Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for simultaneously imaging multiple views of a plant embryo. First, the method provides a camera for receiving a first view of a plant embryo (e.g., the top view). Second, the method provides a first reflecting surface for receiving and reflecting a second view of the plant embryo (e.g., the side view) toward the camera. Thus, the method permits simultaneously imaging both the first and second views of the plant embryo. In one embodiment, the method further provides a second reflecting surface for receiving and reflecting a third view (e.g., the end view) of the plant embryo toward the camera, so that the camera can simultaneously image the first, second, and third views of the plant embryo. The invention reduces the time required to obtain multiple views of an embryo, which can then be analyzed to classify the embryos according to their germination vigor.

Abstract: A stereomicroscope includes a binocular tube for a pair of main stereo beam paths and an assistant's tube for an assistant's beam path. The assistant's tube can swivel about an axis of the assistant's beam path in a plane parallel to the main stereo beam paths. One or more optical beam splitters divert the assistant's beam path to the assistant's tube via the back of the housing of the stereomicroscope.

Abstract: Light rays emanating from an object are received by a first optical system, and converged to form intermediate images on a movable mirror to be driven to vibrate and at positions near the movable mirror. Light rays forming the intermediate images are converged to form a plurality of final images on the imaging surface of an imaging device by way of a second optical system. The resultant image data is added up and restored, whereby an image proving a large depth of field is produced and displayed on a monitor. Using this apparatus, even if an optical system suffering from a small depth of field is employed, an image providing a large depth of field can be produced.

Abstract: Projected systems (10, 12, 14, 16) include light source apparatuses (20, 24, 26) for programming narrow bands of unpolarized blue, green, and red light to associated reflective imaging devices that reflect selected patterns of the blue, green, and red light into a dichroic cross-combiner assembly (70, 72, 74), which recombines the light into a composite image and directs it into a projection lens (90) The reflective imaging devices are preferably micromirror displays (50, 51) having an array of pivotable micromirrors (52, 53) that direct on-state micromirror light to the projection lens and direct off-state micromirror light to a light absorbing surface (84).

Abstract: The invention relates to a stereo surgical microscope comprising at least one stop (12, 20) which can interrupt a main beampath in such a way that the user can only see one image when required, wherein the image is received via a reflected-in beam path (21).

Abstract: A microscope system whereby microscopic specimens can be continuously and autonomously maintained in focus without sacrifice to the optimum resolution of the objective. The system achieves focus by splitting the image emerging from the objective lens into two pathways, a focus test pathway and an observational pathway. Each pathway contains an electronically indexed lens module. The focus test pathway lens module is continuously varied, resulting in focal variations in its projected image. The focus test pathway lens position is correlated with the focus camera image for optimum focus. The indexed value for the optimum focus, obtained from the focus test pathway, is then compared to the index value of the lens module in the observational pathway where immediate correction is applied if necessary. Therefore, time and three-dimensional information which would be lost with conventional focusing is acquired, processed, and utilized without negative effects to the observational path.

Abstract: There is provided a three-dimensional object observing microscope which can easily observe a three-dimensional object in a three-dimensional manner. A three-dimensional object observing microscope comprising a table on which a three-dimensional object is placed, an imaging part which consists of an imaging lens and an imaging camera for imaging this three-dimensional object from an inclined upper position, and a casing which supports the imaging part rotatably in a horizontal direction and also integrally supports the table and the imaging part.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical observational system capable of effectively displaying, in the field of an operating microscope, a real-time image obtained by means of an ultrasonic probe, for example, and a slice image obtained by a preoperative diagnosis on the location of the distal end portion of the probe or a three-dimensional image of an affected region, in association with an actual observational image obtained by means of the microscope. The surgical operation observational system is provided with two monitors in the operating microscope for the observation of the affected region to be operated. Images on the two monitors are alternatively superposed on the optical path of the operating microscope.

Abstract: A microscope is disclosed for observing a magnified area. Fade-in means (32a) arranged in the path (1) of the rays of the microscope (82) reflect a thin focused beam of light (101) into the path (1) of rays. The beam of light (101) is deflected or modulated by deflecting means (102) to supply an image that can be recognised by an observer (100). The image may be projected onto the object (22) either directly or indirectly, for example through a diffusing screen (108a).

Abstract: A microscope array for simultaneously imaging multiple objects. A preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention includes arranging the objects into an array, providing a microscope array having a plurality of imaging elements with respective fields of view arranged into a corresponding array such that the imaging elements are optically aligned respectively with the objects, and simultaneously imaging the objects with the microscope array to produce respective images of the objects. The invention also provides for scanning while imaging, and for stepping and repeating the imaging process.

Abstract: An optical filter has a spectral transmittance characteristic plotted as a curve that is not mirror-symmetric with respect to any vertical axis upon wavelength being taken along the axis of abscissa and transmittance being taken along the axis of ordinate. The optical filter can be designed and fabricated easily and efficiently. The optical filter is used with a light source that causes self-absorption, to constitute an illumination optical system. In the illumination optical system, an image of the arc lamp is projected with a sufficiently high magnification in good aberration condition on the pupil of the objective lens, light in a wavelength region that was conventionally unused is efficiently used, and, in addition, the heat problem is solved.

Abstract: A stereo microscope comprises: a main objective; a main observation output configured so that a left-hand beam path and a right-hand beam path are formed between the main objective and the main observation output; at least one input reflection beam splitter in each of the left-hand and right-hand beam paths configured to reflect additional information into its corresponding beam path; at least one output reflection beam splitter in at least one of the left-hand and right-hand beam paths; at least one first switchable shutter associated with at least one of the left-hand and right-hand beam paths, located in front of a corresponding input reflection beam splitter; and at least one second switchable shutter associated with at least one of the left-hand and right-hand beam paths, located between the main observation output and a corresponding output reflection beam splitter.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical observational system capable of effectively displaying, in the field of an operating microscope, a real-time image obtained by means of an ultrasonic probe, for example, and a slice image obtained by a preoperative diagnosis on the location of the distal end portion of the probe or a three-dimensional image of an affected region, in association with an actual observational image obtained by means of the microscope. The surgical operation observational system is provided with two monitors in the operating microscope for the observation of the affected region to be operated. Images on the two monitors are alternatively superposed on the optical path of the operating microscope.

Abstract: A viewing tube for an optical device and in particular for a microscope is described, in which there are provided in the beam path of the viewing tube beam splitters that deflect a portion of the light out to a simultaneous observation tube and/or to an imaging or recording unit, or reflect light from a display and/or processing unit into the beam path. In each beam path of the viewing tube there is provided only one beam splitter, which is rotatable about the optical axis of the respective beam path and always remains in the working position in the beam path. The respective beam splitter, depending upon its rotational position, deflects the reflected-out portion of the light into the corresponding beam path of the simultaneous observation tube or of the imaging or recording unit, or couples light into the beam path of the viewing tube.

Abstract: An optical system for a scanning probe microscope provides both an optical on-axis view and an optical oblique view of the sample by means of two optical paths each providing an image to a CCD camera via an auto-zoom lens. A shutter alternately blocks the image of either view from reaching the auto-zoom lens. The CCD camera provides the optical image to a video display which also displays the scanning probe image, thus eliminating the need for eyepieces and allowing easy viewing of both the optical and scanning probe images simultaneously.

Abstract: A multi-axis imaging system and method wherein a plurality of optical elements are arranged to produce in image space thereof respective images of respective regions in object space thereof, and a plurality of image sensing elements corresponding to respective optical elements are disposed in image space of the image sensing elements to capture images of the respective regions. At least one baffle is positioned along an optical pathway of at least one of the optical elements to block light from outside the field of view of the one of the optical elements from reaching a corresponding image sensing element.

Abstract: A sample extrusion device 12 for sequentially extruding a sample 1 in a predetermined direction, a sample cutting device 14 for sequentially cutting the extruded sample, and a con-focal image pickup device 16 for focusing an illuminating light at a section portion that was cut to pick up two-dimensional images of the cut section from a reflected light thereof are provided to reconstruct an internal structure of the sample from many two-dimensional images (continuous section images) that differ in the cutting positions. The sample can be continuously cut to continuously observe the sectional images thereof under no influence of the sample being seen transparently, the entirety of the sample can be observed in almost the same condition even though the sample is colored with a fluorescent dye, and thereby, the internal structure of the sample can be reconstructed with a high precision.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel class of integrated angled-dual-axis confocal scanning endoscopes. An integrated angled-dual-axis confocal scanning endoscope according to the present invention advantageously exploits an angled-dual-axis confocal arrangement in a silicon micro-machined and fiber-coupled construction, rendering it enhanced resolution, faster scanning, higher sensitivity, highly integrated and scalable structure. An integrated angled-dual-axis confocal scanning endoscope thus constructed can be readily miniaturized for many applications, such as in vivo imaging of biological specimens. One or two illumination beams may be employed in an angled-dual-axis confocal scanning endoscope of the present invention, thereby providing an assortment of reflectance and fluorescence images. An angled-dual-axis confocal scanning endoscope of the present invention is further capable of providing various line and cross-sectional-surface scans with fast speed and high precision.

Abstract: A laser microscope includes a beam scanning mechanism to scan a laser beam. An objective lens condenses the beam, and receives from a specimen the light by a linear and a non-linear phenomenon evoked by condensation of the beam, and a reflect light. A first beam splitter is arranged between the objective lens and the scanning mechanism, and separates the laser beam, the light by the linear phenomenon and the reflected light, from the light by the non-linear phenomenon. A first photodetector detects the light by the non-linear phenomenon. A second beam splitter is arranged between a light source and the scanning mechanism to separate the beam from the light by the linear phenomenon. A second photodetector detects the light passing a pinhole arranged at a position conjugative to the focal point of the objective lens among the light by the linear phenomenon and the reflected light.

Abstract: A first image-forming optical system that receives a beam of light from an objective forms a first image forming point. The first image-forming optical system forms the beam of light into a first optical image at the first image-forming point and relays the first optical image. A second image-forming optical system is provided to form an image of a monitor near the first image-forming point, and the image is relayed by the first image-forming optical system. A third image-forming optical system is arranged in the first image-forming optical system to form a second image-forming point. The third image-forming optical system forms a second optical images at the second image-forming point and guide the optical image to an eyepiece lens.

Abstract: An automated CCD-based imaging system is disclosed which may be used for the automated acquisition, compilation, and analysis of images of fluorescently labeled samples of different types, including fluorescently-labeled gene chip arrays.

Abstract: There is disclosed an inverted microscope comprising an objective lens disposed under a sample, a tube lens which is disposed in a light path of an observation light emitted from the objective lens and which forms the observation light into an image, an incident light illumination optical device which is disposed between the objective lens and the tube lens, and which introduces incident light illumination into the light path of the observation light, and an input/output port which is disposed between the incident light illumination optical device and the tube lens, and which splits a light flux from the light path of the observation light or introduces the light flux into the light path of the observation light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel class of integrated angled-dual-axis confocal scanning endoscopes. An integrated angled-dual-axis confocal scanning endoscope according to the present invention advantageously exploits an angled-dual-axis confocal arrangement in a silicon micro-machined and fiber-coupled construction, rendering it enhanced resolution, faster scanning, higher sensitivity, highly integrated and scalable structure. An integrated angled-dual-axis confocal scanning endoscope thus constructed can be readily miniaturized for many applications, such as in vivo imaging of biological specimens. One or two illumination beams may be employed in an angled-dual-axis confocal scanning endoscope of the present invention, thereby providing an assortment of reflectance and fluorescence images. An angled-dual-axis confocal scanning endoscope of the present invention is further capable of providing various line and cross-sectional-surface scans with fast speed and high precision.

Abstract: A compact digital imaging microscope includes a stage for holding a specimen, a lens assembly for collecting a beam of light transmitted through the specimen, and an adjustable beamsplitter assembly for splitting the beam between an eyepiece for viewing an image of the specimen and a CCD image detector to provide both a digital and an analog signal representing an image of the specimen. The use of a lens positioned along an optical path between the lens assembly and the image detector allows the image detector to be integrated compactly within the microscope and also allows the image detector to capture an image whose viewable area is roughly the same as that viewable through the eyepiece. Furthermore, all electrical connections (other than output and power supply connections which are located at the base of the microscope) are internalized within the microscope.

Abstract: First sensing means senses the three-dimensional position of a microscope, with an operating site as the origin. Second sensing means senses the three-dimensional position of a surgical instrument with respect to the microscope. On the basis of the sensing results of the first sensing means and second sensing means, computing means calculates the three-dimensional position of the surgical instrument, with the operating site as the origin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stereomicroscope (1) with a main body (3) and wit an interface device (2) which is connected to the main body (3) and/or to an accessory (4), either permanently or in a manner that does not permit easy removal, and the interface device (2) permits the rotation of the accessory (4) relative to the main body (3) in the manner of a pivot bearing (5).

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel class of integrated angled-dual-axis confocal scanning endoscopes. An integrated angled-dual-axis confocal scanning endoscope according to the present invention advantageously exploits an angled-dual-axis confocal arrangement in a silicon micro-machined and fiber-coupled construction, rendering it enhanced resolution, faster scanning, higher sensitivity, highly integrated and scalable structure. An integrated angled-dual-axis confocal scanning endoscope thus constructed can be readily miniaturized for many applications, such as in vivo imaging of biological specimens. One or two illumination beams may be employed in an angled-dual-axis confocal scanning endoscope of the present invention, thereby providing an assortment of reflectance and fluorescence images. An angled-dual-axis confocal scanning endoscope of the present invention is further capable of providing various line and cross-sectional-surface scans with fast speed and high precision.

Abstract: A microscopy system, comprising a stage for supporting a sample; a means for directing a vertical beam of light through the sample; a means for observing an image carried by the beam of light; and an optical system. The optical system features: i) a plurality of light-transmitting objective lenses arranged in a linear array on a first plate, including at least a first objective lens positioned in the path of the vertical beam of light and a second objective lens not positioned in the path of the vertical beam of light; and ii) a lens system adapted to receive the vertical beam of light after it has been transmitted through the first objective lens and focus the vertical beam of light onto the imaging plane of the video camera.

Abstract: A laser scanning microscope, preferably a confocal laser scanning microscope, and a method for reference correction for a laser scanning microscope, in particular for a confocal laser scanning microscope, having an illumination beam path extending between a laser light source and a specimen, and a detection beam path extending between the specimen and a detection device, is characterized, for error correction with at least one reference beam path used for reference measurement, in that reference light can be coupled out of the illumination beam path into the reference beam path, and that the reference light is qualitatively and/or quantitatively detectable by a detection device.

Abstract: A sample extrusion device 12 for sequentially extruding a sample 1 in a predetermined direction, a sample cutting device 14 for sequentially cutting the extruded sample, and a con-focal image pickup device 16 for focusing an illuminating light at a section portion that was cut to pick up two-dimensional images of the cut section from a reflected light thereof are provided to reconstruct an internal structure of the sample from many two-dimensional images (continuous section images) that differ in the cutting positions. The sample can be continuously cut to continuously observe the sectional images thereof under no influence of the sample being seen transparently, the entirety of the sample can be observed in almost the same condition even though the sample is colored with a fluorescent dye, and thereby, the internal structure of the sample can be reconstructed with a high precision.

Abstract: This invention provides an angled-dual-illumination-axis confocal scanning microscope comprising a fiber-coupled, angled-dual-illumination-axis confocal scanning head and a vertical scanning unit. The angled-dual-illumination-axis confocal scanning head is configured such that two illumination beams intersect optimally at an angle &thgr; within an object and the scanning is achieved by pivoting the illumination beams and their corresponding observation beams using a single scanning element, thereby producing an arc-line scan. The vertical scanning unit causes the angled-dual-illumination-axis confocal scanning head to move towards or away from the object, thereby yielding a vertical cross-section scan of the object. The angled-dual-illumination-axis confocal scanning microscope have advantages of enhanced resolution, faster scanning, higher sensitivity and larger dynamic range of detection, a larger field of view and a longer working distance, and a compact and integrated construction.

Abstract: This invention provides an angled-dual-axis confocal scanning microscope comprising a fiber-coupled, angled-dual-axis confocal head and a vertical scanning unit. The angled-dual-axis confocal head is configured such that an illumination beam and an observation beam intersect optimally at an angle &thgr; within an object. The vertical scanning unit causes the angled-dual-axis confocal head to move towards or away from the object, thereby yielding a vertical scan that deepens into the object, while keeping the optical path lengths of the illumination and observation beams unchanged so to ensure the optimal intersection of the illumination and observation beams in the course of vertical scanning. The angled-dual-axis confocal scanning microscope may further comprises a transverse stage, causing the object to move relative to the angled-dual-axis confocal head along transverse directions perpendicular to the vertical direction, thereby producing a transverse scan.

Abstract: Scanning probe microscopes and scanning probe heads are provided having improved optical visualization and sample manipulation capabilities. The SPMs and SPM heads include at least one flexure stage for scanning in the x, y and/or z directions. In a preferred embodiment, the SPMs or SPM heads include flexure stages for scanning in the x, y and z directions. The z scanning stage is preferably positioned outside the lateral footprint of the x-y flexure stage so that a probe extending from the z scanning stage is outside the lateral footprint of the instrument. The SPMs and SPM heads are configured to provide top down and bottom up optical views of the sample and/or the probe and enable simultaneous scanning probe microscopy and optical imaging of a sample to be performed. The SPMs and SPM heads are designed to be readily combinable with existing upright and inverted optical microscopes currently available from various major manufacturers.

Abstract: A microscope is disclosed for observing a magnified area. Fade-in means arranged in the path of the rays of the microscope reflect a thin focused beam of light into the path of the rays. The beam of light is deflected or modulated by deflecting means to supply an image that can be recognized by an observer. The image may be projected onto the object either directly or indirectly, for example through a diffusing screen.

Abstract: An inverted microscope is provided that reflects an observation light passing through an image-formation optical system upward using at least one reflection optical system and that leads the observation light to an observation path. The inverted microscope includes a confocal scanner arranged at an image surface position of the image-formation optical system, a light source for applying light onto a sample through the confocal scanner and the image-formation optical system, and a confocal image formation optical system that leads the light passing through the confocal scanner to the sample through the image-formation optical system, returns a return light from the sample to the confocal scanner along a route opposite to that for leading the light to the sample, and obtains a confocal image. A confocal observation optical system is also provided for leading the return light from the sample passing through the optical scanner to the observation optical path.

Abstract: The invention provides improved structures, systems, and methods for supporting the optical elements of a microscope relative to the optical train of a laser surgery system. As the field of view of the microscope is substantially fully determined by the position of the objective lens, the laser delivery optics and the microscope can be aligned with a target location of the patient's eye by accurately aligning just the objective lens with the delivery optics. By structurally separating the objective lens from the other optical components of the microscope, and by maintaining accurate alignment between the objective lens and the laser delivery optics with a simple, tight-tolerance support structure, the remaining optical components of the microscope can be allowed to “float” relative to the objective lens with a looser-tolerance without degrading the operator's ability to align, observe, and optically direct an ophthalmic laser procedure.

Abstract: A confocal microscope is provided that can perform automatic focussing. A beam splitter (9) is additionally disposed along an optical path of light split from reflected light from the surface of an object of a confocal microscope, whereby when light is focussed on the surface of a light detector (7), a difference between a quantity of light detected by a second light detector (11) and a quantity of light detected by a third light detector (13) is constructed so as to become a predetermined quantity, while when light is not focussed on the surface of the light detector (7), the difference between the quantity of light detected by the second light detector and the quantity of light detected by the third light detector is a quantity of light that is different from the predetermined quantity, and the object is automatically controlled such that the difference in quantity of light between the light detectors becomes the predetermined quantity.

Abstract: A surgical microscope includes an illumination optical system for illuminating a microscope visual field, an observation optical system which has an eyepiece lens and an imaging lens and allows observation of a first image of an observation target by guiding reflected light from the observation target irradiated with illumination light to the eyepiece lens from the illumination optical system, an image projection optical system for projecting a second image as image information within a portion of the microscope visual field, and visual field adjusting mechanism which has a field stop placed at an imaging position of the imaging lens and having a changeable stop shape and adjusts an area of the microscope visual field by changing the stop shape of the field stop in accordance with a projection state of the second image with respect to the microscope visual field.

Abstract: Caged reagent release experiments are carried out by introducing laser light of a laser light source for the Caged reagent release of a first reflected illumination optical system light path into a sample side through a first dichroic mirror on a cube turret and also introducing excitation light of a mercury lamp for the excitation light irradiation of a third reflected illumination optical system light path into the sample side through a first dichroic mirror on a slider. Laser trap experiments are carried out by introducing excitation light of a mercury lamp for the excitation light irradiation of a second reflected illumination optical system light path into the sample side through a second dichroic mirror on the cube turret and also introducing laser light from the laser light source for the laser trap of the third reflected illumination optical system light path into the sample side through a second dichroic mirror on the slider.

Abstract: Microscope systems invention provide ability to image specimens, including specimens within living bodies, by imaging with transmitted light rather than solely with reflected light. The microscope systems may be general purpose instruments, or can be custom designed for a particular specimen.

Abstract: An optical unit coupling mechanism for coupling optical units 10, 11 having a plurality of mutually parallel optical paths 10a, 10b with each other, said optical unit coupling mechanism comprising a round dovetail consisting of a male dovetail 1 and a female dovetail 4, wherein said male dovetail 1 has a minor diameter part 1b of predetermined diameter d.sub.2, part 1d of which is sized larger than the diameter d.sub.2 of the minor diameter part 1b. By virtue of this optical unit coupling mechanism, the system performance can be enhanced without causing a system enlargement and the system compatibility can be maintained.

Abstract: A stereomicroscope has light beams of two separate radiation paths passing through two partial pupils directed into a common lens system by at least two mirrors arranged on the level of the pupils. The partial beams are superimposed with the partial pupils spatially separated at the level of the pupils. A separating device with at least one movable diaphragm or at least one tilted mirror, stationary or adjustable along a common axis, provides undistorted images from both partial beams toward at least one image pick-up device. The movable diaphragm shields the partial beams alternately at the level of one of the pupils or the tilted mirror is arranged at the level of the pupils so that both partial beams can be retransmitted separately.

Abstract: An optical system for a scanning probe microscope provides both an optical on-axis view and an optical oblique view of the sample by means of two optical paths each providing an image to a CCD camera via an auto-zoom lens. A shutter alternately blocks the image of either view from reaching the auto-zoom lens. The CCD camera provides the optical image to a video display which also displays the scanning probe image, thus eliminating the need for eyepieces and allowing easy viewing of both the optical and scanning probe images simultaneously.

Abstract: An automatic microscope comprises an operating member operated electrically, and a detector for outputting an operation signal upon detecting the presence of an observer of the microscope in a predetermined range around the microscope, thereby operating the operating member. The operating member may be a shutter for opening and closing an optical path of the optical system of the microscope, an optical path switching member for switching the optical path of the optical system, a main power switch of the microscope, an auxiliary power switch of the microscope or a power switch for an illuminating light source, and the detector may be a light reflection detector including a light source and a photosensor unit for receiving the reflected light of the light emitted from the light source.

Abstract: A structure that changes from a confocal observation mode to a normal observation mode is made possible while keeping a Nipkow disk in a fixed position. A main optical system includes a confocal illumination light source, a first half mirror, a Nipkow disk, an objective lens, a relay lens and an ocular lens for conducting confocal observation. A bypass optical system includes a normal illumination light source, a second half mirror and first, second and third fully reflective mirrors. The bypass optical system is appended to the main optical system to form the tandem scanning confocal microscope. The first and third fully reflective mirrors can be moved out of and separated from the light path of the main optical system. As a result, with the position of the Nipkow disk fixed, it is possible to change between confocal and normal observation modes.

Abstract: Apparatus are disclosed that perform, on demand, both near-field microscopy (NFM) and light-microscopy (e.g., bright-field microscopy or phase-contrast microscopy) of a specimen. The apparatus comprises an NFM microscope including an NFM probe, a first condenser lens system that converges a center portion of an illumination-light flux at a first terminus of the NFM probe, and a second condenser lens system that converges an annular portion of the illumination-light flux at a specimen to illuminate the specimen by Kohler illumination. Evanescent light from a distal terminus of the NFM probe passes to a locus on the specimen. Downstream optics capture light transmitted and/or scattered from the specimen from the NFM probe and from the Kohler illumination to produce both a light-microscope image of the specimen and an NFM image of the specimen.

Abstract: A broad-bandwidth interferometric device is adapted for longitudinal insertion into a cylinder cavity to produce irradiance signals at multiple vertical-scanning positions as a function of optical path differences between a reference mirror incorporated in the probe and the cylinder-wall surface. The light-source beam is passed through an objective lens placed longitudinally in the cylinder and then divided by a beam splitter disposed in fixed relation to the cylinder wall to produce a test beam directed radially to the wall and a reference beam directed axially to a reference mirror disposed in fixed relation to the lens. During scanning, the objective lens and reference mirror are translated together, while the beam splitter remains stationary with respect to the cylinder wall, thereby varying the position of the focal point of the test beam and providing the vertical-scanning effect required to produce interference fringes and a corresponding map of the tested cylinder surface.

Abstract: An angular adjustment mechanism (11) for precisely adjusting an eyepiece (12) of an optical assembly (10) through the use of a system of levers. The system of levers acts to allow the eyepiece (12) and a mirror (24), disposed within the assembly (10), to rotate about a common axis (28), with the eyepiece (12) rotating at two times the angular speed of the mirror (24). The relative angular movement of the eyepiece (12) and the mirror (24) allows a user to obtain a comfortable viewing position without disturbing the alignment of the optical assembly (10). Furthermore, the relative angular movement of the eyepiece (12) and the mirror (24) does not significantly effect the imaging of the optical assembly (10), or cause optical image shifts.

Abstract: Light from a mercury lamp is focused by an objective lens system and is incident on a specimen to be examined. A focusing optical path of light reflected by the specimen is split into an optical path of an ultraviolet ray and an optical path of visible light by a dichroic mirror having wavelength selectivity. The ultraviolet ray is guided to an ultraviolet CCD camera. The ultraviolet CCD camera supplies a monochrome picture signal to a monochrome display through a first picture processor. On the other hand, the visible light is guided to a color CCD camera. The color CCD camera supplies a color picture signal to a color display through a second picture processor. Therefore, an ultraviolet picture of the specimen is displayed on the monochrome display at a high resolving power and a large magnification. At the same time, a color picture of the specimen is displayed on the color display.

Abstract: A method and device for measurement of exposure times in optical devices are disclosed. Specifically, a measuring diaphragm plate and a mask plate are associated with a measurement path and a projection path of the optical device and include a plurality of corresponding measuring diaphragms and masks, respectively. A graticule having markings corresponding to the contours of the measuring diaphragms is provided in the projection path proximate the mask plate and conjugate to an intermediate image plane, and a motor for selectively positioning a measuring diaphragm on the measuring path is synchronized with a motor for positioning a corresponding mask on the projection path, such that a selected measuring diaphragm and its corresponding contour markings are simultaneously imaged at the intermediate image plane.