Abstract: A microscope apparatus has a driver mounted on a main body of the microscope apparatus, a sensor which detects a stopped state of the driver, a power supply which supplies power to the sensor, a drive controller which controls driving of the driver, and a controller which controls the power supply to the sensor from the power supply in accordance with a drive control signal sent from the drive controller to the driver.

Abstract: A method for generating a multicolor image of a specimen with a microscope is disclosed. The method comprises the step of determining the spacing of the focal planes of a first illuminating light beam that has a first wavelength and of a second illuminating light beam that has a second wavelength; the step of scanning the specimen with the first illuminating light beam and generating a first partial image; the step of performing a relative displacement, by an amount equal to the spacing, between the specimen and the focal plane of the illuminating light beam of the second wavelength; the step of scanning the specimen with the second illuminating light beam and generating a second partial image; and the step of superimposing the first and second partial images to yield the multicolor image. Further more a microscope and a confocal scanning microscope are disclosed.

Abstract: In an all optical switch an imaging system is interposed between the micro lens array and the moveable micro mirrors of a MEMS device to which, or from which, the light beams are directed. This causes an image of the micro lens array to be formed at the MEMS device, or vice-versa, thus effectively eliminating the distance between the micro lens array and the MEMS device. The imaging system may be a telecentric system. The size of the arrangement may be reduced by compacting the optical path, e.g., using appropriate conventional mirrors, and/or employing folded arrangements, i.e., arrangements in which there is only one MEMS device stage that does double duty for both input and output through the use of at least one conventional mirror. The overall system is arranged to account for any inversions introduced.

Abstract: In a microscope, an optical system that includes a zoom lens unit having a straight optical axis is located under a stage portion that carries a sample A thereon. An optical image of the sample A is projected on an image-pickup element via the optical system, and is converted into a picture signal by means of the image-pickup element. The picture signal is delivered to the outside through an external terminal area.

Abstract: A microscope assemblage, in particular a confocal laser scanning microscope, has a light source (1), for illumination of a specimen (6). An objective (5) is provided for guiding the illuminating light beam to the specimen (6). A device, having a tilt element, is provided for generating a relative motion between the illuminating light beam and the specimen (6). The device and the tilt are configured so that the illuminating light beam is rotatable in the objective pupil.

Abstract: A microscope of the present invention causes laser light emanating from a light source to enter an optical fiber via a laser light introducing mechanism. The exit end of the optical fiber is connected with an adapter having a fiber position adjustment knob. The back focal position of an objective lens and the exit end position of the optical fiber are made conjugate by a condenser lens provided inside a reflecting illumination projecting tube. By shifting the exit end position of the optical fiber, conventional reflecting illumination and evanescent illumination are available.

Abstract: In order to provide a microscope episcopic illumination device and a microscope therewith having simple structure, having an aperture diaphragm and a field stop, and being capable of setting optimum light source magnification in accordance with change of an image surface size required for from eyepiece observation to TV observation. The microscope episcopic illumination device has a light source, a collector lens, an aperture diaphragm, a light source image forming lens portion for forming an image of the light source in the vicinity of the aperture diaphragm, pupil relay lens groups for re-forming the image of the light source formed in the vicinity of the aperture diaphragm in the vicinity of a pupil surface of an objective lens, and a field stop. The lens portion is a lens system with a variable finite focal distance, and varies a projection magnification of a ratio of the re-formed image of the light source in the vicinity of the pupil surface to the light source by changing the focal distance thereof.

Abstract: An optical arrangement in the beam path of a light source suitable for fluorescence excitation, preferably in the beam path of a confocal laser scanning microscope, with at least one spectrally selective element (4) to inject the excitation light (3) of at least one light source (2) in the microscope and to extract the excitation light (3) scattered and reflected on the object (10) or the excitation wavelength from the light (13) coming from the object (10) through the detection beam path (12) is characterized for variable configurations with the simplest construction in that excitation light (3, 9) of different wavelengths can be extracted by the spectrally selective element (4). Alternatively, an optical arrangement like this is characterized in that the spectrally selective element (4) can be adjusted to the excitation wavelength to be extracted.

Abstract: An optical device and microscope of simple construction are provided that are capable of readily attaining super resolution with good focusing performance. This comprises a light source means (2, 3, 4, 6, 8) that generates light of multiple different wavelengths, a light condensation means to focus lights of these multiple wavelengths on an object 1, and an emitted light detector means 17 for detection of light emitted from said object 1. Among said multiple lights of different wavelengths generated from said light source means, at least one light forms a condensed light pattern of multiple spatial modes. These multiple lights are condensed upon said object 1 such that part of the region of the condensed light pattern of said multiple spatial modes is made to spatially overlap with the condensed light pattern of the other light.

Abstract: A microscope body has at least one observation unit and is capable of being operated by respective controller corresponding to this observation unit. An operation unit determines the operation instruction for the respective controller. An operation switch detecting unit detects an operation of the operation unit and informs the detected operation to the exterior of the microscope body. An outer control device has a storage unit, in which first operational instructing information for the respective controller is registered, and identifies the operational instructing information corresponding to a detected result from the operation switch detecting unit with reference to the storage unit. An observation unit control section converts the operational instructing information which is identified by the outer control device, into operation instructing commands for the observation unit and gives the operation instructing commands to the respective controller.

Abstract: A laser microscope includes: a light source that emits deep ultraviolet laser light to be irradiated on a sample; a limiting device that sets a limit to an intensity of the deep ultraviolet laser light irradiated on the sample; a detection device that detects the deep ultraviolet laser light having been reflected from the sample; a storage device that stores first information related to damage to the sample corresponding to the intensity of the deep ultraviolet laser light; and a control device that controls the limiting device based upon the first information when a sample damage limit is input from outside.

Abstract: A transmitted-light illumination arrangement for microscopes has at least one LED which is arranged interchangeably in or in the vicinity of the plane of the aperture diaphragm of illumination optics or in front of Köhler illumination optics. The transmitted-light illumination arrangement advantageously has at least one LED light source radiating in the illumination direction of the microscope and at least one LED light source radiating in the opposite direction, wherein the light of the oppositely radiating light source is deflected in the illumination direction via deflecting mirrors, preferably a concave mirror, this light source being located in the focal point thereof.

Abstract: An illumination system for microscopy includes a light source, a first spectral element dispersing light from the light source, a reflecting member selectively reflecting light dispersed by the first spectral element, a second spectral element combining light reflected by the reflecting member, a dichroic mirror, an objective lens, and an image sensor. The first spectral element is placed at the front focal point of a first lens, the reflecting member is placed at a position where the back focal point of the first lens coincides with the front focal point of a second lens, and the second spectral element is placed at the back focal point of the second lens.

Abstract: An autofocus module for a microscope-based system includes at least two light sources, each of which generates a light beam for focusing. An optical directing device is provided that directs a respective portion of each light beam onto an incoupling means, which couples each of the light beams into the illuminating light beam of the microscope-based system and directs the light beams onto a specimen. A first and a second detector receive the light beams of the first and second light source reflected from the surface of the specimen, and ascertain the intensities on the first and second detector in time-multiplexed fashion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a stereomicroscope. The stereomicroscope comprises a microscope main body, a stand including a stand base portion on which a sample is to be laid, a support disposed vertically on the stand base portion, a focus adjust portion attached so as to be movable along the support, and an arm portion connected to the focus adjust portion for connecting the microscope main body thereto, so that the microscope main body is mounted on the stand to focus the sample, a light source lamp which illuminates the sample, and a light source unit in which the light source lamp is contained and which is attachable to at least one of the stand base portion, the support, and the arm portion.

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: A microscope, especially a laser scanning microscope, with illumination over one wavelength and/or a plurality of wavelengths, wherein a controlling of the intensity of at least one wavelength is carried out by at least one rotatable interference filter which is arranged in the illumination beam path, wherein the at least one wavelength is at least partially reflected out of the illumination beam path and a plurality of filters for different wavelengths can be arranged one behind the other in the illumination beam path.

Abstract: An epi-fluorescence microscope includes: a light guiding device that guides illuminating light emitted by a light source by reflecting the illuminating light to implement epi-lighting on a test piece, and guides fluorescent light excited by the illuminating light and generated from the test piece to an observation unit by allowing the fluorescent light to be transmitted; and an inclined member that is provided on an optical path of transmitted light which is a part of the illuminating light and has been transmitted through the light guiding device instead of being reflected by the light guiding device, and has a surface inclined relative to the optical path.

Abstract: An image recording method for use in a confocal laser scanning microscope apparatus is configured to scan a specimen with each of a plurality of laser lights at least having different wavelengths as spotlight, to detect the light from the specimen based on the spotlight, and to partition and record obtained image information.

Abstract: A microscope having little damage such as deformation, discoloration or the like given to a sample is disclosed. This microscope comprises an illuminance reducing unit for reducing illuminance of an illumination light on the sample. Assuming that a time width where illuminance is at a level enough for displaying an image of the sample is TF, a time width where illuminance is lower than the level enough for displaying an image of the sample is TN, and a value &agr; is as follows: &agr;=TF/(TF+TN) the value &agr; is changed according to a velocity of a stage or the like. A monitor displays a still picture of the sample for a period of TN, the still picture being one before the time width TN.

Abstract: An epi-illumination apparatus has, in the following order from an light source device side, a first imaging lens which forms an image of the light source and a field lens which projects the image of the light source to an object to be illuminated. Either one of a first magnification varying unit or a second magnification varying unit is selectively disposed between the first imaging lens and the field lens in order to vary a magnification of the image of the light source. The first magnification varying unit has a first aperture stop and a second imaging lens that is disposed in the field lens side of the first aperture stop, while the second magnification varying unit has a second aperture stop and a third imaging lens that is disposed in the first imaging lens side of the second aperture stop.

Abstract: A confocal microscope is provided which uses a confocal disk. The confocal microscope includes a light source, a high-NA and low-magnification objective lens which forms an image of the confocal disk obtained by irradiation with a light from the light source on a sample, and a first image formation lens system disposed between the confocal disk and the objective lens. A first image formation lens driving mechanism is provided for moving the first image formation lens system in a light axis direction and adjusting a focal point position of the objective lens with respect to the sample, and a second image formation lens system is provided which forms a sectioning image formed on the confocal disk into an image by photoelectric conversion.

Abstract: Arrangement for controlling and/or displaying microscope functions, preferably in an inverted microscope, wherein a display is provided at or near the eye level of a user, and the display can be removed. The adjustment and/or storage of microscope functions is carried out via the display. In a method for controlling microscope functions, an automatic switching of the light source and/or illumination optics is carried out to pre-stored values and/or positions when a reflector turret is switched.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical arrangement for illuminating objects (1), in particular fluorescent objects, preferably in conjunction with a confocal or a double-confocal scanning microscope, having an illuminating beam path (2) of a light source (3), a detection beam path (4) of a detector (5), and a component (6) which unifies the detection beam path (4). For the purpose of at least largely loss-free union of the light coming from the object (1) into a propagation direction (19), the optical arrangement according to the invention is characterized in that with reference to the beam cross section active for the detector, light of the fist and second partial detection beam can be united at least largely in an overlapping fashion into one propagation direction (19) at the component (6) thereby providing an unified the detection beam path (4).

Abstract: A method for generating a multicolor image of a specimen with a microscope is disclosed. The method comprises the step of determining the spacing of the focal planes of a first illuminating light beam that has a first wavelength and of a second illuminating light beam that has a second wavelength; the step of scanning the specimen with the first illuminating light beam and generating a first partial image; the step of performing a relative displacement, by an amount equal to the spacing, between the specimen and the focal plane of the illuminating light beam of the second wavelength; the step of scanning the specimen with the second illuminating light beam and generating a second partial image; and the step of superimposing the first and second partial images to yield the multicolor image. Further more a microscope and a confocal scanning microscope are disclosed.

Abstract: A scanning microscope with a light source for illumination of a specimen, a means for spatial spectral division of the detection light, and a detector is disclosed. The scanning microscope has means for selecting a lower limit wavelength that defines a lower exclusion region, and means for selecting an upper limit wavelength that defines an upper exclusion region, as well as a first and a second adjustable stop that block light components of the lower and the upper exclusion region of the detection light. A bandpass filter and a method for scanning microscopy are also disclosed.

Abstract: A total internal reflection illumination apparatus applied to a microscope which illuminates a sample through an objective having a numerical aperture enabling total internal reflection illumination, comprises a first total internal reflection mirror which is arranged in the vicinity of an outermost peripheral part of an observation optical path of the microscope to reflect an incident illumination light in a direction of the objective, a second total internal reflection mirror which is arranged at a symmetrical position with the first total internal reflection mirror to sandwich an observation optical axis and reflects return light reflected on a surface of the sample in a direction different from the illumination optical path, and a return light dimming part configured to dim the return light reflected by the second total internal reflection mirror.

Abstract: The apparatus serves for the improvement of the optical qualities of optical microscopes. The microscopes comprise an illuminating unit (1), a condenser lens (3), a primary microscope objective (5) with an optical axis (X), and an ocular or a camera. The apparatus is insertable between the primary microscope objective (5) and the ocular or camera, and comprises a rotatable image visualizing plate (6) and a secondary objective (7). The secondary objective (7) is positioned on said optical axis (X) when the apparatus is inserted in the microscope and it has the same orientation as the primary microscope objective. The apparatus comprises also a tertiary microscope objective (16) that is arranged between the image visualizing plate (6) and the secondary objective (7). The tertiary microscope objective (16) is arranged on the same optical axis (X) as the secondary objective (7) and is inversely orientated with respect to the secondary objective (7).

Abstract: A confocal microscope with separate illumination and detection directions is disclosed. The detection direction in the object is inclined relative to the illumination direction at a predetermined angle which is selected such that the overlapping area of the illumination volume and detection volume is reduced compared to a conventional confocal microscope. A beam splitter or a reflector is provided in the beam path between the objective and an image plane of the microscope for coupling in the illumination light and/or for coupling out the detection light and/or in that the illumination light is coupled into the microscope and/or the detection light is coupled out of the microscope via one or more light-conducting fibers.

Abstract: An incident illumination unit which can be installed in a slot of an incident illumination device to which a field stop unit or an aperture stop unit is installed, comprises an optical element holding part configured to hold an optical element, a focus mechanism which moves the optical element holding part along an incident illumination axis of the incident illumination device, an insertion and withdrawal mechanism which moves the focus mechanism to a vertical direction to the incident illumination axis, and a outer frame which integrally accommodates the optical element holding part, the focus mechanism and the insertion and withdrawal mechanism and has a slot shape which is inserted and positioned to the slot part of the incident illumination device.

Abstract: In a microscope system, illumination light rays are emitted from a light source. The illumination light rays are collimated and reflected from a mirror to the optical element array. The optical element array is located at a conjugate position of a specimen, and includes a plurality of micro mirrors arranged in a matrix form. The micro mirrors are individually controlled to selectively reflect the illumination light rays for illuminating the specimen. Thus, a predetermined pattern of the light rays is reflected from the optical element array to an objective lens. The illumination light rays are projected on the specimen from the objective lens and the specimen is illuminated by the predetermined illumination pattern.

Abstract: A high-performance microscope allows total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and interference reflection microscopy (or reflection contrast microscopy) to be selectively performed by using the same objective. The microscope has an objective optical system and an image-forming optical system for imaging light from a sample passing through the objective optical system onto an image pickup device. An optical member is provided in a viewing optical path extending from the objective optical system to the image-forming optical system. The optical member reflects illuminating light from an illuminating optical system so that the illuminating light enters the objective optical system, and allows the light from the sample passing through the objective optical system to pass through the image-forming optical system.

Abstract: A scanning microscope possesses at least one illumination source for emitting an illuminating beam that is conveyed via a beam deflection device and an optical system to a specimen and scans the latter, the beam deflection device defining at least one illuminating beam rotation point. A device for axial displacement in particular of the beam deflection device, or of a lens preceding the objective, is provided for imaging of an image of the illuminating beam rotation point into the pupil of the objective.

Abstract: An illuminating light modulating device modulates at least one of wavelength, phase, intensity, polarization, and coherency of the light emitted to an object by an illuminating device. A pupil modulating device is disposed near a pupil plane of an objective lens, and modulates at least one of phase, intensity and direction of polarization of the luminous flux including the information of the object. An image pickup device is disposed on a plane on which the image of the object is formed by the objective lens and an imaging lens, and picks up the image of the object. An image analysis device analyzes the image of the object picked up by the image pickup device. A parameter decision device adjusts the modulation amounts of the illuminating light modulating device and the pupil modulating device by using the image information of the object analyzed by the image analysis device.

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

Abstract: A microscope, in particular for confocal scanning microscopy, having a light source (1) for illuminating an object (6) to be investigated. An optical device (9, 12) is provided for splitting transmitted light (15) passing through the object (6) and fluorescent light (10, 13) produced in the object (6). A segmenting device (17) acting on the transmitted light (15) is configured with regard to a detection-light path which is as short as possible in such a way that the segmenting device (17) is arranged between the object (6) and the light-splitting device (9, 12).

Abstract: When specimens are illuminated in a scanning microscope, it is often necessary to use radiations of different wavelengths in order to examine the sample. A device and a method for illumination of specimens in a scanning microscope is proposed, a laser being used to generate a laser beam, and an optical system being used to image the laser beam onto the specimen. The optical system comprises a switchable beam deflection device that can direct the laser beam onto the specimen either along a first beam path or along an alternative beam path. In addition, a device for frequency conversion is arranged in the beam path of the alternative beam path.

Abstract: A method for scanning microscopy is disclosed. It contains the step of generating an illuminating light beam that exhibits at least a first substantially continuous wavelength spectrum whose spectral width is greater than 5 nm; the choosing of a second wavelength spectrum that is arranged spectrally within the first wavelength spectrum; the step of selecting the light of the second wavelength spectrum out of the illuminating light beam using an acoustooptical component; and the step of illuminating a specimen with the illuminating light beam. A scanning microscope is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a microscope, an optical system that includes a zoom lens unit having a straight optical axis is located under a stage portion that carries a sample A thereon. An optical image of the sample A is projected on an image-pickup element via the optical system, and is converted into a picture signal by means of the image-pickup element. The picture signal is delivered to the outside through an external terminal area.

Abstract: An optical arrangement in the beam path of a light source suitable for fluorescence excitation, preferably in the beam path of a confocal laser scanning microscope, with at least one spectrally selective element (4) to inject the excitation light (3) of at least one light source (2) in the microscope and to extract the excitation light (3) scattered and reflected on the object or the excitation wavelength from the light (13) coming from the object (10) through the detection beam path(12) is characterized for variable configuration with the simplest construction in that excitation light (3, 9) of different wavelengths can be extracted by the spectrally selective element (4). Alternatively, an optical arrangement like this is characterized in that the spectrally selective element (4) can be adjusted to the excitation wavelength to be extracted.

Abstract: A confocal microscope has an illumination beam path of a light source, a detection beam path of a detector, a scanning device, optics combining and separating the illumination beam path and detection beam path, and an objective, in which both an incident specimen illumination and a transmitted specimen illumination are possible. The confocal microscope according to the present invention is characterized in that in order to switch over from an incident specimen illumination occurring through the objective to a transmitted specimen illumination occurring toward the objective, beam deflection optics and optionally beam-shaping optics can be introduced on the side of the specimen plane facing away from the objective.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatic lamp adjustment in a microscope without beam homogenizers in the illuminating beam path and a microscope equipped for the application of the method. According to the invention, the light power in the illuminating beam path is integrally measured with a detector behind the pupil plane of the microscope objective or behind the pupil plane of the illuminating beam path and the lamp is so adjusted relative to the illuminating beam path that the light power, which is detected by the detector, is a maximum. In a microscope, which is suitable for an automated lamp adjustment, for example, after an exchange of the lamp according to the method of the invention, motorized drives are provided for adjusting the lamp. These drives are driven sequentially by an evaluation and control computer until a maximum light power is detected with a detector.

Abstract: The invention concerns a microscope having a power and data transfer system between a microscope body (1) and an external control device or peripheral device (2, 13). According to the present invention, the power line (4) and data line (7) are laid physically together and are of integrated configuration, thus implementing a lightweight connection comprising few individual cables.

Abstract: An inverted microscope of the present invention comprising a microscope main body including a relay optical system which forms a primary intermediate image of a sample by a light from the sample irradiated with an irradiation light via an objective lens and an image forming lens, and which relays a light flux from the primary intermediate image, and a light path switch unit which is disposed in the microscope main body to be attachable/detachable, and which branches the light flux relayed by the relay optical system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an illumination device for a surgical microscope comprising a main objective lens (1) surrounding a main optical axis (6) and an illumination optical system (2) having a light source (3). Two prisms (4, 5) are provided between the main objective lens (1) and the illumination optical system (2). During operation, the first prism (4) causes part of the light flow from the illumination optical system (2) to be deflected at a small angle to the main optical axis (6) and the second prism (5) causes another part of the light flow from the illumination optical system (2) to be deflected along the main optical axis (6). Both prisms (4, 5) are arranged next to each other. The light entry surfaces (7) of both prisms face the illumination optical system (2) in such a way that light flux can be independently adjusted for the two prisms (4, 5). This results in a compact design and a good light flux distribution.

Abstract: A microscope which is capable of quickly switching different methods of observation such as phase contrast observation and bright field observation. The microscope comprises a condenser lens for condensing an illumination light, a diaphragm disposed on the optical axis of the condenser lens and having a variable aperture area, an aperture setting means for setting the an aperture area of the diaphragm, a slider disposed on the light condensing side of the condenser lens and having a first aperture portion having a ring slit and a second aperture portion, a first control means for restricting the aperture area to the full open aperture side when the first aperture portion is disposed on the optical axis of the condenser lens, and a second control means for releasing the restriction on the aperture portion when the second aperture portion is disposed on the optical axis of the condenser lens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a confocal imaging apparatus and a method by which the frame rate and the field of view can be considerably enhanced. The apparatus of the present invention acquires the confocal images of a macroscopic specimen by combining the function of slit confocal optics, one-dimensional optical image processing, linear line-scanning, and compensating the change of the optical path length in real time. According to the present invention, the light is focused to a slit-beam on the specimen and only the light that is scattered back from the focal plane is received in parallel to form the confocal image of the specimen by the slit confocal optics that includes cylindrical lenses, a slit mask, and a line detector. In order to get the image frames, a linear line-scanning means is adopted, which linearly scans the slit-beam focused on the specimen across arbitrary desired planes that are parallel to the slit-direction of the slit-beam.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a microscope and a method for operating a microscope, in particular a confocal or double confocal scanning microscope, having an optical beam path (9) extending between a light source (1), a specimen (2), and a detector (7) and/or a detection optical system, in which context intentional and unintentional relative motions occur between the specimen (2) and the optical beam path (9), undesired relative motions of the microscope components in optical beam path (9) are intended to result in no (or only minor) image defects, and method steps are provided which eliminate or minimize the image defects brought about by undesired relative motions between the specimen (2) and optical beam path (9); and is characterized in that a first device (8) detects relative motions; and a second device (22) compensates for unintentional relative motions.

Abstract: A scanning microscope having a light source that emits illuminating light for illumination of a specimen, having at least one first detector for detection of the detected light proceeding from the specimen, having an objective being arranged in both an illumination beam path and a detection beam path, and having a coupling-out element that is selectably for descan detection and non-descan detection positionable in the illumination and detection beam path, is disclosed.

Abstract: To weaken the light beam (12) in a microscope (100), especially in a scanning microscope, we propose an apparatus for the variable change of the illumination power that is arranged so that a light beam of zero diffraction order (17) emanating from a modulator (13) can be used directly for the purposes of microscopy. The acusto optical modulator (13) is the only element in the microscope influencing the power of light in a variable way.