle diameter of the microscope, while keeping the ratio of overall magnification of the microscope to the numerical aperture of the microscope unchanged. Alternatively, the information budget is increased by increasing the field of view and image circle diameter of the microscope by a first factor, while increasing the ratio of overall magnification of the microscope to the numerical aperture of the microscope by a smaller, second factor. In some cases, an infinity-corrected light field microscope has an overall magnification that is greater than the nominal magnification of the objective lens.

Abstract: A kit for illuminating the hair of a user, comprises: at least one light emitting diode emitting light at a wavelength, an optical fiber (26) coupled to the or each light emitting diode, a fastening element (22) to fasten the or each light emitting diode and/or the optical fiber to the hair of a user, The kit comprises a fluorescent material (30), the optical fiber (26) being configured to transmit the light emitted by the or each light emitting diode to the fluorescent material (30), the fluorescent material (30) being excited at the wavelength of the or each light emitting diode.

Abstract: A multimode fundus camera enables three-dimensional and/or spectral/polarization imaging of the interior of the eye to assist in improved diagnosis. In one aspect, the multimode fundus camera includes a first imaging subsystem, a filter module, and a second imaging subsystem. The first imaging subsystem is positionable in front of an eye to form an optical image of an interior of the eye. The filter module is positioned at a pupil plane of the first imaging subsystem or at a conjugate thereof. The second imaging subsystem include a microimaging array and a sensor array. The microimaging array is positioned at the image plane or a conjugate thereof, and the sensor array is positioned at the pupil plane or a conjugate thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are vitrectomy probes configured for use with optical coherence tomography.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for simultaneous fluorescence contrasting effect in transmitted light and reflected light, having a reflected light optical path for focusing of the excitation light via a lens onto a sample, having a fluorescence signal, which extends from the sample and is directed onto the same lens, having a dichroite, an emission filter, and a detection unit for the purpose of separating the excitation light from the fluorescence signal and for detection, having a luminescent layer behind the sample and a diaphragm for partial coverage of the excitation optical path between the sample and the luminescent layer, whereby a part of the excitation optical path, which impinges onto the luminescent layer, emits light, which irradiates the sample past the diaphragm by forming an oblique transmitted light illumination.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for an optical scanning microscope and/or other appropriate imaging system includes components for scanning and collecting focused images of a tissue sample and/or other object disposed on a slide. The focusing system described herein provides for determining best focus for each snapshot as a snapshot is captured, which may be referred to as “on-the-fly focusing.” The devices and techniques provided herein lead to significant reductions in the time required for forming a digital image of an area in a pathology slide and provide for the creation of high quality digital images of a specimen at high throughput.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a wavelength-dependent optical characteristic of an optical system has a light-pattern generation device which generates a pattern of polychromatic light in an object plane. Together with the optical system, a measuring optical unit images the object plane on a spatially resolving light sensor. A dispersive optical element is arranged in a light path between the optical system and the light sensor in such a way that a plurality of images of the pattern with different wavelengths are generated simultaneously on the light sensor. The evaluation device determines the wavelength-dependent characteristic of the optical system from the plurality of images on the light sensor.

Abstract: An optical component for a microscope may include a low-autofluorescence substrate, or a substrate and a high-performance anti-reflective layer coating the substrate. An optical component may include a low-autofluorescence substrate and high-performance anti-reflective layer coating the low-autofluorescence substrate. The high-performance anti-reflective layer may be a low-autofluorescence high-performance anti-reflective layer. A microscope may include one or more such optical components.

Abstract: A microscope includes a condenser lens that is arranged removably and insertably with respect to a light path of light from a light source, and an objective that collects the light from the light source, which has been transmitted through a sample. A conditional expression below is satisfied when b is an exit pupil diameter of the objective and adet is a diameter of an area in a state in which the condenser lens has been removed from the light path, the area being included in an exit pupil plane of the objective and being an area through which the light from the light source, which has entered the objective through one point on the sample, passes: 1/20?adet/b?1/2 ??(1).

Abstract: A medical apparatus is described for providing visualization of a surgical site. The medical apparatus includes an electronic display disposed within a display housing, the electronic display configured to produce a two-dimensional image. The medical apparatus includes a display optical system disposed within the display housing, the display optical system comprising a plurality of lens elements disposed along an optical path. The display optical system is configured to receive the two-dimensional image from the electronic display, produce a beam with a cross-section that remains substantially constant along the optical path, and produce a collimated beam exiting the opening in the display housing. The medical apparatus can also include an auxiliary video camera configured to provide an oblique view of a patient on the electronic display without requiring a surgeon to adjust their viewing angle through oculars viewing the electronic display.

Abstract: An adjustable dual-lens device for 3D stereoscopic surgical microscopes has an outer casing, an image set, and an adjusting set. The image set is mounted in the outer casing and has two lenses. The lenses are pivotally mounted in the outer casing at a spaced interval. The adjusting set is mounted in the outer casing and has two adjusting units. Each adjusting unit has a driving motor, a cam, and a limiting element. The driving motor is mounted in the outer casing adjacent to one of the lenses and has a driving shaft. The cam is eccentrically mounted around the driving shaft and is pressed against the lens that is adjacent to the driving motor. The limiting element is connected to the outer casing and the corresponding lens to enable the corresponding lens to press against the cam.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and apparatus that may be used in various applications, such as medical diagnosis and conducting research. In one embodiment, the subject matter extends upon the principle of standing wave microscopy by improving the resolution of subject specimen images in all three dimensions, thus achieving near isotropic resolution improvement that allows full three dimensional imaging of the subject specimen beyond the optical resolution limits of the objective lens and without the complexity and cost associated with 4p microscopy.

Abstract: A microscope system includes: a stage for placing a sample and movable in a direction; a position detecting unit that detects the stage position; an imaging unit that captures an image of the sample; an image generating unit that combines the acquired image based on the detected position; a position searching unit that searches for the position of an image on the generated combined image as the stage position; a switching detecting unit that detects switching of an optical member; and a control unit that corrects, when switching is detected, the stage position based on a difference between the stage position detected by the position detecting unit and the stage position searched by the position searching unit so that the stage position detected by the position detecting unit coincides with the stage position searched by the position searching unit.

Abstract: A flashlight device for observing an object in a conduit includes a plurality of lights disposed in a front end of an enclosure in a substantially annular configuration about a viewing aperture extending longitudinally through a central portion of the enclosure, and at least one battery for energizing the plurality of lights. The device allows the person via one hand to illuminate and simultaneously observe an object located at a distal portion of a conduit, while the opposite hand holds a tool that engages the distal object.

Abstract: A three-dimensional position information acquiring method includes acquiring a first image of a first optical image, acquiring a second image of a second optical image, and performing a predetermined computation using data of the first image and data of the second image, wherein acquisition of the first image is performed based on light beams having passed through a first area, acquisition of the second image is performed based on light beams having passed through a second area, the position of the center of the first area and the position of the center of the second area are both away from the optical axis in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, the first area and the second area respectively include at least portions that do not overlap with each other, and three dimensional position information about an observed object is acquired by the predetermined computation.

Abstract: A dual-configuration microscope is provided that may be converted into an upright or inverted microscope. The microscope includes a base and a body having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the body is rotatably coupled to the base. The microscope further includes an objective coupled to the first portion of the body, a condenser coupled to the second portion of the body and a stage positioned between the objective and the condenser. The microscope further includes a first and second knob configured to adjust the position of the objective, wherein the first knob is disposed proximal to the first portion of the body and the second knob is disposed proximal to the second portion of the body.

Abstract: Provided are a plasma light source capable of solving a problem occurring when an arc discharge lamp is used and an inspection apparatus capable of providing uniform and high-brightness plasma light. The plasma light source includes a pulse laser generator configured to generate a pulse laser beam, a continuous wave (CW) laser generator configured to generate an infrared ray (IR) CW laser beam, a first dichroic mirror configured to transmit or reflect the pulse laser beam and reflect or transmit the IR CW laser beam, a chamber configured to receive the pulse laser beam to ignite plasma and the IR CW laser beam to maintain the plasma in an ignited state, and discharge plasma light generated by the plasma, and a second dichroic mirror configured to transmit the pulse laser beam and the IR CW laser beam and reflect the plasma light.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic apparatus which is capable of preferably executing position matching between an eye and optical system is provided. An ophthalmologic apparatus of an embodiment includes an examination optical system, supporting part, driver, two or more imaging parts, analyzer and controller. The examination optical system is used for an examination of the eye. The supporting part supports a face of a subject. The driver moves the examination optical system and the supporting part relatively and three-dimensionally. The two or more imaging parts substantially simultaneously photograph an anterior eye part of the eye from different directions. The analyzer obtains a three-dimensional position of the eye by analyzing two or more photograph images acquired by the two or more imaging parts substantially simultaneously. The controller controls the driver based on the three-dimensional position to relatively move the examination optical system and the supporting part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluorescence microscope for imaging a specimen containing a fluorescent substance, the fluorescence microscope including an excitation light source configured to emit an excitation light that excites a fluorescent substance to emit fluorescence; a de-excitation light source configured to emit a de-excitation light that de-excites the fluorescent substance excited by the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source; an optical body configured to overlap a light emitted from the excitation light source and a light emitted from the de-excitation light source, and to discharge the overlapped light toward the specimen; and a solid immersion lens to which the light discharged from the optical body is incident, and configured to refract the light discharged from the optical body toward the specimen. A total internal reflection of the light incident to the solid immersion lens occurs on a bottom of the solid immersion lens.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes a first Si layer, a second Si layer, and an SiO2 layer present between the Si layers. The optical scanner includes a movable section and shaft sections formed from the first Si layer, a holding section formed from the second Si layer and disposed to be separated from the movable section, a coupling section formed from the SiO2 layer and configured to couple the movable section and the holding section, and a light reflecting section provided on the upper surface of the holding section and configured to reflect light. The movable section and the coupling section are joined by direct joining.

Abstract: A photomanipulation device is described that includes multiple spatial light modulators (SLMs). By having more than one SLM, this device can simultaneously photomanipulate different areas with different wavelengths and/or it can rapidly switch between different areas with speeds faster than a single device is capable of. This device is particularly useful for photostimulation of neurons where simultaneity and precision timing is required.

Abstract: A method for forming an immersion agent film between the sample holder and the objective of a microscope, comprising an automatic immersion module for supplying immersion agent from an immersion agent reservoir to a target position on the sample holder or on the positioning stage, the automatic immersion module having a spraying device with a nozzle connected to a pump for the purpose of generating an immersion agent jet. A dosed immersion agent jet is sprayed via the automatic immersion module onto a target position on the sample holder or a position on the positioning stage, at a defined speed.

Abstract: A calibration pattern having a plurality of pattern regions for calibrating an imaging optical unit for metrological applications. At least one image of the calibration pattern is recorded using the imaging optical unit. The image is evaluated to quantify individual properties of the imaging optical unit. Depending on the quantified individual properties, correction values for a calculated correction of aberrations of the imaging optical unit are determined. The calibration pattern is provided on an electronic display having a plurality of display pixels arranged in the form of a matrix. In addition, a calibration body with at least one line having a defined dimension, is recorded using the imaging optical unit. A magnification factor of the imaging optical unit is determined on the basis of the at least one line. At least one further individual property of the imaging optical unit is quantified on the basis of the calibration pattern.

Abstract: Method and kits are provided determining the presence or absence of parasitic helminth eggs in environmental samples, particularly fecal samples. The methods incorporate egg capture methods and the use of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine specific ligands for egg detection.

Abstract: An optical detection device is provided. The detection device includes a light source emitting light rays, a focusing lens, and a sample testing member. The focusing lens refracts the light rays emitting from the light source to a pre-defined area on the sample testing member and focuses light rays diffusely reflected by the sample testing member. The detection device further includes an aperture diaphragm having an aperture. The aperture is configured to allow the focused reflected light rays to pass through. The detection device further includes a photodetector configured to receive the focused reflected rays passing through the aperture.

Abstract: A procedure for the correction of spherical aberration in microscopic applications, wherein various recordings of a specimen to be observed are taken and evaluated for the purpose of changing the setting values of the optical system. The correction values are stored in a correction matrix as a function of the recording position, the recording time, the wavelength, and the temperature, wherein the determination and storage of the correction values are carried out in each recording position in the x, y, and z coordinates, and/or the correction values are determined after a selection of grid points by interpolation, so that the correction values of the interpolated correction matrix are the starting values for the subsequent exact determination by measurement.

Abstract: Optical system (10) for imaging an object includes at least: a loupe (12) including a lens (16) for magnifying the object, the lens being disposed in a frame; and a camera (14) arranged between the lens (16) of the loupe (12) and the object to image at least a portion of the same field of view as the lens (16) of the loupe (12).

Abstract: An illumination device for a microscope includes: a lamp house configured to emit illumination light; and a turret having a first mirror unit for polarization observation and a second mirror unit for another observation method, the turret being configured to rotate the first and second mirror units on a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of an observation optical system of the microscope to position one of the first and second mirror units on the optical axis. The first mirror unit includes a polarizer and a mirror. The turret includes an analyzer arranged on an optical axis of the first mirror unit. The turret rotates the analyzer and the first mirror unit on the plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the observation optical system of the microscope while maintaining a positional relation between the analyzer and the first mirror unit.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to optical microscopy. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a sample holder, a first objective lens, a plurality of optical components, a second objective lens, and a mirror. The apparatus may directly image a cross-section of a sample oblique to or parallel to the optical axis of the first objective lens, without scanning.

Abstract: A module for a visualization apparatus includes an imaging optic accommodated in a base body for generating a viewing image of an object region with an optical viewing beam path. The module includes a display unit for visualizing an image superimposed on the viewed image of the object region with orientation information. The module has an image acquisition unit having an image sensor for acquiring an image of the object region. The module contains a switching unit for selectively providing and blocking an optical beam path from the display to the image sensor. The switching unit, in a first switching state, provides the image of a geometric structure on the display onto the image sensor with the optical beam path and, in a further switching state blocks the optical beam path from a geometric structure on the display to the image sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microscope in which a layer of the sample is illuminated by a plurality of thin strips of light (11) passed through a grid (34) and the sample is viewed (5) perpendicular to the plane of the strips of light. To record the image, the object (4) is displaced through the strips of light (11). At least three different images of the objects (4) are made at different phase angles. The images can be combined to form a single combined image.

Abstract: A mid-infrared objective lens assembly (10) includes a plurality of spaced apart, refractive lens elements (20) that operate in the mid-infrared spectral range, the plurality of lens elements (20) including an aplanatic first lens element (26) that is closest to an object (14) to be observed. The first lens element (26) has a forward surface (36) that faces the object (14) and a rearward surface (38) that faces away from the object (14). The forward surface (36) can have a radius of curvature that is negative.

Abstract: An arrangement for light sheet microscopy including illumination optics with an illumination objective for illuminating a sample, located in a medium on a sample carrier aligned with respect to a plane reference surface, with a light sheet. The arrangement also includes detection optics with a detection objective. The arrangement further includes a separating layer system with at least one layer separating the medium from the illumination and detection objectives. The separating layer system contacts the medium by a base surface aligned parallel to the reference surface. A correction lens system, with at least one correction lens serving to reduce those aberrations which occur as a result of the oblique passage of illumination light and/or of light to be detected through interfaces of the separating layer system, is arranged between illumination objective and separating layer system and/or between detection objective and separating layer system.

Abstract: An instrument and method for scanning all or part of a large specimen mounted on a specimen holder takes a plurality of measurements of each pixel in the whole or part of the specimen being scanned at a plurality of exposure values. A computer controls the movement of the specimen holder during scanning and again of the detector to produce a digitized image of all or part of the specimen with larger dynamic range than the dynamic range of the detection system. In a further embodiment, the instrument can scan two successive, identical strips at a different exposure values and combine the images from the two scans into one digitized image having a larger dynamic range than the dynamic range of the detection system.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing depth sectioned fluorescence imaging of a turbid sample including a fluorescent turbid medium, uses an apparatus for quantitative modulated fluorescence imaging, the apparatus including projection optics with a first optical axis, to expose the turbid sample to a periodic pattern of excitation radiation to provide depth-resolved discrimination of fluorescent structures within the turbid medium; an image capture module, including a second optical axis and a detection beam path, to receive a data image from the sample; and a signal processor to transform the data image from the sample, spatially filter the transformed data image from the sample, and reconstruct the filtered, transformed data image from the sample.

Abstract: A method of using a device for conducting a vascular hemodynamic bionic cell experiment is provided, the method comprises: firstly, experiment preparation; and secondly, experiment operation, namely, switching on a peristaltic pump, pumping a circulation liquid from a collection bottle into an independently corresponding shunting chamber of a corresponding shunting bottle through a collection bottle sampling tube of an independent chamber of a collection bottle, after shunting by the shunting chamber of the shunting bottle, the circulation liquid flowing out of a branch shunting tube flows to a corresponding flow chamber on the 1-3 flow chamber platforms placed side by side, and then converging the circulation liquid to a corresponding independent chamber of the collection bottle through respective sampling tubes of the flow chamber platforms.

Abstract: An analyzer is disclosed for optical analysis of a biological specimen. In at least one embodiment, the analyzer includes optics which includes a camera, intermediate optics and front optics. The intermediate optics is movably arranged and the front optics is fixedly arranged. An analyzer for optical analysis of a biological specimen, in at least one embodiment includes a robot for transporting a slide to be analyzed. The robot is controlled by at least three motors to allow movement of the robot in three dimensions. The robot includes a handling device configured to grip the slide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microscope arrangement provided with: a microscope (10) having at least two optical outputs (12, 14) for outputting a fluorescence signal and a switching arrangement (16) for switching the output of the fluorescence signal between the optical outputs; a beam splitter arrangement (18); optical elements (28, 30) for generating a separate partial beam path (24, 26) associated with each output in such a way that the respective fluorescence signal of each of the outputs is superimposed at the beam splitter arrangement after passing through the respective partial beam path; and also at least two optical detectors (20, 22), wherein for each of the partial beam paths, one of the detectors is located behind the beam splitter, seen from the microscope, in reflection and another of the detectors is located behind the beam splitter arrangement, seen from the microscope, in transmission.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an optical scanning device with two scanning mirrors and with optical elements for imaging the two scanning mirrors one onto the other by means of an intermediate image. A control unit is provided for supplying drives which are coupled to the scanning mirrors with excitation voltages or excitation currents to initiate deflection angles ranging from zero to the maximum possible deflection angle for the two scanning mirrors. At least one of the scanning mirrors is designed for biaxial scanning, and the control unit is designed to vary the driving of the two scanning mirrors with respect to biaxial or uniaxial deflection of the beam bundle electively in quasistatic or resonant mode of operation. At least one of the two scanning mirrors is preferably designed as MEMS assembly.

Abstract: A dual-configuration microscope is provided that may be converted into an upright or inverted microscope. The microscope includes a base and a body having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the body is rotatably coupled to the base. The microscope further includes an objective coupled to the first portion of the body, a condenser coupled to the second portion of the body and a stage positioned between the objective and the condenser. The microscope further includes a first and second knob configured to adjust the position of the objective, wherein the first knob is disposed proximal to the first portion of the body and the second knob is disposed proximal to the second portion of the body.

Abstract: A method of detecting the positions of a plurality of probes. An input beam is directed into an optical device and transformed into a plurality of output beamlets which are not parallel with each other. Each output beamlet is split into a sensing beamlet and an associated reference beamlet. Each of the sensing beamlets is directed onto an associated one of the probes with an objective lens to generate a reflected beamlet which is combined with its associated reference beamlet to generate an interferogram. Each interferogram is measured to determine the position of an associated one of the probes. A similar method is used to actuate a plurality of probes. A scanning motion is generated between the probes and the sample. An input beam is directed into an optical device and transformed into a plurality of actuation beamlets which are not parallel with each other.