Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining measurement-point position data and a device for measuring the magnification of an optical beam path. In the method described, a laser beam is inserted via an insertion element (32a) into the beam path of a microscope. At the end of this beam path, a beam splitter (4c) splits the laser beam off again and directs it on to a position sensor (45a). The point at which the measurement beam is incident depends on the magnification of the beam path optics (8, 13). The final value of the magnification can thus be simply determined. The value of the magnification is important for the user in order to enable the user to make a definite assessment of the area observed. Also described are various related developments and details of the invention.

Abstract: The invention concerns a microscope, in particular an operating microscope with a remote controlled adjustment system (32) for an ocular (8); the adjustment system preferably facilitates automatic adjustment of the ocular to match the optical characteristics of the user's eye (1). A further development also facilitates automatic adjustment of the separation of the eyepiece tubes in a stereomicroscope.

Abstract: An exchangeable condenser system for a phase-contrast illuminating system (12) for microscopes has a plurality of different light rings (5), arranged on a nosepiece plate (4), assigned to the condenser optical system (6). The condenser optical system (6) can be exchanged independently of the light rings (5), the focal lengths F.sub.n of the exchangeable condenser optical systems (6) being selected relative to one another in the ratio F.sub.n =F.sub.0 *X.sup.n and the average diameters D.sub.n of the light rings (5) being selected relative to one another in the ratio D.sub.n =D.sub.0 *X.sup.n, where X>0, n=0,1,2,3, . . . .

Abstract: A stereomicroscope has a left and a right stereo radiation path and adjusting means for selecting a stereo base. The main lens is arranged between an object to be observed and the adjusting means, which are preferably designed as opto-mechanical switching means. This arrangement allows an integrated structure with low light losses to be obtained.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and arrangement for generating stereoscopic images of an object. The method includes the steps of illuminating an object with an illuminating beam; masking the illuminating beam to generate a first component beam to illuminate the object at a first angle and provide a first image of the object to a first viewing eye; again masking the illuminating beam to generate a second component beam to illuminate the object at a second angle and to provide a second image of the object to a second viewing eye; and, alternately repeating the last two steps at a frequency above the flicker frequency of the human eye. In the arrangement of the invention, a beam generating device alternately generates first and second illuminating beam components which illuminate the object via illuminating optics at respectively different angles to produce respective images of the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stereoendoscope having a sight line folded relative to the tube axis. The endoscope includes a distal front optic having a deflecting prism 4b. The deflecting prism 4b is mounted between a component 4a having a negative refractive power and a proximal component 4c having a positive refractive power. The inlet pupils 11 of the viewing component are imaged demagnified in the reflecting prism 4b by field optics (7, 7', 13) and transmitting optics (8, 8', 14). In this way, the beam can be guided free of vignetting without field cropping for both stereo channels through the endoscope tube and through the reflecting prism 4b even for a large object field angles and without image cropping. The endoscope tube 2 and the viewing component 1 are rotatable with respect to each other about the optical axis 12 within the endoscope tube 2 so that the line of sight can be changed for a viewing component fixed in space. The stereo basis remains for a rotation of the endoscope tube 2 fixed in space.

Abstract: A pancratic magnification system for at least two observation beam paths within a stereo microscope consists of a first and a second optical component that are displaceable in a defined manner along a common optical axis, following which a third, stationary, optical component is arranged. Variation of magnification is achieved by means of defined displacement of the first two optical components. A focusing on a desired object plane can be effected by displacement of only the first optical component. The pancratic magnification system is arranged after a common main objective for said at least two observation beam paths within the stereo microscope.

Abstract: The device for stereoscopic visualization according to the present invention enables an observer to see both an image from a stereomicroscope and an image from a stereoscopic fiberscope without removing his eyes from the eyepieces. The device for stereoscopic visualization may be used in surgical procedures.

Abstract: A wide FOV binocular imaging system utilizes an imaging structure (14) to produce an intermediate image (16), and a field lens (18) and beam splitting surface (20) located proximate the intermediate image to concentrate, split, and direct the light from the intermediate image into an eye lens (22) at two viewing zones exit pupils (22(a), 22(b)). The present invention produces a wide FOV and comfortable exit pupil while employing a single entrance pupil.

Abstract: A microscope includes an objective lens and 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th magnification-varying optical systems of a same power, having optical axes parallel to the optical axis of the objective lens and positioned behind the objective lens and around the optical axis thereof. An objective unit houses the objective lens and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th magnification-varying optical systems. A deflection optical system directs two specified light beams, among the light beams transmitted by the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th magnification-varying optical systems, to a first direction and also directs the remaining two light beams to a second direction. A first observation optical system respectively forms images, for observation, by the two light beams directed to the first direction. A second observation optical system respectively forms images, for observation, by the two light beams directed to the second direction. First and second observation units are detachably mountable alternatively to the objective unit.

Abstract: An objective has a first group of lenses with a first optical axis and a second group of lenses with a second optical axis. The optical axes are offset from and parallel to one another. A pair of Porroprisms is disposed between the first lens group and the second lens group and serves to rotate images. The Porroprisms cause a shift in optical axis, and the first and second optical axes are spaced from each other by a distance corresponding to this shift. The arrangement is such that light travelling along the optical axis of one lens group can enter the Porroprisms for reflection to the optical axis of the other lens group. The first lens group has negative refractive power while the second lens group has positive refractive power. A rhomboidal prism is located on the side of the second lens group remote from the Porroprisms and functions to cause a shift in optical axis equal but opposite to the shift caused by the Porroprisms.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a stereoscopic endoscope wherein an intermediate image is generated in a rod-shaped endoscope attachment. The intermediate image is imaged into the focal plane of an objective. The objective can be the main objective of a surgical microscope with the objective having a long focal length or the main objective of a stereoscopic recording system. The main objective and an in-coupling optic conjointly define an inverted telescope.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a zoom system for at least two stereoscopic viewing beam paths and includes a multi-element pancratic magnification system as well as an afocal inverting system arranged downstream of the pancratic magnification system at the viewing/documentation end. The inverting system images the stereoscopic pupillary plane or the apparatus pupils of the viewing/documentation unit approximately in the center of the pancratic magnification system. The zoom system is especially suitable for a stereomicroscope.

Abstract: A surgical drape construction wherein a tubular body, peripherally assembled to a local lens aperture in a drape, is adapted for removable concentric engagement to the exposed end of the objective-lens barrel of a microscope, wherein the tubular body mounts a flat optically transparent element which closes the body, and wherein the flat transparent element is fixedly so inclined that a geometric normal to the flat transparent element is at an acute angle to the axis of concentric engagement. Would-be reflections are thereby deflected off-axis, and microscope viewing is materially enhanced for all subject-matter aspects with respect to incident light.

Abstract: A prism component group is provided in a pivotable binocular tube assembly for a stereomicroscope. The prism component group is configured as a deflection prism with two roof prisms cemented thereto. The two roof prisms are offset relative to respective ones of the optical axes of the stereoscopic component beam paths.

Abstract: A surgical microscope system having a stereoscopic optical system, an imaging unit, and a monitor display. The stereoscopic optical system has two optical paths and forms a 3D image of an object. The imaging unit forms two images of the object from two light beams focused in the optical paths. The monitor display displays the images of the object which the imaging unit has formed. The surgical microscope system further comprises an observation-light receiving section located in the optical paths for determining an observation field, an observation-light emitting section located in the monitor display for applying the images formed by the imaging unit, and reflectors arranged between the observation-light receiving section and the observation-light emitting section. The observation-light receiving and the observation-light emitting sections are located close to each other and a barrel holds the sections together.

Abstract: A direct-view display apparatus provides improved image quality by preventing the formation of a stripe pattern caused by parallax effects. A liquid-crystal panel for active matrix driving is disposed. A microlens array consisting of a plurality of microlenses formed in corresponding relationship to each pixel in the liquid-crystal panel is placed on a surface of a substrate of the liquid-crystal panel. A field lens and an eyepiece are disposed in this order between the microlens array and an observer. The field lens serves to converge the principal rays emerging from the microlens array in parallel with an optical axis onto the eyepiece, so that a moire pattern caused by parallax effects can be prevented from being formed and the image quality can thus be improved. Light from backlights are passed through display panels, respectively consisting of liquid-crystal cells, microlens arrays, and field lenses, and are superimposed by a crossed dichroic prism.

Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope comprises an objective lens array having one optical axis, a relay lens array for transmitting an object image produced by the objective lens array, a pupil split element that is located at an entrance pupil position of the relay lens array; that is, a position at which the relay lens array forms an entrance pupil, a position near the entrance pupil position, or a position conjugate with those positions, and that splits an entrance pupil formed by the relay lens array into a plurality of portions, an image formation optical system that receives a beam emanating from the relay lens array and forms a plurality of object images in cooperation with the pupil split element, and imaging devices for receiving the object images.

Abstract: A light microscope with lenses projecting the rear aperture of an objective lens at a location remote from the objective lens enhancing high power stereoscopic viewing and photographing with a binocular (two eyepiece) viewing system and when combined with an iris in close proximity to the projected image of the rear aperture of the objective lens, controls flare.

Abstract: In an insertable accessory module for a stereo microscope, in particular an operation microscope, two optical elements are pivotably arranged in the parallel observation beam paths after the main objective. A continuous variation of the stereo angle is possible by pivoting about two pivot shafts that are oriented perpendicular to the observation beam paths.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a stereomicroscope having a main objective of variable focal intercept. An optical element is provided in each of the two stereoscopic component beam paths to provide a parallel displacement of the particular beam path. A coupling between each displacement of the two stereoscopic beam paths and the actual adjustment of the focal intercept of the main objective is also provided in such a manner that a preselectable constant stereo angle results even when there is a variation of the focal intercept of the main objective. In this way, a physiologically constant viewing impression results for the viewer.

Abstract: A stereo endoscope according to the present invention includes a pair of objective optical systems, a pair of relay optical systems, an imagery optical system having a single optical axis, and a pair of imaging devices. The imagery optical system is a zoom optical system or a varifocal optical system. For example, an encoder is used to detect a magnitude of moving lenses in the zoom optical system. Based on the detected magnitude, a control unit allows the two imaging devices to approach or depart from each other. Thus, the stereo endoscope attains the coincidence between observation points of right and left fields of view against the displacements of display points of right and left object images resulting from variations of zooming magnifications.

Abstract: A stereomicroscope includes an objective lens for converting light from an object into parallel beams, an imaging lens for forming an image of the object, a prism for erecting the object image, and an eyepiece for observing the object image so that the object image is viewed stereoscopically through the eyepiece, in which the eyepiece is constructed from a single lens system equipped with a variable magnification optical system and an eye lens whose diameter is larger than a viewer's interpupil distance, and optical paths from the object image to the viewer's eyes traverse the positions outside the optical axis of the eyepiece. Thus, the stereomicroscope dispenses with the need for adjustment of the interpupil distance, causes the freedom of the eyepoint to be increased, and allows a viewer to observe the image from any direction whatsoever.

Abstract: A stereoscopic ophthalmoscope for examining an eye including two inner reflection mirrors for guiding light representing the image of the eye toward a pair of external mirrors. Each of the external mirrors serves as an image splitter for dividing the light into two distinct optical observation paths. The first optical observation path is used to produce a stereoscopic image of the eye suitable for binocular viewing. The second optical observation path is used to produce a non-stereoscopic image of the eye suitable for monocular or binocular viewing.

Abstract: A stereomicroscope is equipped with an objective lens, a variable magnification optical system having an optical axis common with that of the objective lens, a splitting optical system splitting emergent light from the variable magnification optical system into a plurality of optical paths, and an eyepiece disposed in at least one of the optical paths, having a diameter larger than the interpupil distance of an observer. Thus, the stereomicroscope has advantages that, with a simple structure and easy adjustment, many people can make observations, the mountings of photographic and TV devices are possible, the directions in which plural observers see through the microscope can be changed, and eyestrain is difficult to occur which may be caused by the difference in magnification between the images of a bilateral observation optical system.

Abstract: In a slit lamp microscope, changeover can be selectively made between conventional slit lamp microscopy and confocal perforated disk microscopy. In slit lamp operation, the microscope is constructed as a stereo microscope. The Nipkow perforated disk required for the confocal perforated disk microscopy is arranged in an indirect beam path. Alternatively, the Nipkow disk can be arranged on a pivotable support element and can be pivoted into the beam path in the vicinity of an intermediate image plane. For confocal perforated disk microscopy, an additional illumination device is provided that is reflected into the beam path between the Nipkow disk and the oculars. The insertion of the Nipkow disk or the switching of the beam paths takes place such that the focal plane of the objective is constant. A changeover is made from conventional slit lamp microscopy to confocal perforated disk microscopy without refocusing. A direct comparison of the images observed with the two procedures is therefore possible.

Abstract: A stereomicroscope comprising a pair of observation systems each comprising an objective lens and an eyepiece lens, a pair of light sources disposed above the objective lens for emitting a pair of light beams through a pair of beam splitters into the observation systems coaxially therewith, pairs of polarizers disposed on the side of the eyepiece lenses and the side of the light sources respectively so as to have polarizing surfaces perpendicular to each other, a quarter wavelength plate interposed between the objective lens and a sample to be observed, and a pair of light beam deflecting members disposed between the beam splitters and the objective lens.

Abstract: A microscope adapted for use by two or more operators during surgical operations has a main objective lens and at least two mutually independent stereoscopic observation beam paths. Each stereoscopic observation beam path has a magnification system and a focusing system disposed therein. Pupil displacement systems are provided in modular construction of different mechanical lengths but of equal optical path lengths. This modular construction allows individual and customized configurations of the microscope for adaptation to meet the needs and requirements of various operating conditions and the various operating disciplines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stereoscopic microscope, which is suited both for pure observation and also for support during surgical procedures in ophthalmology. It can be adapted to both uses through an inversion optics arrangement, which can be removed from the beam path of the microscope. The inversion optics arrangement is arranged in an attachment containing a field-magnifying lens, which attachment is needed in most cases, and is located between the field-magnifying lens and the objective lens of the microscope such that it is movable within the attachment. Thus, the field-magnifying lens does not need to be moved in the case of sight defects of a patient, but the correction is carried out with the inversion optics arrangement, and this means an inside focussing occurs. The inversion optics arrangement can also be removed with the attachment so that the microscope can then be used as a normal viewing microscope.

Abstract: A stereomicroscope is equipped with an objective lens, a variable magnification optical system having an optical axis common with that of the objective lens, a splitting optical system splitting emergent light from the variable magnification optical system into a plurality of optical paths, and an eyepiece disposed in at least one of the optical paths, having a diameter larger than the interpupil distance of an observer. Thus, the stereomicroscope has advantages that, with a simple structure and easy adjustment, many people can make observations, the mountings of photographic and TV devices are possible, the directions in which plural observers see through the microscope can be changed, and eyestrain is difficult to occur which may be caused by the difference in magnification between the images of a bilateral observation optical system.

Abstract: A stereoscopic tandem scanning reflected light confocal microscope employs longitudinal and transverse chromatic aberration in conjunction with color dispersion prisms in a binocular eyepiece assembly to provide a three dimensional vertical view through a specimen.

Abstract: An improved wick for a metal vapor laser is made of a refractory metal cylinder, preferably molybdenum or tungsten for a copper laser, which provides the wicking surface. Alternately, the inside surface of the ceramic laser tube can be metalized to form the wicking surface. Capillary action is enhanced by using wire screen, porous foam metal, or grooved surfaces. Graphite or carbon, in the form of chunks, strips, fibers or particles, is placed on the inside surface of the wick to reduce water, reduce metal oxides and form metal carbides.

Abstract: A stereomicroscope includes an objective lens used in common and a pair of observing optical systems on the left and right sides, arranged behind the objective lens so that optical axes of the observing optical systems are symmetrically arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to an optical axis of the objective lens. In the stereomicroscope, the objective lens may be arranged so that a focal length of the objective lens has a positive value and an object is located closer to the objective lens than an object focal point of the object lens, and thereby an image which is high in resolution and favorable in flatness is brought about.

Abstract: A stereoscopic microscope system having a primary and secondary viewing station which are rotatably positionable relative to one another for simultaneously viewing an object is disclosed. An objective lens focuses a plurality of rays of light aligned with a primary optic axis upon an object to be viewed. The light deflecting mechanism redirects a pair of rays of light from the objective lens orthogonally to form a diagonal optic axis spaced transversely from the primary optic axis. Both the primary and orthogonal optic axes extend perpendicular to an intersect a transverse optic axis extending therebetween. A second light deflecting mechanism redirects a pair of light rays in the orthogonal optic axis along a secondary viewing station optic axis spaced from and parallel to the transverse optic axis to be viewed by a secondary observer. A mechanism for stretching or compressing a passive light in the orthogonal axis as a secondary viewing station is rotated is provided.