Abstract: A specimen of transparent living material is covered over with a cover glass while being observed. An optical image of this specimen captured by an objective lens includes spherical aberration due to the cover glass. The spherical aberration included in the optical image is corrected by a correction optical system. Imaging is performed while varying this spherical aberration correction amount. From the plurality of images which have been imaged, an image is selected whose spherical aberration is the least, according to increase and decrease of contrast. Imaging is performed while driving the correction optical system so as to bring the spherical aberration correction amount to be equal to that when the selected image was imaged.

Abstract: A viewing optical instrument includes a main barrel which supports an objective optical system, a movable member for focus adjustment which is supported by the main barrel to be movable along an optical axis of the objective optical system relative to the main barrel, a focusing mechanism which drives the movable member along the optical axis, a focus knob which actuates the focusing mechanism, an auxiliary unit provided separately from the viewing optical instrument including an auxiliary mechanism which is associated with the focusing mechanism when the auxiliary unit is connected to the viewing optical instrument, and a connecting device for detachably attaching the auxiliary unit to the viewing optical instrument.

Abstract: An inverted microscope system comprises a microscope main body having an objective lens opposed to a sample, a primary image forming optical system which forms an intermediate image of the sample in cooperation with the objective lens, and focusing section for changing a relative distance between the sample and the objective lens and forming the intermediate image of the sample at a predetermined position, illumination section, which is detachable with respect to the microscope main body, for generating illumination light to the sample, and an additional unit which is detachable with respect to the microscope main body and includes an observation tube to observe the intermediate image of the sample.

Abstract: A scanning optical microscope comprises a light source configured to selectively output to a sample dyed with two or more types of fluorescent dyes an excitation light having an excitation wavelength according to the each fluorescent dye, scanner configured to scan the excitation light outputted from the light source, an objective lens configured to condense the excitation light scanned by the scanner on the sample, a detector configured to detect a fluorescence of the fluorescent light dye according to the excitation light by the excitation light condensed by the objective lens, one confocal pinhole whose pinhole diameter arranged in front of the detector is adjustable, and controller configured to adjust the pinhole diameter of the confocal pinhole to a diameter suitable for the fluorescence emitted from the sample by using the excitation light in synchronization with switching of the excitation lights from the light source when acquiring one image by detecting each fluorescence according to each excitation

Abstract: In a confocal microscope, a beam of light from a light source is lead to a rotary disk by way of an optical lens and a half mirror, and made to strike specimen by way of an objective lens. The rotary disk has random pin hole pattern sections where pin holes are randomly bored through a light blocking mask, and an aperture section having an area k2 times greater than the area of the random pin hole pattern sections and allowing any light to pass therethrough. The beam of light reflected by the specimen is made to enter a CCD camera by way of the objective lens, the rotary disk, the half mirror and a condenser lens. The CCD camera is adapted to selectively pick up a composite image containing a confocal image component and a non-confocal image component of the specimen obtained through the random pin hole pattern sections and a conventional image of the specimen obtained through the aperture section.

Abstract: A microscope for use in total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) is provided. The microscope includes a first white-light source for directing light along a first optical path; an annular slit member disposed in the first optical path, the annular slit member having an annular slit for blocking all but an annulus of light corresponding to the annular slit; and an objective lens for directing the annulus of light to a specimen such that TIRFM of the specimen is achieved. Also provided are various ways for converting the microscope to and from a TIRFM microscope and a conventional microscope.

Abstract: In a confocal microscope according to the invention, the beam of light from light source is lead to rotary disk by way of optical lens and half mirror and made to strike specimen by way of objective lens. The rotary disk has random pin hole pattern sections where pin holes are randomly bored through a light blocking mask and an aperture section having an area k2 times greater than the area of the random pin hole pattern sections and allowing any light to pass therethrough. The beam of light reflected by the specimen is made to enter CCD camera by way of the objective lens, the rotary disk, the half mirror and condenser lens. The CCD camera is adapted to selectively pick up a composite image containing a confocal image component and a non-confocal image component of the specimen obtained through the random pin hole pattern sections and a conventional image of the specimen obtained through the aperture section.

Abstract: There is disclosed a laser microscope in which a beam splitter extracts a part of a laser light of two wavelengths &lgr;1=488 nm and &lgr;2=514.5 nm, a prism spectrally resolves the laser light of the two wavelengths &lgr;1 and &lgr;2, a two-split photodiode detects intensities of two lines spectrally resolved in this manner, and a controller controls an 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 &lgr;1 and &lgr;2 become constant.

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 illumination apparatus of the present invention used for a microscope to guide illumination light to an objective lens attached to a revolving nosepiece comprises a light source for radiating the illumination light, an optical system for guiding the illumination light radiated from the light source, to the objective lens, an aperture diaphragm switching section provided in the optical system and having a plurality of aperture diaphragms and a light shielding portion, for switching the aperture diaphragm on the illumination light, linked with motion of the revolving nosepiece, when switching an observation method or the objective lens, and a control circuit for controlling operation of at least one of the aperture diaphragm switching section and the revolving nosepiece such that amount of light entering into the objective lens is prevented from undesirably increasing, when the observation method or the objective lens is switched.

Abstract: A bright and dark field switching device, according to the present invention, comprises a glare-proof filter 31 and a condenser lens 32 for a dark field, a guide mechanism 40, and a switching mechanism 60. The glare-proof filter 31 and the condenser lens 32 for a dark field are arranged on both sides with an optical path L of an illuminating optical system interposed therebetween. The guide mechanism 40 holds the glare-proof filter 31 and the condenser lens 32 for a dark field such that they can be moved to the optical path L and can be returned from the optical path L. The switching mechanism 60 moves the glare-proof filter 31 and the condenser lens 32 for a dark field to the optical path L and returns them from the optical path L. Further, the switching mechanism 60 moves the glare-proof filter 31 together so as to position the same on the optical path L only when returning the condenser lens 32 for a dark field from the optical path L.

Abstract: An illumination system (1) for a microscope, in which a first light source (2), a collector lens (3), an aperture diaphragm (4), and a condenser lens ((5) are arranged in the illumination beam path (6), is described. The illumination light is directed through the aperture diaphragm (4) via the condenser lens (5) into the object plane (9). Arranged in the illumination beam path (6) on the optical axis (20) is a second light source (8) that is imaged at infinity by the condenser lens (5).

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 microscope assemblage, in particular a confocal laser scanning microscope, having: a light source (1), in particular a laser light source, that generates a light beam (2) for illumination of a specimen (6) that is to be examined; a means (3) for spreading the light beam (2) into a substantially line-shaped illuminating light beam; an objective (5) for guiding the illuminating light beam to the specimen (6); and a device for generating a relative motion between the illuminating light beam and the specimen (6) is embodied, in the interest of safe real-time observation of the specimen (6) with means of simple design, such that the device is configured so that the illuminating light beam is rotatable in the objective pupil by means of the device; or that the specimen (6) is movable at least one-dimensionally by means of the device.

Abstract: A microscope having a device for selectable illumination for observation of a specimen by ultraviolet light, DUV light, or by visible light, and which can keep ultraviolet light and visible light separate. The microscope includes a visible light illuminating system to illuminate a specimen with visible light, an ultraviolet light illuminating system to illuminate the specimen with ultraviolet light, a visible light observation system to observe the specimen illuminated by the visible light illuminating system, and an ultraviolet light observation system to observe the specimen by the ultraviolet light illuminating system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing excessive closure between a retractable tip objective and the stage of a microscope which includes positioning a sensor in the turret of a microscope, which sensor is capable of detecting excessive retracting of the retractable tip into the body of the objective, and providing a controller for monitoring the sensor for such excessive retracting and issuing an alert in response to the detection of an event of such excessive retracting. The alert may be made by way of an audio output, or by a visual cue or both. Extinguishing the lamp of the microscope is a preferred visual cue, as the excessive retracting of the retractable tip is generally caused by a focusing error, and the extinguishing of the light source reduces or eliminates the ability of the user of the microscope to focus the microscope, thus attracting his or her attention.

Abstract: A microscope device has visible light observation and ultraviolet light observation capabilities wherein casting of ultraviolet light on a visible light objective lens can be reliably prevented. The microscope device includes a visible light illumination system that can illuminate a specimen with visible light, an ultraviolet light illumination system that can illuminate a specimen with ultraviolet light, a filter block to switch between a visible light illumination system and an ultraviolet light illumination system for use with the specimen, and observation system for purposes of observing a specimen. An electromotive turret supports a visible light objective lens and an ultraviolet light objective lens and selectively positions the objective lenses into the observation system optical path. A turret drive motor drives the electromotive turret. A filter sensor detects whether the illumination is from an ultraviolet light illumination system.

Abstract: An optical element switching device is provided wherein a plurality of optical elements are held by a guide mechanism for guiding them to move straight or rotate and arranged on a turret, and positioned by a positioning part comprising a spring for pushing a ball into V grooves formed at a rotarys shaft of the turret rotated by a first motor wherein, a selected one of the optical elements is stopped in an optical path (i.e. an optical axis of objectives), and wherein the optical element is moved by a second motor along a direction in which it is guided by the guide mechanism, so that corrections such as adjustment of the contrast and the like are automatically executed at switching operations.

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 electromagnetic wave attenuating transparent member includes; a transparent base material, and a plurality of structural layers including at least one transparent conductive layer. Sheet resistivity of the electromagnetic wave attenuating transparent member is 100 &OHgr;/cm2 or less, and the plurality of structural layers include a first layer and a second layer which is provided to be farther than the first layer from the transparent base material, and has density which is higher than that of the first layer.

Abstract: A microscope having a device for selectable illumination for observation of a specimen by ultraviolet light, DUV light, or by visible light, and which can keep ultraviolet light and visible light separate. The microscope includes a visible light illuminating system to illuminate a specimen with visible light, an ultraviolet light illuminating system to illuminate the specimen with ultraviolet light, a visible light observation system to observe the specimen illuminated by the visible light illuminating system, and an ultraviolet light observation system to observe the specimen by the ultraviolet light illuminating system.

Abstract: An optical system for use in a microscope and other optical systems has an unlimited depth of focus. The optical system comprises at least one lens, rotating mechanisms for continuously oscillating the focal length of the lens, and opaque elements for momentarily preventing light to pass through the lens. The rapid (i.e., greater than about 16 images a second) and sequential replacement of images in a plane parallel to and a fixed distance will provide an unlimited depth of focus to elicit in the observer a sense of sharp focus of the entire observed object.

Abstract: A microscope turret assembly and a microscope with the turret assembly are provided so that active use is made of the space formed on an underside surface of a turret by providing an illuminator or an optical detector therein. The turret retains multiple objective lenses and, by rotation thereof, enables the selection of a single objective lens. At least a part of an illuminator that casts light on an observed specimen via the selected objective lens, or a part of an optical detector that detects light from an observed specimen, is located in the space.

Abstract: A description is given of an illuminating device for a microscope (1), having a light source (2), an illuminating optical system (3) and an LCD (5) arranged in the illuminating beam path (4). The illuminating light is directed onto the object (6) from the light source (2) via the LCD (5), a transparent/opaque pattern being generated on the LCD (5) by means of a control and calculating device (7). The LCD (5) is arranged in a plane (AP′) which is conjugate with respect to the field diaphragm plane or aperture diaphragm plane (AP) and has a planar matrix composed of individual pixels arranged next to one another and of the same dimensions, the pixels each being constructed such that they can be driven individually to generate an arbitrary transparent/opaque pattern. The control and calculating device (7) is constructed as a computer with a graphics card.

Abstract: An optical microscope has a revolver for selectively inserting a plurality of objective lenses including a low-magnification (very-low-magnification) objective lens on an optical axis for observation light. In fluorescence observation using the low-magnification objective lens, the effective diameter of an observation optical system is set larger than that of an illumination optical system. With this arrangement, fluorescence observation using the low-magnification objective lens can be stably performed. A cube unit having a plurality of cubes corresponding to the respective microscopic methods is arranged in the optical microscope. An auxiliary lens serving as a very-low-magnification objective lens is mounted in this cube unit. The auxiliary lens can be automatically used in observation using the very-low-magnification objective lens. With this arrangement, a compact optical microscope excellent in operability can be realized.

Abstract: A microscope includes a stage on which a specimen is placed, a light source for illuminating the specimen, an objective lens for passing an illumination light from the specimen, an image formation system for forming an optical image of the specimen, a monitor for displaying as a visible picture the optical image of the specimen obtained from the image formation system, and an observation condition switch for switching the observation condition for the specimen from one to another. In particular, the optical axis extending from the light source to the image formation system is horizontal over the floor and various controls constituting the observation condition switch are mounted intensively on one side of a main body of the microscope.

Abstract: A stereoscopic microscope includes a binocular eyepiece arrangement, a binocular magnification changer, and a monocular lens arrangement. A reversal lens system can be inserted into beam paths in front of or behind the magnification changer, whereby it exchanges the two beam paths against one another and at the same time causes an image reversal. Thus, the microscope enables quick and simple changing between two focusings of the microscope without limiting the operation of the magnification changer. A supplementary lens can be inserted on the input side of the lens arrangement into the beam paths and an optic system can be inserted into the beam path between the supplementary lens and the eye for wide-angle viewing of the retina. The supplementary lens is a convex lens, the focal length of which is chosen in such a manner that the retina can be viewed with the microscope through the inserted supplementary lens and the optic system, while the lens arrangement of the microscope is focused on the cornea.

Abstract: A microscope illumination optical system for an ultra-low magnification wherein the roughness of a light diffusing plate is not visible, and uniform illumination can be performed, and wherein specimens of weak contrast, a phase distribution, etc. can be made visible through adjustment of the numerical aperture by varying the aperture of an aperture stop. A collector lens system forms a first image of a light source. A first variable stop is placed at the first image position. An intermediate lens system has a second variable stop therein and forms an image of the first variable stop behind the system. A plurality of condenser lens systems of different magnifications are interchangeably placed between the intermediate lens system and a specimen plane.

Abstract: A removable head for an ophthalmic slit lamp assembly that replaces the conventional slit lamp microscope with a laser and binocular microscope combination. The optic axis of the laser is aligned to the optic axis of the binocular microscope so the optical head can be removed and used with another slit lamp assembly. An adaptor provides adjustable connection between the optical head and a microscope support arm of the slit lamp assembly. The adaptor consists of a base member and a frame member. The frame member is rotated and translated relative to the base member to align the optic axis of the optical head to the slit lamp optic axis.

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

Abstract: An illuminating system for an image processing measuring apparatus according to the present invention is composed on an inclined-incident illuminating device B mounted removably to a body tube and projecting obliquely a luminous flux to an object to be measured, a ring-shaped incident illuminating device mounted removably to the body tube and projecting a ring-shaped luminous flux to the object other than a vertical-incident illuminating device projecting the luminous flux emitted from an optical source from the direction just above the object, and a switching for switching the luminous flux emitted from the light source to either of the inclined-incident illuminating device and the ring-shaped incident illuminating device.

Abstract: A lens housing has an axial bore containing a lens system for projecting through the bore the image of an illuminated object which is located beyond one end of the lens housing. The lens housing is surrounded by a lamp housing which contains a plurality of spaced lamps that are operable to direct spaced, parallel, collimated beams of light through an open end of the lamp housing, and toward the object that is to be illuminated. A paraboiloidal or ellipsoidal reflector, which is interposed between the lamp housing and the object, has in one end thereof a relatively large diameter opening which is releasably secured over the open end of the housing, and has in its opposite end a smaller opening registering with, and for accommodating a portion of the object that is to be illuminated. The collimated light beams are directed by the reflector onto the portion of the object at angles of incidence in the range of 40° to in excess of 90°.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a stereomicroscope having a specimen changer which is at least so configured that it is rotatable about a column of a column stand and the specimen changer has receptacles for specimens arranged on a circular path passing through the viewing beam path. The specimen changer includes an inner stationary part and an annular-shaped outer part which includes the receptacles for the specimens. The specimen receptacles have a diameter suitable for receiving commercially available petri dishes.

Abstract: A FLIR system having a refractive FLIR optical configuration including a substantially spherical housing and an optical window disposed in and extending to the outer housing surface. The window aperture diameter exceeds the housing radius and is a near dome-shaped, relatively high dispersive negative lens forming a part of the FLIR optical system and is disposed adjacent a positive relatively low dispersive lens. A first optical system extends to a first housing window for receiving light and is within a hemispherical housing portion comprises an afocal lens system of a first pair of lenses, one lens disposed at a housing wall, a first mirror disposed within the hemisphere and reflecting light passing through the first pair of lenses, a second mirror for receiving the light reflected from the first mirror and reflecting the light along a path parallel to the light impinging upon the first mirror and a further plurality of lenses for transmission of the light reflected from the second mirror.

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

Abstract: An optical microscope apparatus includes an illumination optical system for illuminating an observation target object; an observation optical system for introducing an observation image of the observation target object; and an image rotation device provided on a light path common to the illumination optical system and the observation optical system, for rotating the observation image. The image rotation device is arranged so as to reflect a light beam entering thereinto, for odd-numbered times and to thereafter emit the light bean therefrom, and is driven to be rotated around an entering/exiting optical axis, thereby to rotate the observation image.

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

Abstract: A microscope enables selective illumination using infrared or visible spectrum light. The image captured by a sensor array within the microscope may be displayed on a computer display. Some objects appear differently when exposed to infrared as opposed to visible radiation.

Abstract: A reflecting fluorescence microscope has a reflecting fluorescence illumination optical system, an observation optical system, and a specimen supporting means for mounting a specimen. In this case, an optical member for attenuating excited light supplied from the reflecting fluorescence illumination optical system is interposed between the specimen and the specimen supporting means. Thus, an observation in which little auto-fluorescent light is produced and a contrast is good can be carried out.

Abstract: A laser scan microscope comprises a laser scanning observation optical system for irradiating a sample with a laser beam while scanning the beam over the sample, and detecting the beam transmitted through the sample by means of a detector after the beam passes through a condenser lens, an ordinary observation optical system for irradiating the sample through the condenser lens by means of an illumination lamp, so that a transmitted image of the sample is allowed to be observed, and an optical transmission fiber array having a two-pronged structure having a first optical path extending from a condenser lens-side to the detector and a second optical path extending from the condenser lens-side to the illumination lump.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an illuminating arrangement (5) for a surgical microscope (1) having an illuminating beam path (7) which runs essentially coaxially to the optical axis (9) of the surgical microscope. The illuminating arrangement (5) includes an optical ancillary element (15) having a positive refractive power. The ancillary element (15) can be selectively pivoted into and out of the illuminating beam path. The illuminating aperture in the region of the optical axis (9) of the surgical microscope (1) is increased by pivoting the optical ancillary element (15) into the illuminating beam path (7). This is done without changing the viewing focal intercept of the surgical microscope (1).

Abstract: Apparatus for masking (center and peripheral) the microscope condenser lens to simultaneously maximize resolution, contrast and depth of field utilizing, at a conjugate plane of the aperture plane where an image of the rear aperture of the condenser lens has been created, a plurality of light sources to illuminate two or more of the faces of a multi-faced mirror in the shape of a pyramid which moves relative to the light sources to vary the amount of center masking continuously over a range including zero while directing multiple oblique beams of light onto the objective lens including such apparatus for connection to the illumination port of a light microscope in place of a standard light source.

Abstract: A stereo microscope arrangement includes an objective used in common, at least a first and a second pair of stereoscopic observation beam paths and an illuminating unit with at least one deflecting element that deflects illuminating light in the direction of the object plane. The illuminating unit is arranged so that it can be mounted in at least two different positions relative to the stereoscopic beam paths. Accordingly, optimized illuminating conditions can be selectively placed at the disposal of the main observer or the co-observer.

Abstract: An optical system for use in a microscope and other optical systems has an unlimited depth of focus. The optical system comprises a lens set comprising a first optical element and a second optical element; mechanisms for continuously oscillating the focal length of the lens set in stepwise increments; and mechanisms for permitting light to pass through the lens set when the focal length is momentarily fixed and for preventing light to pass through the lens set when the focal length is not momentarily fixed. The rapid (i.e., greater than about 16 images a second) and sequential replacement of images in a plane parallel to and at a fixed distance will provide an unlimited depth of focus to elicit in the observer a sense of sharp focus of the entire observed object.

Abstract: In a microscope having one or more separate lenses 11a to 11d arranged in side-by-side relationship within an area equal to or smaller than that of an objective lens for guiding separate beams of viewing light L respectively, the separate lenses 11a to 11d are located off the optical axis S which extends across the center of the objective lens, and a single illumination input 13 is provided across the optical axis S for directing an illumination light R along the optical axis S through the objective lens to a target area to be viewed.

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

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

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

Abstract: A reflecting illumination optical system for microscopes has a light source, a lamp house section including a collector lens with a focal length corresponding to the light source, and a reflecting projection tube section including a projection optical system for projecting the image of the light source at a position adjacent to the pupil of an objective lens. Further, a variable magnification section composed of a nearly afocal variable magnification lens unit is removably inserted between the reflecting projection tube section and the lamp house section, or in the interior of the reflecting projection tube section. Thus, when the lamp house section is replaced by another, the magnification of projection of the light source at the position adjacent to the pupil of the objective lens can be changed.

Abstract: An illuminating device for a stereo microscope having an objective with variable imaging focal intercept includes first coupling mechanism, which effects a coupling between the imaging focal intercept of the objective and the likewise adjustable focal intercept of the illuminating optical system, separate from the observation optics, in such a manner that the illuminating focal intercept is in agreement with the imaging focal intercept of the objective. Moreover, adjusting mechanism is provided for the defined adjustment of the diameter of the illuminated field. In particular, the illuminating device is suitable for a surgical microscope.