Abstract: A stage apparatus includes a plate-like stage plate having a spread in a first direction and a second direction intersecting with the first direction and a plate member having a linear expansion coefficient different from that of the stage plate. The stage apparatus includes: a first holding unit configured to hold the plate member on the stage plate; a second holding unit configured to hold the plate member on the stage plate, allow relative deformation caused between the stage plate and the plate member in the first direction, and constrain the relative deformation in the second direction; and a third holding unit configured to hold the plate member on the stage plate, constrain the deformation in the first direction, and allow the deformation in the second direction.

Abstract: A microscope module (300) for imaging a sample (270) is disclosed. The microscope module (300) includes at least one illumination objective (210) for producing an illumination beam along an illumination beam path (215) arranged to illuminate lower surface of the sample (270) and at least one detection objective (220) having a detection path (225). The detection path (225) is at an angle to the illumination beam path (215).

Abstract: A microscope apparatus includes a stage for holding a specimen, a stand portion for holding the stage, an arm portion having two arms extending from an upper part of the stand portion to a front side of the microscope apparatus, an optical system supported by the arm portion and configured to enlarge an image of the specimen on the stage, and gripping portions provided respectively on lower parts of the two arms and configured to be gripped by an observer.

Abstract: A modular laser scanning system where the laser scanner and various optical “building blocks” are contained in separate mechanical and optical modules. These modules can be combined to provide flexible systems with unique laser scanning capabilities or combinations of techniques. Additionally, the combining of these modules is achieved through the use of a mechanical and optical coupling standard.

Abstract: A supporting apparatus used for medical treatment includes a support arm in which a leading end side is coupled to a supporting unit supporting an endoscope, and a moving arm that is coupled to a base end side of the support arm, the moving arm moving the supporting unit and supporting the supporting unit in a moved position of the supporting unit. The support arm includes a leading-end-side coupling unit that is turnably coupled to the supporting unit, a base-end-side coupling unit that is disposed in coaxial with the leading-end-side coupling unit and turnably coupled to the moving arm, and an offset unit laterally offset with respect to an axis line R passing through the leading-end-side and the base-end-side coupling units. The offset unit is freely rotatable about the axis line R with respect to the supporting unit and the moving arm.

Abstract: An image processing method includes the steps of obtaining an input image that is an image in which information of an object space is obtained from a plurality of points of view using an image pickup apparatus that includes an image pickup element having a plurality of pixels and an imaging optical system, calculating a first position of a virtual imaging plane that corresponds to a specified focus position, setting the virtual imaging plane to a second position that is in a range of a depth of focus of the imaging optical system with reference to the first position so that a maximum value of an apparent pixel pitch that is formed by reconstructing the input image is decreased, and generating an output image in a state where the virtual imaging plane is set to the second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser scanning microscope with a scanner and a microscope objective, and to a control method for such a microscope. In order to obtain sharp imaging of the sample in a laser scanning microscope, the distance between the microscope objective and the sample is usually varied for adjusting the focus position. However, relative movements between the objective and the sample can be problematic. In view of the costly special objective, internal focusing of the objective is a disadvantageous solution. An improved laser scanning microscope should make it possible to sharply image a sample with standard objectives without relative movement between the microscope objective and sample. According to the invention, a tube lens is provided which is displaceable along the optical axis, and the focus position is adjustable relative to a front optical element of the microscope objective by adjusting the tube lens.

Abstract: System and method for correcting a topography of an object being imaged by a multi-array microscope system. The object is forced to conform to a surface of the substrate supporting the object with a suction force and the topography of the chosen object surface is determined. The supporting substrate is bent with the use of force applied to the substrate with at least one actuator such as to reduce the deviations of the determined topography of the object's surface from a pre-determined reference surface by transferring the changes in the curvature of the supporting substrate to the object. In particular, the chosen surface of the object can be substantially flattened for ease of simultaneous imaging of this surface with multiple objective of the multi-array microscope.

Abstract: An optical module includes at least a carrying stage, at least an actuator unit and at least an optical assembly. The carrying stage has a first aperture. The actuator unit is disposed at one side of the carrying stage and has a second aperture. The optical assembly is connected with the actuator unit, and the actuator unit adjusts the position of the optical assembly. A radiated wave enters from one side of the optical module and passes through the first aperture, the second aperture and the optical assembly. A microscope with the optical module has compact size and is easily assembled and carried. The optical module and microscope can efficiently reduce the effect of ambient temperature variations so as to improve the measuring stability thereof.

Abstract: A balancing apparatus for a surgical microscope is suggested for balancing an optics carrier that is held via a pivot support at a stand. The apparatus comprises a Y displacement unit comprising a first slide for displacement of the optics carrier in a Y direction and a Z displacement unit comprising a second slide for displacement of the optics carrier in a Z direction. Both slides are driven by motors. A selector switch enables an operator to select powering either the first motor or the second motor; and a forward-reverse switch enables the operator to select either the forward or the reverse driving mode for the motor powered by the selector switch and consequently establish the forward or the reverse driving mode for the first or second slide, respectively.

Abstract: A microscope includes a member supported for movement relative to a base along a path of travel, and optics on the member for imaging a region that includes a location for a specimen. The method and apparatus involve: effecting relative movement of a cam operatively coupled to one of the member and the base with respect to a cam follower operatively coupled to the other of the member and the base in a manner so that the cam follower slides along a cam surface on the cam; and responding to the sliding movement of the cam follower along the cam surface by effecting relative movement of the cam and cam follower in a manner that in turn effects movement of the member along the path of travel relative to the base.

Abstract: A method for acquiring signals in laser scanning microscopy, includes the steps of: moving a focused optical excitation beam relative to an object to be measured so that the focus point of the beam follows a predetermined path in the space of the object; and acquiring optical measurement signals along the path according to at least one acquisition parameter; characterized in that the path of the excitation beam is determined so as to substantially minimize the variations of the optical properties of at least one portion of the environments crossed by the excitation beam between consecutive acquisitions, and in that at least one acquisition parameter among the acquisition parameters is modulated during the movement of the excitation beam. A device for implementing the method is also described.

Abstract: A multi-mode optical fiber delivers light from a radiation source to a multi-focal confocal microscope with reasonable efficiency. A core diameter of the multi-mode fiber is selected such that an etendue of light emitted from the fiber is not substantially greater than a total etendue of light passing through a plurality of pinholes in a pinhole array of the multi-focal confocal microscope. The core diameter may be selected taking into account a specific optical geometry of the multi-focal confocal microscope, including pinhole diameter and focal lengths of relevant optical elements. For coherent radiation sources, phase randomization may be included. A multi-mode fiber enables the use of a variety of radiation sources and wavelengths in a multi-focal confocal microscope, since the coupling of the radiation source to the multi-mode fiber is less sensitive to mechanical and temperature influences than coupling the radiation source to a single mode fiber.

Abstract: A multi-function microscope device comprises a main body and a light adjustment base; the main body having at least one light-emitting element, a magnetic element, and a transmitting element; a microscope lens being formed by a transparent element, a lens, and a magnetic element; a microscope device and being assembled by the lens, the main body, and the light adjustment base through the magnetic elements; a focusing element being formed by a focusing element retainer, a focus adjusting element, a cover retainer, and a cover; wherein the multi-function microscope device assembled by the microscope device and the focusing element can be arranged to a machine having a microscope equipment or a microscope frame, to be conveniently carried and used by a user as well as lowering the cost.

Abstract: Provided with a time-lapse imaging unit which repeatedly captures a specimen at predetermined time intervals and generates a plurality of images, and a recording unit which records at least one of an image group including one or more of the images captured during a predetermined period among a period of a time-lapse capturing performed by the time-lapse imaging unit or an image group including one or more of the images picked at predetermined time intervals among the period of the time-lapse capturing performed by the time-lapse imaging unit. Thus, data generated in time-lapse photography are managed favorably in a microscope apparatus provided with a time-lapse imaging unit which repeatedly captures a specimen at predetermined time intervals and generates a plurality of images.

Abstract: A solid immersion lens optics assembly, a test station for probing and testing of integrated circuits on a semiconductor wafer, and a method of landing a SIL on an object. The optics assembly comprises an objective lens housing for receiving an objective lens, and a solid immersion lens (SIL) housing for mounting an SIL and adapted for connection to the objective lens housing; wherein a peripheral wall of the SIL housing comprises an integrated spring section adapted to provide a biased support for the SIL.

Abstract: A variable focal lens which does not require a reduction of a zoom factor and eliminates an origin sensor is provided. A microcomputer 15 functions as a focus adjustment section which controls a stepper motor 13 to move a focusing ring 5 for a focus adjustment. The microcomputer 15 causes the focusing ring 5 to move by a first moving distance in a first moving direction toward one of a FAR side and a NEAR side, and then to move the focusing ring 5 by a second moving distance in a second moving direction opposite to the first moving direction, and set the point where the focusing ring reaches after the movement in the second moving direction as a reference point for adjustment, and the microcomputer 15 causes the focusing ring 5 to move from the reference point for adjustment in the first moving direction within a range equal to or less than the second moving distance to carry out the focus adjustment.

Abstract: A microscope objective including an front optical element, a plurality of optical elements spaced apart from the front element and from each other, as well as an adjusting unit. At least one of the optical elements can be displaced along the optical axis by the adjusting unit to adjust the focus of the objective. The focus of the objective is displaced relative to the front element along the optical axis and/or a temperature-induced imaging error of the objective is compensated for.

Abstract: An objective-optical-system positioning apparatus includes a positioning unit interposed between an objective optical system having a small-diameter end section and an examination optical system for examining light collected by the objective optical system; and a substantially cylindrical support unit, one end of which is secured to an organism, and which internally supports the small-diameter end section in a detachable manner. The positioning unit includes a holding part for holding the objective optical system and a moving mechanism supporting the holding part such that the holding part is freely movable in a direction intersecting with a direction of an optical axis of the objective optical system, and the other end of the support unit has a tapered inner surface whose diameter gradually increases toward the tip.

Abstract: A reflected dark field structure includes a bottom plate, a support tube, a light unit, a diffuser structure, and a reflector unit that provides reflected dark field illumination, such that a gem held by the support tube and surrounded by the diffuser structure is illuminated and viewable through an aperture in the reflector unit. A method for imaging and analyzing a gem includes placing the gem onto a support tube where it is illuminated with dark field and reflected dark field illumination, and viewing the gem via an aperture located on a top reflector unit, which provides a top cover for the gem. Furthermore, a method and apparatus for obtaining images of a gem includes a dark field stage, a reflector unit, and an image-acquiring device, such that a gem placed in the dark field stage is illuminated, and such that the reflector unit covers the dark field stage and provides reflected dark field illumination, and such that the image-acquiring device is directed towards an aperture in the reflector unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical article having anti-reflection properties and high thermal resistance, comprising a substrate having at least one main face coated with a multi-layer anti-reflection coating comprising a stack of at least one high refractive index layer and at least one low refractive index layer, wherein the ratio: R T = sum ? ? of ? ? the ? ? physical ? ? thicknesses ? ? of ? ? the low ? ? refractive ? ? index ? ? layers ? ? of ? ? the ? anti ? - ? reflection ? ? coating sum ? ? of ? ? the ? ? physical ? ? thicknesses ? ? of ? ? the high ? ? refractive ? ? index ? ? layers ? ? of ? ? the ? anti ? - ? reflection ? ? coating is higher than 2.1.

Abstract: A plurality of microscope-use components are provided for interconnection in a microscope system. Each of the microscope-use components includes a communication interface which enables communication with a control apparatus of the microscope system by a prescribed communication system; a connection component-related information obtainment unit for obtaining connection component-related information that is related to another microscope-use component from a connectable other microscope-use component; and a control unit for transmitting, to the control apparatus of the microscope system by way of the communication interface, the connection component-related information of the other microscope-use component obtained by the connection component-related information obtainment unit and microscope-use component itself-related information that is related to the present microscope-use component.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a tension of a pulling device in a pulling-device drive includes a body and a lever arm. The pulling-device drive includes first and second shafts and the pulling device loops around the first and second shafts. The body includes a receptacle adapted to interact with the first shaft and a support point adapted to rotatably dispose the body about an axis of rotation. The lever arm extends from the body so that a spacing between the first and second shafts is modifiable by action of a force on the lever arm.

Abstract: An operating menu is provided for display with a touch-sensitive display screen (105) in a surgical microscope (100). The operating menu has a first operator-controlled area (106) wherein at least one touch-sensitive actuation field (107) is provided for adjusting a surgical microscope operating mode. In a second operator-controlled area (108) of the operating menu, a touch-sensitive actuation field (109) is provided with a function dependent upon an adjusted surgical microscope operating mode.

Abstract: A microscope assembly (102) includes an illumination source (104) coupled to an optical assembly by a coupler (132). The optical assembly includes an objective with optics that move along an optic axis. The illumination source (104) generates a light blade (106) that illuminates a portion of a sample (136) at an illumination plane (110). The light blade (106) induces a fluorescent emission from the sample (136) that is projected through the objective optics to a detector (126). The focal plane (122) of the objective optics is fixed with respect to the illumination source (104) by the coupler (132) so that the illumination plane (110) is coincident with the focal plane (122) as the objective optics move along the optic axis (124). The objective and illumination may be rapidly scanned along the optic axis to provide rapid three-dimensional imaging while the objective and illumination may also be rapidly scanned along the optic axis (124) to provide rapid three-dimensional imaging.

Abstract: A microscopy system comprises a microscopy optics and a stand supporting the microscopy optics. The stand has a plurality of hinges, of which a first group comprises a position detecting sensor for sensing a hinge position and a second group comprising an actuator for the change of the hinge position. In an automatic control mode, the actuators are controlled in dependence of signals of the position detecting sensors.

Abstract: A focusing state signal output apparatus comprises, an optical detection part configured to detect a reflected light from a sample, and an output part configured to output an a focusing state signal, which is a signal showing a focusing state of the sample, has inverse sign on both sides of a focused position and shows continuous change of a voltage level crossing a zero at the focused position.

Abstract: A microscope includes an adjustment device for positioning a specimen stage. An objective, an objective changer and/or an objective turret is coupled to the adjustment device so that a position of the objective element is adjustable by the adjustment device. A holder for the objective element may be provided coupling the objective element to the adjustment device.

Abstract: A microscope system includes an adjustable arm attached at one end to a support mount. A suspension member is configured at an opposite end of the adjustable arm and supports a scope assembly. The scope assembly includes a head harness and a microscope adjustably connected to the harness such that the microscope is disposed along an operator's line of site upon the operator donning the head harness. A weight compensator device is configured on the arm to compensate for the weight of the scope assembly hanging on the suspension member.

Abstract: A device for shifting the imaging axis of a microscope across the endfaces of a multi-fiber connector for inspecting the fiber-optic endfaces through the microscope comprises a supporting body for attaching at one end to the optical tube of a microscope; a pendular arm rotatably mounted to another end of the supporting body; a fitting tip attached to another end of the pendular arm; a bevel wheel fastened to the supporting body; and a torsion spring for pushing the pendular arm against a slanted surface of the bevel wheel. The bevel wheel is adapted to swing the pendular arm relative to the supporting body so that the imaging axis of the microscope is moved relative to the fitting tip to selectively align the imaging axis between adjacent fiber-optic endfaces for inspection.

Abstract: This invention provides a highly stable optical microscope that prevents drift and makes it possible to record images or take measurements for several hours with accuracy in the order of nanometers. The highly stable optical microscope of this invention includes the support structure (41) that accommodates and supports components including the optical imaging system, straight tube (28) that accommodates and supports components including the optical photometric system, and support structure (7) that accommodates and supports components including the illumination system. These support structures have a hollow pyramid or conical shape with a low center of gravity. The highly stable optical microscope of this invention features the objective lenses, imaging lenses, optical imaging and photometric systems that are mounted, forming a straight line, on the supporting structures that are symmetrical about the optical axis in both shape and mass.

Abstract: There is provided a surgical microscope having a horizontal movement arm portion which moves a microscope portion in a substantially horizontal direction, and a vertical movement arm portion which moves the microscope portion in a substantially vertical direction. A first elastic force generation mechanism connected with a base bottom portion and the horizontal movement arm portion generates an elastic force which offsets a rotation moment around a first horizontal rotation axis produced when the horizontal movement arm portion revolves around the first horizontal rotation axis arranged in the base bottom portion. Further, a second elastic force generation mechanism connected with the base bottom portion and the vertical movement arm portion generates an elastic force which offsets a rotation moment around a second horizontal rotation axis produced when the vertical movement arm portion revolves around the second horizontal rotation axis arranged in the horizontal movement arm portion.

Abstract: A microscope includes a microscope arm having an interior and an exterior surface. The interior surface has at least one recessed portion disposed therein extending from the interior surface of the microscope arm to an inner recess surface of the microscope arm. The recessed portion forms a surface for gripping the microscope. A portion of the recessed portion is, preferably, disposed above the stage and below the objective turret of the microscope. The recessed portion may comprise a textured surface for increasing the static coefficient of friction thereof.

Abstract: Described is a portable confocal microscope which includes a microscope stand including a shaft having top and bottom ends, a platform connected to the shaft by a height adjustment mechanism, a base member connected to the bottom end of the shaft and first and second elongated channel members slidably and rotatably connected to the base member, an optical assembly including an objective lens including a first position adjustment mechanism for adjusting a position of the objective lens along a first axis, a confocal module transmitting light to and receiving light from a specimen to be imaged via the optical assembly, an image acquisition system recording images through the optical assembly, a specimen stage including a position adjustment mechanism for moving the stage along a second and third axis, and a computer controlling the first and second position adjusting mechanisms to generate an image for recording by the image acquisition system.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a microscope 1. The microscope 1 encompasses a microscope stand 2, an objective 4 having an optical axis 5, a microscope stage 6 serving to receive a specimen 7, and a focusing device 20 serving to focus the specimen 7. With the focusing device 20, the objective or the microscope stage 6 is positionable relative to the microscope stand 2 in the direction of the optical axis 5 of the objective 4. The focusing device 20 comprises at least one operating element 8 with which an operator controls the positioning of the objective 4 or of the microscope stage 6. For adaptation of the spatial arrangement of the operating element 8 to the needs of an operator, the microscope 1 according to the present invention is characterized in that the spatial arrangement of the operating element 8 relative to the microscope stand 2 is modifiable.

Abstract: In a holding arrangement (101) for a medical-optical instrument (103), an electric motor is provided in a rotational joint (111, 119) to compensate a load torque occurring in this rotational joint. This electric motor is supplied with current in correspondence to a detected position of the rotational joint (111, 119). A current control curve required for this purpose is stored in a memory. This current control curve can be determined in that the rotational joints are deflected with the electric motor into predetermined positions and the current demand needed therefor is detected. The holding arrangement (101) has a unit for actively damping vibration including a vibration damping control loop. This vibration damping control loop outputs a superposition motor current to the electric motor as an actuating quantity in order to move the rotational joint (111, 119) with the electric motor so that a detected vibration of the holding arrangement (101) is countered.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining an optical viewing device, for example a microscope (8), on a stand having a parallelogram carrier arm (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d), comprises an adjustable-length strut (6) acting through a pivot point of the carrier arm and an opposite link of the carrier arm. The strut (6) provides, in different variants, inclination adjustment, and/or vibration damping of the carriers arm.

Abstract: A gem microscope according to the invention includes a focus column, a stage, and a quick disconnect mechanism that facilitates removable coupling of the focus column to the stage. The focus column and the stage have compatible features that establish the proper mounting plane and lateral alignment of the focus column relative to the stage. In the example embodiment, the quick disconnect mechanism includes a threaded element on the focus column and a compatibly threaded thumbwheel that rotates within the stage to connect/disconnect the focus column to/from the stage.

Abstract: This projection microscope (10) includes an elongate support member (12) carrying a stage assembly (22) between its ends, the stage assembly (22) having opposed sides and an associated specimen holder (28). A light emitting source (24) and a light receiving point (26) are spaced from the stage assembly (22), the linear distance between them defining an optical path (100). An adjustable mirror assembly (18, 19) is carried at one end of the support member (12) including laterally spaced first and second mirrors (18, 19), the first mirror (18) receiving light from the light emitting source (24) and the second mirror (19) directing light to the light receiving point (26). An objective lens assembly (30) is disposed between the stage assembly (22) and the first mirror (18), and a secondary lens (40) is disposed between the second mirror (19) and the light receiving point (26).

Abstract: In a holding arrangement (101) for a medical-optical instrument (103), an electric motor is provided in a rotational joint (111, 119) to compensate a load torque occurring in this rotational joint. This electric motor is supplied with current in correspondence to a detected position of the rotational joint (111, 119). A current control curve required for this purpose is stored in a memory. This current control curve can be determined in that the rotational joints are deflected with the electric motor into predetermined positions and the current demand needed therefor is detected.

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: An optical component is arranged in the beam path of a scanning microscope. The optical component has a plane entrance surface through which a light beam bundle can be incoupled at an entrance angle, and a plane exit surface through which the light beam bundle can be outcoupled at an exit angle, which is different from the entrance angle. The optical component contains at least two elements that exhibit at least two different refractive indices.

Abstract: The apparatus for automatically focusing an image in a microscope includes onto an object plane includes an optical system configured to form an optical image of a sample plane to be observed, an autofocusing detection system, and a focus correction system. The autofocusing system includes an autofocusing light beam source for generating autofocusing light beams. The autofocusing system further includes a detection system lens for directing autofocusing light beams to an autofocusing detection device, and an autofocusing detection device for determining the amount of displacement of the image of the object plane from a desired focused reference plane. The focusing correction system includes a feedback controller and focus adjusting device for automatically adjusting the distance between an objective lens and the sample plane in order to properly focus the image in the optical system. A related method of automatically focusing an image of an object plane in a microscope.

Abstract: A scanning microscope that defines an illumination beam path and a detection beam path, having an objective that is arranged in both the illumination beam path and the detection beam path, is disclosed. The scanning microscope is characterized by an interchangeable module that is also arranged in the illumination beam path and a [sic] detection beam path and that separates the illumination beam path and detection beam path at a fixed angular relationship to one another and comprises at least a first acoustooptical component. Also disclosed is an optical element having at least three ports.

Abstract: In a microscope system in which at least one of a stage on which a sample 4 is mounted and an objective lens 6 can move relatively in a direction of an optical axis, a contact judgment section 12 judges the possibility of contact between the sample 4 and the objective lens 6 based on a result of comparison between a detection output from a contact sensor 11 which detects contact between the sample 4 and the objective lens 6 and a preset threshold value, excessive contact between the sample 4 and the objective lens 6 is avoided based on a result of this judgment, and a threshold value in the contact judgment section 12 is updated based on the output from the contact sensor 11 every predetermined time.

Abstract: An epi-fluorescent microscope is constructed with a quick changing set of filters. A wheel containing a plurality of dichroic beamsplitter mirrors mounted equidistance from a center axis of the wheel is mounted at a 45° angle within the lightpath and provides a beamsplitter function. Light from an excitation source is provided as monochromatic light, so that light from the excitation source is reflected by a selected one of the dichroic mirrors to the specimen, and Stokes shifted light from the specimen is transmitted through the dichroic mirror. By separately mounting the dichroic mirrors, the dichroic mirrors can be quickly moved and a quicker change of sensed fluorophores is achieved.

Abstract: A microscope (90) having an imaging axis (403) for inspecting an endface (301) of an optical fiber in a fiber-optic connector (201), the fiber-optic connector having multiple fiber-optic endfaces, is provided. The microscope includes a tip (208) capable of interfacing with the connector. The microscope also includes an adjustment assembly (203 and/or 205) attached to the tip, the adjustment assembly adapted to move the imaging axis (210) of the microscope relative to the tip along an axis of motion to selectively align the imaging axis between adjacent endfaces. The microscope further includes a drive assembly (105, 110, 120, 204, and/or 211) interfaced with the adjustment assembly, the drive assembly capable of actuating the adjustment assembly to displace the imaging axis along the axis of motion to selectively align the imaging axis of the microscope between adjacent endfaces. A method of inspecting the connector is also provided.

Abstract: A portable single lens microscope that provides structure between the eye and the microscope slide, preferably including a single lens having an aperture optimized to attain the best image resolution, preferably including a focus mechanism, preferably including a slide holding and moving mechanism, and preferably including a slide position locking mechanism, or any combination of these structures and mechanisms. Methods are disclosed for determining an optimum aperture size for a single lens microscope (and other uses) including a lens of any type, and methods are disclosed for designing a single lens microscope lens system that provides superior image quality. A single lens microscope according to the present invention can provide substantial and unexpected imaging benefits over previous single lens microscopes and compound microscopes.

Abstract: A tilting system for an observation device, in particular for a microscope, with at least one objective device and at least one optical device for passing at least one beam path from an entrance region to an exit region of the tilting system is described, wherein the optical device has at least one optical element in the form of a prism for tilting and for image reversion of the beam path as well as for guiding it further into at least one ocular device. According to the invention, a particularly cost-favorable and structurally simple configuration of the tilting system with a mechanical structural length that is simultaneously as small as possible is provided by configuring the optical elements for tilting the beam path as well as at least one prism for image reversion in a special way and by arranging them in a specific manner relative to one another in the beam path. In addition, an observation device with a corresponding tilting system is described.

Abstract: A microscope system according to the present invention comprises a stage on which a specimen is placed, an image forming optical system that forms an image of the specimen placed on the stage, an image-capturing device that captures the image of the specimen formed by the image forming optical system, a focused position detection device that detects a focused position for the specimen based upon the specimen image captured by the image-capturing device and a focused position storage device that stores in memory the focused position detected by the focused position detection device. The focused position detection device sets a search range centered around the focused position stored in memory at the focused position storage device and detects the focused position anew by causing the stage and the image forming optical system to move relative to each other over the search range thus set each time a focusing operation is executed.