Abstract: A microscope system has a stage on which an observation sample, including an observation object and a transparent member, is to be placed. An objective lens is placed to face the observation sample placed on the stage, and a focusing unit moves at least one of the stage and the objective lens to perform a focusing operation. An autofocus unit controls a focusing driving unit by a so-called Through-the-Lens: TTL system. After autofocus is performed for the transparent member by the autofocus unit, the focusing driving unit makes at least one of the stage and the objective lens move by a predetermined constant amount.

Abstract: A multi-spectral sensor system and methods are disclosed. One aspect of the invention comprises a multi-spectral sensor system mountable to a mobile platform. The system may comprise an image capturing system, a first translation stage affixed to the image capturing system and a stationary optics assembly. The system may further comprise a motion controller configured to move the first translation stage and image capturing system across the stationary optics along a traveling direction opposite of a traveling direction of the mobile platform and at substantially the same rate as the mobile platform is moving during a stare operation.

Abstract: A microscope for operation having an illuminating optical system with an illuminating field diaphragm, for directing an illuminating light toward an eye to be operated upon, an objective body tube with an objective positioned in the body tube to be opposite to the eye, a pair of observing optical systems disposed at opposite sides of an optical axis of the objective for observing the eye, a front lens disposed between the objective and the eye to collect the illuminating light and to guide the collected light in the front of the eye for illuminating the interior of the eye, and a slit plate provided in the optical path of the illuminating optical system, with the illuminating field diaphragm being conjugate with an anterior focus position u0 of the objective, which is conjugate with a fundus through the front lens.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microscope for conventional fluorescence microscopy (Epi fluorescence) and for total internal reflection microscopy, including at least one light source (1) for the conventional fluorescence illumination and at least one light source (2) for the evanescent illumination, and including an objective (4), wherein the illuminating light coming from the light sources (1, 2) on different illumination paths (5, 6) enters the objective (4) via a beam combiner (7) and from there is passed to the sample (8), characterized in that the exit pupil of the objective (4) is imaged on the beam combiner (7) and the beam combiner is structured such that it guides the illuminating light used for the conventional fluorescence illumination and the illuminating light used for the evanescent illumination into the objective (4) along beam paths (5, 6) which are geometrically separate from one another, and preferably run parallel or coaxially to one another.

Abstract: An observation apparatus for observing an observation object mounted at an observation position on a stage through an immersion objective lens placed below the observation object. The observation apparatus has a liquid pouring device, constructed to be relatively movable with respect to the immersion objective lens, pouring a liquid on a top lens surface of the immersion objective lens from the upper side of the immersion objective lens at a distance from the observation position on the stage; and a position control device automatically adjusting relative positions of a liquid pouring position of the liquid pouring device and the immersion objective lens and automatically adjusting relative positions of the immersion objective lens on which the liquid is poured by the liquid pouring device and a desired observation position on the stage.

Abstract: Optical contact liquid containing an amphipathic molecule is dripped onto a semiconductor device which is a sample as an inspection object (S104), and a solid immersion lens is set thereon (S105). The inserted position of the solid immersion lens is then adjusted (S106). The optical contact liquid is then dried (S108), and thereby the solid immersion lens is brought into optically-close contact with the semiconductor device. As a result, a sample observation method and a microscope or the like can be realized, in which the solid immersion lens can be easily aligned to a desired position on the sample, and the solid immersion lens can be securely brought into optically-close contact with the sample.

Abstract: A viewing tube of a microscope is provided with a circumferential slot, and a slider carrying an optical element, such as a reticle, is removably received through the slot to position the optical element on an optical axis of the viewing tube proximate to an insertion end of an eyepiece received by the viewing tube. A collar or other cover means is provided to close off the slot when it is not in use. The invention enables quick change of optical elements in the viewing tube without removal of the eyepiece from the viewing tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reflected-light microscope comprising a light source for generating an illumination light beam, which can be directed through a lens along an illumination beam path onto a sample. Said microscope is provided with imaging optics, which generate a plane that optically corresponds to the pupil plane. At least one attenuation element, which acts in an essentially uniform manner over the entire cross-section of the illumination light beam, can be introduced into the illumination beam path on the optically corresponding plane.

Abstract: A device for retaining optical components includes a number of open orifices disposed next to one another in an arrangement. A raceway corresponding to the arrangement is provided, the raceway including a number of detents. A ball bearing follows the raceway and cooperates with the detents so that each of the detents is brought, in a respective following direction, into click-stop engagement with the ball bearing so as to hold the orifices in a selected position. Each of the detents has, in the respective following direction, a profile including a combination of an outer and an inner arc-shaped profile. The outer profile has less curvature than the inner profile and surrounds the inner profile.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image reversion system (500) which enables an image reversion and beam transposition of a plurality of observation beam paths (503a, 503b, 504a and 504b) to be carried out simultaneously. The system includes at least one Porro prism system and is designed in such a way that it can be arranged in a convergent beam path. The inventive system is suitable as an image reversion system in an ancillary module for operational microscopes used in ophthalmoscopy due to the low overall height thereof.

Abstract: A binocular slit lamp microscope for observing a patient's eye, comprises: an objective lens; binocular eyepieces; and a mechanism that includes a plurality of optical systems and is arranged to switch the optical systems to be selectively placed in a predetermined position between the objective lens and the binocular eyepieces on an observation optical path, the mechanism including a variable magnification optical system for changing observation magnification and a viewing angle changing optical system for changing a viewing angle between a right viewing path and a left viewing path.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control method for a microscope apparatus, comprising: a first step for recognizing a type of a specimen retention member retaining a specimen; a second step for obtaining a first image including the whole image of a specimen retention member showing a picture of the entirety of the specimen retention member and an image of the specimen, and obtaining a second image including only the whole image of the specimen retention member in accordance with the type of the specimen retention member; and a third step for obtaining a macro observation image with a self fluorescence removed except for the specimen based on the first image and second image.

Abstract: An end face of a narrow-diameter end portion is easily disposed at a correct position on an examination object without setting an examination site, thus enabling rapid and straightforward acquisition of an image of the examination site. The invention provides an alignment method for a guiding device which is attached to an end of an objective lens in such a manner as to be capable of positional adjustment in an optical axis direction and which is brought into contact with an examination target to make a focal position of the objective lens coincident with an examination site.

Abstract: The present invention enables switching between wide-field observation and high-magnification observation during in vivo examination of a small laboratory animal or the like using a narrow-diameter objective lens, without changing the objective lens. There is provided a microscope optical system including an objective lens for collecting light from an examination target; an image-forming lens for imaging the light collected by the objective lens onto a detection device; and an auxiliary optical system, having positive power, which is provided so as to be capable of being inserted in and removed from a light path between the objective lens and the image-forming lens.

Abstract: A microscope system having a plurality of exchangeable objective lenses (10); an objective lens changeover element (18) for supporting each of the objective lenses which is operable for placing a selected one of said objective lenses into an optical axis (22) of the microscope system, wherein each objective lens is supported by the changeover element in such a manner that each objective lens is moveable coaxially with respect to the optical axis and relative to the changeover element; and an actuator element (20, 40) for moving the selected one of the objective lenses coaxially relative to the optical axis and relative to the changeover element for focusing the selected one of the objective lenses relative to a specimen (12).

Abstract: A microscope (1) with manual and external adjustability of an optical element (41) is disclosed. The optical element (41) is displaceable into an optical axis (20) determined by the microscope (1). The microscope (1) further encompasses a stand (3) and a tube (9) attachable to the stand (3). The optical element (41) is arranged on an adjustment element (45) in the interior of the stand (3). Provided in the interior of the stand (3) is a closure element (26) that enables access to the adjustment element (45) when the optical element (41) is positioned in the optical axis (20) of the microscope.

Abstract: The invention related to an epi illumination optical system for microscopes wherein both a simple yet bright Köhler illumination system and a collective lens array using a collective lens less susceptible of illumination fluctuations are easily interchangeable in simple constructions. The invention provides an epi illumination optical system for microscopes, with a microscope objective lens that also serves as a condenser lens, which also comprises a relay lens. The first illumination optical system comprises a light source, and a collector lens, and a second illumination optical system comprises a light source, a collimate lens and a lens array provided in an interchangeable way.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a projection objective permits the projection objective to be adjusted between an immersion configuration and a dry configuration with few interventions in the system, and therefore to be used optionally as an immersion objective or as a dry objective. The projection objective has a multiplicity of optical elements which are arranged along an optical axis of the projection objective, the optical elements comprising a first group of optical elements following the object plane and a last optical element following the first group, arranged next to the image plane and defining an exit surface of the projection objective which is arranged at a working distance from the image plane. The last optical element is substantially without refracting power and has no curvature or only slight curvature.

Abstract: A confocal laser scanning microscope acquires confocal images of a sample. The microscope is provided with an optical-microscope optical system which acquires non-confocal images of the sample by detecting measurement light coming from the sample. The optical-microscope optical system includes optical systems corresponding to at least two observation methods, and one of the optical systems is selected during use.

Abstract: A confocal microscope has a specimen holding device for holding a specimen (18). The specimen (18) is illuminated by an illuminating unit (10). An optics unit (12) serves to direct radiation produced by the illuminating unit (10) toward the specimen (18) and to direct the radiation emitted by the specimen toward a detector unit (20). The confocal microscope also comprises an aperture diaphragm (34) that is placed in the beam path in front of the detector unit (20). In addition, a focusing lens (30) is provided in the beam path in front of the aperture diaphragm (34). The focusing lens (30) can be moved in order to adjust the confocal microscope, for example, in order to compensate for thermal stresses.

Abstract: A microscope illumination intensity measuring device has a light-receiving unit that outputs a signal representing an intensity of received light, a moving mechanism that places the light-receiving unit on an observation optical axis of the microscope as needed, a converter that converts a signal output from the light-receiving unit into light intensity information, a wavelength selection unit that sets a wavelength for light to be measured, and a display unit that displays the light intensity information.

Abstract: A microscope includes an objective lens and a microscope body to support the objective lens. The microscope body has inside a hollow portion. The microscope further includes an illumination unit including an illumination optical system to apply illumination light to a sample in cooperation with the objective lens and an inserting/removing mechanism to insert/remove the illumination unit in/from the hollow portion.

Abstract: A replacement apparatus for an optical element mounted between two adjacent optical elements in a lithography objective has a holder for the optical element to be replaced, which holder can be moved into the lithography objective through a lateral opening in a housing of the same.

Abstract: A microscopic image capturing apparatus and method are provided. First, the entire area of a slide glass on a stage is divided into field size sections (low-magnification sections) of a low-powered objective lens. The stage is transferred perpendicular to an optical axis, and image information is sequentially obtained for each low-magnification section. Each low-magnification section is divided into high-magnification size sections (high-magnification sections), and a high-magnification image is captured using a high-powered objective lens only in high-magnification sections corresponding to a sample. A high-magnification image is generated by correctly maintaining the relative position between the obtained image information and an area corresponding to high-magnification sections which are not captured, and high-magnification composite image information of the sample is generated.

Abstract: The invention provides a microscope having high utilization efficiency of light from a light source and capable of using a bright, uniform line illumination. The microscope includes a plurality of light sources; a collimator lens that substantially collimates light from the light sources; a cylindrical lens having a flat surface orthogonal to the optical axis of light emitted from the collimator lens, and a cylindrical surface whose longitudinal axis is disposed parallel to the arrayed direction of the light sources; and an objective lens that illuminates a specimen with light from the cylindrical lens.

Abstract: A microscope optical system comprises an objective lens and an intermediate magnification varying part disposed just after the image side of the objective lens. A microscope objective lens according to another aspect of the invention comprises a first lens group and a second lens group in the mentioned order from the object side. The first lens group includes a positive meniscus lens with the concave surface facing the object side and one or more cemented lenses, the first lens group having a positive refractive power as a whole, at least one of the cemented lenses includes a lens made of a material having an Abbe's number equal to or larger than 80, and conditions 0.3?wd/f?0.45 and 0.6?NA are satisfied, where f represents the focal length of the microscope objective lens as a whole, wd represents the working distance of the microscope objective lens, and NA represents the numerical aperture of the microscope objective lens.

Abstract: A slider for positioning multiple optical elements is disclosed. Also disclosed is a microscope that contains the slider (25) according to the present invention. The slider (25) encompasses a slider carrier (35) that is guided on a first shaft (31) and a second shaft (32). The second shaft (32) is equipped with multiple detent positions (34) so as thereby to position the slider (25) exactly in the optical axis (20) of the microscope (1). The slider carrier (35) is guided on the second shaft (32) by a first roller (36) and a second roller (38). The second roller (38) is arranged below the center axis of the second shaft (32).

Abstract: Provided is an operation microscope where manipulations to be performed in response to switching between methods for observing an eye to be operated are performed in an interlocked manner, thereby improving manipulability. When recognizing that a change-over switch is switched to its upper position, a control circuit controls a drive apparatus so that an operator microscope is raised, controls a drive mechanism so that an optical unit is moved to an inverter-on position, changes the turned-on position of a light source so that an illumination light flux forms a small angle with respect to an observation optical axis, and controls a solenoid so that a stereo variator is moved to be arranged on an optical path of an observation light flux.

Abstract: An optical microscope apparatus selectively arranges a plurality of optical elements in an optical path, and includes: a manual switch unit capable of manually switching any of the plurality of optical elements; a detection unit detecting an arrangement status of manually switched optical elements; a storage unit storing information relating to the arrangement of the plurality of optical elements for each observing method; and an arrangement control unit arranging the plurality of optical elements according to the detection result by the detection unit and the information stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: For a semiconductor device S as a sample of an observed object, there are provided an image acquisition part 1 for carrying out observation of the semiconductor device S, and an optical system 2 comprising an objective lens 20. A solid immersion lens (SIL) 3 for magnifying an image of the semiconductor device S is arranged movable between an insertion position where the solid immersion lens includes an optical axis from the semiconductor device S to the objective lens 20 and is in close contact with a surface of the semiconductor device S, and a standby position off the optical axis. Then an image containing reflected light from SIL 3 is acquired with the SIL 3 at the insertion position, and the insertion position of SIL 3 is adjusted by SIL driver 30, with reference to the image.

Abstract: An arrangement in the illumination beam path of a laser scanning microscope, comprising a mirror which can be introduced into the beam path for coupling in at least one additional wavelength, and a method for the operation of a laser scanning microscope with a mirror which can be swiveled in rapidly for coupling at least one additional wavelength into the illumination beam path, wherein the swiveling process is synchronized with the illumination control by a control unit in such a way that at least one additional wavelength is coupled into the illumination beam path when the mirror is swiveled out.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a projection objective permits the projection objective to be adjusted between an immersion configuration and a dry configuration. The projection objective includes optical elements arranged along an optical axis thereof, which include a first group of elements following the object plane and a last optical element following the first group, which is arranged near the image plane. The last optical element defines an exit surface of the projection objective, which is arranged at a working distance from the image plane. The last optical element is substantially without refracting power and has no or only slight curvature. The method includes varying the thickness of the last optical element, changing the refractive index of the space between the exit surface and the image plane by introducing or removing an immersion medium, and axially displacing the last optical element to set a working distance.

Abstract: A microscope includes a laser light source, a deflecting device, an objective lens, an irradiating system for irradiating a sample with laser light via the objective lens, a detecting device that detects fluorescence from a sample, and a collector lens unit insertable and removable in and out of the path of rays. When the collector lens unit is in the path, laser light converges on the pupil position of the objective lens decentered from the center of the pupil position of the objective lens with chief rays being substantially parallel with the optical axis, and, when the collector lens unit is out of the path, the laser light converges on and, via the deflecting device, scans the sample surface, to achieve a prompt switching between a laser scanning microscopy mode and a total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy mode at low cost.

Abstract: A laser microscope is provided in which a beam splitter extracts a part of a laser light of two wavelengths ?1=488 nm and ?2=514.5 nm, a prism spectrally resolves the laser light of the two wavelengths ?1 and ?2, a two-split photodiode detects intensities of two lines spectrally resolved in this manner, and a controller controls an acousto-optical tunable filter (AOTF) fixed to an output end of an argon laser based on a detection signal outputted from the two-split photodiode so that respective light intensities of both lines of wavelengths ?1 and ?2 become constant.

Abstract: A lens tube of a microscope includes a plurality of observation ports, and first and second optical path switching portions that move relative to each other for switching an optical path to an arbitrary one of the observation ports. The first optical path switching portion can switch for guiding light from a specimen to the second optical path switching portion through a first optical element of the first optical path switching portion, or for guiding the light to the second optical path switching portion iwthout passing through the first optical element. The second optical path switching portion can switch for guiding the light from the first optical path switching portion to an arbitrary one of the observation ports through a second optical element of the second optical path switching portion, or for guiding the light to an arbitrary one of the observation ports without passing through the second optical element.

Abstract: A magnetically positioned precision holder for optical components in an optical device comprises a carrier for replaceably holding at least one optical component. The carrier is arranged in positionally adjustable fashion in a housing recess including a precision stop surface. Magnet pairs (A1/A2 and B1/B2) are oriented with identical polarity being provided in order to achieve a continuous contact pressure of the carrier (2; 3) against the stop surface (6), in such a way that the one magnet (A1, B1) is located in the recess and the corresponding magnet (A2, B2) is located in the carrier. The use of identically poled magnet pairs for movable precision holders and for precision positioning systems is also proposed.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for viewing microscopic images include transmitting tiled microscopic images from a server to a client. The client assembles the tiled images into a seamless virtual slide or specimen image and provides tools for manipulating image magnification and viewpoint. The method and apparatus also provides a virtual multi-headed microscope function which allows scattered viewers to simultaneously view and interact with a coherent magnified microscopic image.

Abstract: The invention proposes a changer device for optical elements (2a–2e) in stereomicroscopes with which a pair of optical elements (2) can be inserted in the two stereo channels (3) of a stereomicroscope. A particularly compact construction can be achieved by arranging the optical elements (2) side by side in an arc, more particularly in a circle, while between the elements of a pair of elements (2a, 2d) associated with the two stereo channels (3), at least one other optical element (2e; 2b, 2c) is provided, and in that the center (4) of the arcuate or circular arrangement (1) is shifted laterally away from the middle (5) of the stereobase of the stereo channels (3).

Abstract: A specimen and an objective lens can be quickly brought close together or separated without an operator being concerned about the positional relationship between the specimen and the objective lens, and once the correct positional relationship is established, the focal position can be finely adjusted. The invention includes a first focusing mechanism for moving the objective lens in an optical axis direction relative to the specimen so as to approach the specimen or withdraw therefrom; a second focusing mechanism for displacing an internal optical system in the optical axis direction, and a switching device for switching between operating the first focusing mechanism and operating the second focusing mechanism when the objective lens is disposed at a predetermined switching position.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a microscope and an image processing apparatus using the illumination apparatus include a light source, a semi-transmissive mirror splitting a light beam from the light source into two beams of the first and second irradiation light, two excitation filters selecting the wavelengths of the first and second irradiation light, a semi-transmissive mirror synthesizing individual beams of the first and second irradiation light whose wavelengths are selected, into a single beam, a dichroic mirror directing a light beam synthesized by the semi-transmissive mirror toward a specimen and transmitting light from the specimen, an objective lens, cameras imaging fluorescent light from the specimen after being separated into fluorescent light excited by the first and second wavelengths, and an image processing section processing fluorescent images formed by imaging elements.

Abstract: A dual stereo-compound microscope that is enabled to change between stereoscopic observation and compound observation while illuminating a sample with illumination. While shifting between a stereoscopic view and a compound view, the sample being viewed remains parcenter and parfocal.

Abstract: For a semiconductor device S as an inspected object, there are provided an image acquisition part 1, an optical system 2 including an objective lens 20, and a solid immersion lens (SIL) 3 movable between an insertion position including an optical axis from the semiconductor device S to the objective lens 20 and a standby position off the optical axis. Then observation is carried out in two control modes consisting of a first mode in which the SIL 3 is located at the standby position and in which focusing and aberration correction are carried out based on a refractive index no and a thickness to of a substrate of the semiconductor device S, and a second mode in which the SIL 3 is located at the insertion position and in which focusing and aberration correction are carried out based on the refractive index no and thickness t0 of the substrate, and a refractive index n1, a thickness d1, and a radius of curvature R1 of SIL 3.

Abstract: An optical microscope system includes: a removable optical element; a capture unit for obtaining an image; a detection unit for detecting first location information indicating the location of a predetermined point in the image captured through the optical element and second location information indicating the location of a point corresponding to the predetermined point in the image captured without the optical element; a calculation unit for calculating the relative amount of displacement between the first location information and the second location information detected by the detection unit; and a movement control unit for moving the capture unit based on the amount of the displacement calculated by the calculation unit.

Abstract: A removable optical device with at least one lens for releasable attachment to a microscope suited for contact-free observation of an eye, which can be arranged between the objective of the microscope and the eye in the optical axis of the microscope. A drive device is provided, with which the lens can be adjusted along the optical axis of the microscope, whereby an electric drive motor is integrated in the removable device, which, together with the device, can be detached from the microscope and sterilized by suitable methods.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microscope for operation. This microscope for operation comprises a front lens 15 disposed between an eye 8 to be operated and an objective 14. The front lens collects an illuminating light P to guide the collected light within the eye for illuminating an interior of the eye. An operator performs an operation within the eye through an eyepiece 39. A refracting power of the front lens 15 is within a range of 30 D to 50 D.

Abstract: The invention enables construction of a microscope that has one or more advantageous characteristics as compared to previous microscopes. The microscope can be small and lightweight and, in particular, sufficiently small and light weight to be portable (e.g., smaller and far lighter than probe station microscopes used for microscopic liquid crystal analysis of a semiconductor device). The microscope can include a small and lightweight bellows that provides zoom capability. The microscope and/or a tripod that is used with the microscope can be implemented to provide objective lens position control capability (with any number of translational and/or rotational degrees of freedom). The microscope can include apparatus for ejecting a hot gas from the microscope to heat a specimen being observed with the microscope.

Abstract: A system that permits biological samples to be viewed in three optical ways, including in three dimension (stereoscopic), two dimension (compound optic), and macro with reflected light fluorescence. Each of three optical views can be carried out on one system. The system permits the user to sort samples under stereo fluorescence illumination and to verify structural detail under compound optic fluorescence illumination on one instrument. The three position rotating objective carrier with automatic shift houses one stereoscopic and two compound objectives. All objectives are parcenter and parfocal.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of the present invention positions an optical component among several optical components, which are arranged in a receiving device. The receiving device is rotatable about an axis or movable along a direction in such a way that an optical component is positionable and the receiving device is retainable in a retention position. A coding device having first and second coders and two detectors are also provided. Either the coding device or the two detectors are associated with the receiving device and the two detectors detect the first and second coders at spatially different points. The coding device is embodied in such a way that the two detectors detect the first coder simultaneously when the receiving device is in a retention position and no more than one detector detects the second coder when the receiving device is in a region between two adjacent retention positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser microdissection device comprised of a microscope table (1), which supports a specimen (3) to be dissected, of an incident lighting device (7), a laser light source (5) and of an objective (10) for focussing the laser beam (18) of the laser light source (5) onto the specimen (3). According to the invention, the microscope table (1) is not moved during the dissecting process. A laser scanning device (9) is arranged in the incident lighting device (7), is comprised of two thick glass wedge plates (11a, 11b), which are tilted toward the optical axis (8) and can be rotated independently of one another around said optical axis (8). In addition to the beam deviation caused by the wedge angle of the wedge plates (11a, 11b), a beam offset of the laser beam (18) is produced by the thickness and the tilt of the wedge plates (11a, 11b).

Abstract: Disclosed is an observation apparatus capable of eliminating in a suitable manner astigmatism and chromatic aberration generated in an observed image. The apex angle ? of a contact prism is input by operating an apex angle setting knob of a control panel, and the attachment angle thereof is input by operating an attachment angle setting knob. Based on the observation magnification recognized and the input apex angle ?, a control device determines the astigmatism correction amount for a left observation optical system and determines the astigmatism correction amount for the right observation optical system. Further, based on the input attachment angle, the axial angles of the astigmatisms of the left observation optical system and the right observation optical system are determined.