Abstract: The invention relates to a light emitting device comprising a light source array which comprises a plurality of separately electrically controllable electric light sources which are arranged in a matrix structure or any other defined geometrical arrangement. Advantageously, the pixel pitch of the light source array is less than (500) nanometer. The invention further relates to an optical detection device comprising a light detection device, which is arranged for producing an electrical signal in response to light reaching a light detection side of the light detection device, and to a method for operating such an optical detection device. The invention further relates to a computer program with program coding means arranged for performing such a method.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for facilitating a microscopic imaging of at least one anatomical structure can be provided. For example, with a spectrally-encoded confocal microscopy (SECM) system, it is possible to provide at least one first electro-magnetic radiation to the anatomical structure(s). In addition, a mobile device can be provided which can communicate with the SECM system. The mobile device can have a sensor arrangement, and with such sensor arrangement, it is possible to receive at least one second electro-magnetic radiation that is based on the first radiation(s) from at least one section of the SECM system. The mobile device can further include a computer arrangement, with which it is possible to display at least one portion of the anatomical structure(s) as a microscopic image based on the second radiation(s) received by the sensor arrangement.

Abstract: A solid state illumination system is provided as a replacement for conventional arc light, metal halide and Xenon white-light sources for applications in life sciences including, microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and endoscopy. The solid state illumination system generates high quality white light output from LED light sources. In an embodiment, the solid state illumination system is coupled to a microscope using a liquid light guide. The liquid light guide is coupled to a microscope using an adjustable collimator which optimizes the light output for input to the optical train of the microscope.

Abstract: A changing apparatus for a microscope (10) comprises a carrying body (50, 150, 250, 350) supported rotatably around a rotation axis (R), having a first coupling part (52), and at least one optical element (100, 200, 300, 400) having a second coupling part (102) that is couplable to the first coupling part (52) for releasable mounting of the optical element (100, 200, 300, 400) on the carrying body (50, 150, 250, 350). The first coupling part (52) comprises a first mechanical coding structure (56) and the second coupling part (102) comprises a second mechanical coding structure (104) that, in a predetermined installation alignment toward the first coding structure (56), is complementary thereto and, in that installation alignment, is placeable onto the first coding structure (56) perpendicularly to the rotation axis (R) of the carrying body (50, 150, 250, 350).

Abstract: A new apparatus and method of delivering light to the hack aperture of a High Numerical Aperture (NA) Microscopy Objective lens for Total Internal Reflectance Microscopy (TIRFM) is provided. The apparatus and method include pumping light generated by a laser through an optical fiber which is optically coupled to the objective lens by a collimating optical element, such as, for example a lens or prism. The apparatus and method also include providing a fiber axial translator which is mechanically adjustable for focusing the laser light optically coupled to the objective lens. The apparatus also includes a mechanical coupler for mechanically coupling the apparatus to the object lens such that the laser light optically coupled to the objective lens can be adjusted to exceed, or not exceed, a critical angle associated with TIRFM illumination.

Abstract: A microscope includes a light source including an LED device having a light radiating surface and a light directing element including a larger coupling-out surface. The light directing element is disposed so as to couple in light radiated by the light source and couple out the radiated light from the coupling-out surface. The light directing element is disposed so that the light is radiated out in an angular range of ±10° to ±50° and illuminates an area at 5 meters in an angular range of at least ±5° with intensity fluctuations of less than 50%. A condenser is disposed between the coupling-out surface of the light directing element and the object to be viewed. The condenser has an aperture with an aperture dimension and is disposed such that the aperture is irradiated completely with the light coupled out from the coupling-out surface.

Abstract: A device in the form of a scanning microscope, a device in the form of a structural unit for a microscope and a method and a device for optically scanning one or more samples. A device in the form of a scanning microscope has a light source (42), which emits an illuminating light beam (32). A focusing lens system (34) focuses the illuminating light beam (32) on a region to be examined of a sample (36). An actuator arrangement moves the focusing lens system (34) according to a prescribed scanning pattern transversely in relation to a center axis of the illuminating light beam (32) and/or in relation to a housing of a structural unit (20) that encloses the focusing lens system (34).

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitted light illumination for light microscopes A diaphragm edge may be variably positioned in the direction of the optical axis, wherein a position of the diaphragm edge in the direction of the optical axis can be varied irrespectively of a position of the diaphragm edge transversely to the optical axis. A separate sample support table may be mounted on a housing. The housing has a passage opening, through which the diaphragm edge can be moved in the direction of the optical axis. A holding device is formed in the region of the passage opening of the housing or on a separate sample support table and a control device is present which is adapted to position the diaphragm edge in dependence at least upon a determined presence of a sample support table.

Abstract: An observation system includes: a container holding unit; a ring illumination, including a light source in a ring shape, arranged in a position opposed to an outer bottom surface of a container so that a central axis of the illumination is aligned to that of a bottom surface of the container held by the container holding unit, when an observation target is observed; a first light-shielding plate in a ring shape, having an inner diameter capable of varying, arranged between the illumination and the container holding unit, and configured to shield light from the illumination; a lens, arranged in a position opposed to an inner bottom surface of the container held by the container holding unit, to observe the observation target; and a second light-shielding plate, having an outer diameter capable of varying, arranged in an internal space of the illumination, and configured to shield light from the illumination.

Abstract: A microscope includes: a first epi-illumination light-source unit to perform fluorescence observation; a second transmitted-illumination light-source unit to perform transmission observation, the second transmitted-illumination light-source unit including a light source provided with a light emitting element that emits excitation light and a fluorescent substance that emits fluorescence upon irradiation with the excitation light; and an incidence limiting section configured to limit an incidence of light on the light source from an outside of the second light source unit during a light-off period of the light emitting element. The incidence limiting section is configured to remove an incidence limitation of the light from the outside while the light emitting element is being lit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for transmitted light illumination for light microscopes, in particular stereo microscopes or macroscopes. The apparatus has a light source for emitting an illuminating light beam, and a holding device for holding a sample to be examined, wherein a deflection device is provided between the light source and the holding device for contrast adjustment, wherein an angle distribution of the illuminating light bundle relative to an optical axis can be varied with the deflection device. The apparatus is characterized in that the deflection device comprises a prism film. The invention also relates to a method for transmitted light illumination for light microscopes and a microscope system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for transmitted light illumination for light microscopes, in particular stereo microscopes or macroscopes, having changing effective entrance pupil of an objective. The apparatus has a light source for emitting an illuminating light beam, a housing, in which the light source is arranged, a holding device for holding a sample to be examined and at least one diaphragm edge for trimming the illuminating light beam, wherein the diaphragm edge extends transversely to an optical axis of a light microscope, which can be positioned in an operating state on the device for transmitted light illumination, and wherein a beam path of the illuminating light between the diaphragm edge and the sample held by the holding device is free from adjustable beam focussing components.

Abstract: A hand-held microscope includes a rigid tripod stand with adjustable legs, a visual display component, an imaging detector and an optical assembly comprising an imaging lens and an objective lens housed within an imaging tube. Multiple illumination sources can be used in the microscope, including LED or laser diode sources. The microscope can also include interchangeable imaging tubes that enable bright field, dark field, fluorescence and other imaging modalities.

Abstract: An illuminating unit that is a part of a microscope for forming an image of a specimen being an observation object, that is located above a stage on which the specimen is placed, and that applies transmitting illumination light to the specimen includes a light source unit including a light source that generates the transmitting illumination light, and a condenser unit that includes a condenser lens for collecting and applying the transmitting illumination light emitted by the light source unit onto the specimen, and that is detachably connected to the light source unit.

Abstract: A microscope apparatus and a microscopic method that uses the microscope apparatus for examining a sample or a specimen, such as but not limited to a tissue sample or a tissue specimen, includes a convex curved distal exit window at a distal end of the microscope apparatus. Due to the presence of the convex curved distal exit window, the microscope apparatus may readily make contact with the sample or the specimen absent trauma to the sample or the specimen. In addition, an index of refraction matched immersion fluid may be used for focusing the microscope apparatus by hydraulic movement of an objective optic lens assembly interior to the distal exit window with respect to the distal exit window. The convex curved distal exit window and index of refraction matched immersion fluid characteristics may be extended to various microscope apparatuses and methods, and in particular medical microscope apparatuses and methods.

Abstract: A micromechanical element includes a plate-shaped micromechanical functional element, an inner frame and an outer frame. Thereby, a curvature of a main face of the plate-shaped micromechanical functional element is variable. The inner frame encloses the plate-shaped micromechanical functional element along an edge of the main face and is connected to the plate-shaped micromechanical functional element via a plurality of connecting pieces. The outer frame is connected to the inner frame via at least two holding elements. The inner frame is connected to the plate-shaped micromechanical functional element and the outer frame, such that a first angle between the main face of the plate-shaped micromechanical functional element and a main face of the inner frame is smaller than a second angle between a main face of the outer frame and the main face of the inner frame, when the main face of the plate-shaped micromechanical functional element is in a bent state.

Abstract: A flat panel light source (100) for a transillumination device of a microscope comprises a plate-shaped light guide (110) having a lower and an upper boundary surface, and at least one lateral surface (113 to 116), and having at least one light-emitting means (120, 122) arranged to radiate light into the light guide (110) from at least two different directions, via at least one lateral surface serving as a light entrance surface, such that the light propagates in the light guide (110) as a result of total reflection, the total reflection being disrupted in defined fashion, by an element (140) abutting against a contact surface at the lower boundary surface of the light guide (110), so that an outcoupling of light occurs on the upper boundary surface of the light guide (110), the planar area of the contact surface being smaller than the planar area of the lower boundary surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting multiple lasers, including a mounting plate configured to receive multiple lasers and including a first side and a second side, wherein the first side and the second side are not coplanar; at least six leg portions, each including a support end; wherein at least three of the leg portions project away from the first side of the mounting plate and at least three of the leg portions project away from the second side of the mounting plate; and wherein the support ends of the leg portions projecting away from the first side are configured to support the mounting plate when the first side is facing in a generally downward direction, and the support ends of the leg portions projecting away from the second side are configured to support the mounting plate when the second side is facing in a generally downward direction.

Abstract: An optical filter 11 is fixed in an optical path in a light generation unit 6 to cut out light in an infrared region. The optical filter 11 do not deviate from the optical path, and infallibly eliminate light in the infrared region which becomes heat radiation. The optical filter 11 cuts out light whose wavelength is longer than a threshold wavelength that is longer than 805 nm and shorter than 815 nm, and eliminates heat radiation in the infrared region, which includes a wavelength (approximately 825 nm) which is substantially a first peak P of the radiant intensity of the xenon lamp 10.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microscope (1), preferably a dental microscope, including a microscope body (15) and a stand (2) formed by a plurality of components to provide a supporting function or to enable positioning of the microscope (1) in the room (11), the microscope body (15) and the stand (2) having cavities (16) therein. It is a feature of the present invention that at least one cavity (16) of the microscope body (15) and/or the stand (2) has a light source (17) provided therein whose light (17a, 17b, 17c) can pass outwardly through passage openings (18, 24, 27).

Abstract: A microscope system includes a stage on which a specimen is placed; an objective lens configured to condense at least observation light from the specimen on the stage; a transmitted illumination optical system configured to irradiate the specimen with transmitted illumination light ejected from a light source, which is illumination light transmitting the specimen; and a microscope body part including a base unit holding the transmitted illumination optical system, a supporting column standing upright from the base unit, and an incident-light illumination optical system provided on the end of a side different from the base unit side of the supporting column and irradiating the specimen with incident-light illumination light which is illumination light ejected from a light source to be reflected on the specimen, wherein the stage and the transmitted illumination optical system are attachable to/detachable from the microscope body part.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus includes a lamp mount including a first mount and a second mount. The first mount has a first cavity to mount an observation module. The second mount has a second cavity to mount an image capture module. The measurement apparatus further includes a plurality of light modules mounted on an undersurface of the lamp mount. The second mount is disposed with an included angle relative to a first axis of the first cavity so that a second axis of the second cavity and the first axis converge on a point. The undersurface of the lamp mount is concave so that light from the light modules tilts toward the first axis, and the light and the first axis also converge on the point.

Abstract: A particle image-capturing method includes controlling a light-emitting diode unit to emit light so as to illuminate a fluid through an annular condenser, particles in which scattering the light, and controlling an image-capturing unit to capture images of the scattered light through a microscope. A micro particle image velocimetry that performs the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An illuminating device for a microscope may include a holder which carries a plurality of lighting units to be positioned in an illuminating target position. It may also include a pivot system with which the holder can be rotated about a pivot axis such that each lighting unit can be positioned selectively in the illuminating target position, wherein the rotational range of the holder about the pivot axis is less than 360°.

Abstract: The automatic adjustment method of a microscopic image for automatically adjusting an image on the basis of the lightness of the microscopic image includes distinguishing an observation pixel being an observation target in the image from a non-observation pixel not being an observation target on the basis of the lightness of each pixel of the image, determining a representative value for representing the lightness of the image on the basis of the lightness of a selection pixel identified as the observation pixel and adjusting the lightness of the image on the basis of the representative value.

Abstract: The invention relates to an illumination device (1) for a microscope (10) utilizing at least one point light source (4) arranged on a carrier element (2), at least one carrier element (2) for receiving at least one point light source (4), and a holder (5) attachable to the microscope (10) and having an arc-shaped guide (6), being provided, the at least one carrier element (2) being mounted displaceably along the guide (6) in a horizontal plane. According to a further aspect, the illumination device (1) comprises a connector element (20) for attaching the illumination device (1) both to a stationary focusing column (12) and to an adjustable focusing arm (11) of a microscope (10).

Abstract: A control system and apparatus for use with an ultra-fast laser is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes a laser, pulse shaper, detection device and control system. A multiphoton intrapulse interference method is used to characterize the spectral phase of laser pulses and to compensate any distortions in an additional aspect of the present invention. In another aspect of the present invention, a system employs multiphoton intrapulse interference phase scan. Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention locates a pulse shaper and/or MIIPS unit between a laser oscillator and an output of a laser amplifier.

Abstract: A microscope, which moves an objective lens along an observation optical axis with respect to a specimen, includes an imaging unit and a supporting unit. The imaging unit has an imaging lens, which is arranged on the observation optical axis and forms an observation image of the specimen, and an imaging element, which is arranged on the observation optical axis and takes the observation image, and is optically connected to the objective lens by a parallel light flux. The supporting unit fixedly supports the imaging unit, and movably supports the objective lens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluorescent microscope and a remote control system thereof. The present invention reduces the size of the fluorescent microscope to facilitate transportation and management and be disposed in a narrow place such as the inside of the incubator or the clean bench, etc. and observes the samples through a remote control, thereby making it possible to improve the user convenience.

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: The disclosure provides a family of microscopes with components or discrete compact devices for illuminating an object with radiation of various spectral ranges suitable for multichannel fluorescence microscopy, so that an object is sequentially illuminated with different excitation spectra of particular fluorescent dyes.

Abstract: A microscope assembly includes an illumination source coupled to an optical assembly by a coupler. The optical assembly includes an objective with optics that move along an optic axis. The illumination source generates a light blade that illuminates a portion of a sample at an illumination plane. The light blade induces a fluorescent emission from the sample that is projected through the objective optics to a detector. The focal plane of the objective optics is fixed with respect to the illumination source by the coupler so that the illumination plane is coincident with the focal plane as the objective optics move along the optic axis. 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 to provide rapid three-dimensional imaging.

Abstract: A microscope includes a main body, a transmitted light source, and a transmitted-light illumination optical system. The main body has a substantially C-shape when viewed from side, and is composed of a lower horizontal portion, an upper horizontal portion, and a brace portion. The brace portion connects between the lower horizontal portion and the upper horizontal portion on their rear side. The transmitted-light illumination optical system brings an illumination light from the transmitted light source to a specimen supported by the main body, and illuminates the specimen with the illumination light transmitted therethrough. The transmitted-light illumination optical system and the transmitted light source are removably attached to the lower horizontal portion of the main body.

Abstract: A microscope image processing method includes applying a computing operation to at least one part of a microscope image, having the following steps: (a) providing the image in the mass storage device, (b) breaking down the microscope image into at least two image segments that can be loaded into the working memory and that have a dimension m, where m?n, (c) for one image segment, determining all pixels that are located in the image segment and in at least one of the partial images, so that a filled image segment results, (d) providing the filled image segment in the working memory, (e) applying the computing operation to the pixels located in the filled image segment so that an image segment result is created, (f) repeating steps (c), (d), and (e) for all image segments, and (g) combining all image segment results to create an overall result.

Abstract: An unit for switchable arranging an arbitrary optical element on an optical path of fluorescence from among a plurality of types of the optical elements that transmit an excitation beam for exciting a sample and fluorescence emitted from the sample; an unit for picking up the observation image via the optical element arranged; and an unit for determining a type of the optical element arranged on the basis of the observation image picked up are prepared in order to provide a microscope image processing device, a program product, a program transmission medium and a method are provided, by which an optical element such as a fluorescence cube set on a fluorescence microscope can be identified on the basis of a detection result of an image pick up device that picks up an image of a sample to be observed by using the fluorescence microscope.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical microscope having a microscope main objective for the visualization of an object plane in an object region. The objective is passed through by a first stereoscopic component beam path and by a second stereoscopic component beam path. The ophthalmologic surgical microscope includes an adjustable illuminating arrangement which makes illuminating light available. The illuminating arrangement has an illuminating optic having a beam deflecting unit which is mounted on the side of the objective facing away from the object region in order to direct the illuminating light through the objective to the object region. In a first position of the illuminating arrangement, the illuminating light passes through the cross sectional area of the objective in an area section, which at least partially surrounds the optical axis of the first stereoscopic component beam path and/or the optical axis of the second stereoscopic component beam path.

Abstract: A surgical microscope has an illuminating arrangement for illuminating light in an operating region to be examined with the surgical microscope. The arrangement contains a high-power light source which includes an intensity adjusting device. The device makes possible an adjustment of the intensity of the illuminating light, which is guided to the object region, between a maximum value and a minimum value. The microscope has a control unit for the illuminating arrangement which includes an operator-controlled module via which the illuminating arrangement can be activated and controlled. For adjusting the intensity of the illuminating light guided to the operating region, the control unit coacts with the adjustable filter unit. A signal generator outputs a warning signal when an intensity of the illuminating light is adjusted via the operator-controlled module which exceeds the safety limit value stored in a memory.

Abstract: An optical microscope, which has a light source, for observing a sample by illuminating light from the light source on the sample includes a second light source that is different from the light source and is insertable/removable in/from the optical path of the optical microscope. The second light source is configured to have the peak of an emission spectrum only in a wavelength range of 400 to 490 nm.

Abstract: A microscope for observing an object selectably using the bright-field transmitted light contrast procedure or the incident-light fluorescence contrast procedure. During the bright-field transmitted light contrast procedure, an illumination beam path is directed from a bright-field light source to the object and an imaging beam path is directed from the object through the microscope objective into the microscope tube, which includes a fluorescence unit that includes a fluorescence excitation light source, an illumination optical system, a filter set having at least one excitation filter and at least one emission filter, as well as a beamsplitter. The fluorescence unit is mounted movably, so that in a first end position of movement the beamsplitter and the emission filter are out of the imaging beam path of the microscope and in a second end position of movement they are in the imaging beam path between the microscope objective and the microscope tube.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope has a video-scope with an image sensor, a light source, a signal reading processor, a shading member, a driver, and a driving controller. The signal reading processor alternately reads odd-line image-pixel signals and even-line image-pixel signals over one-frame reading interval, when forming a still image on the basis of one frame worth of image-pixel signals generated by a one-time exposure. The shading member blocks the illuminating light. The driver selectively arranges the shading member at a non-shading position that enable the illuminating light to pass and at a shading position that blocks the light. The driving controller controls the driver by a sequence of pulse signals so as to position the shading member at the shading position for a shading-interval in the one-frame reading interval, and so as to position the shading member at the non-shading position for a remaining reading-interval.

Abstract: A TIRF illumination having a high axial resolution at low complexity. A TIRF illumination device is designed as a module and comprises an optical fiber and a collimating optic, wherein the collimating optic is mounted in front of a light discharge opening of the optical fiber, such that it collimates light exiting divergently from the optical fiber into a parallel light bundle, such that the excitation light can be applied to a sample outside of the detection beam path. The numerical aperture of the excitation is thus decoupled from the numerical aperture of detection, such that a standard microscope objective is sufficient for detection.

Abstract: Three or more devices can be connected to a microscope and can be used simultaneously. Provided is a microscope connecting unit including a microscope connection port that is connected to a microscope used to observe a sample; three or more unit connection ports to which a stimulating unit that irradiates the sample with light or a confocal observation unit or an image capturing unit that detects light generated at the sample is connectable; and two or more light-path combining units that are disposed between the microscope connecting port and the unit connection ports and that combine light paths optically connecting the microscope with the confocal observation unit, the stimulating unit, and the image capturing unit.

Abstract: A surgical microscope (100) is especially suited for use in neurosurgery. The surgical microscope has an illuminating arrangement (101) for making available illuminating light in an operating region (117) to be examined with the surgical microscope (100). The illuminating arrangement (101) contains a high-power light source (102) which includes an intensity adjusting device (112). The intensity adjusting device (112) makes possible to adjust the intensity of the illuminating light (116), which is guided to the object region (117), between a maximum value and a minimum value. The surgical microscope (100) has a control unit (170) for the illuminating arrangement (101) which includes an operator-controlled module (172) via which the illuminating arrangement (101) can be activated and controlled. For adjusting the intensity of the illuminating light (116) guided to the operating region (117), the control unit coacts with the adjustable filter unit (112).

Abstract: A microscope stand for holding an optical and/or opto-electronical (e.g. video) observation system is mechanically connected to a microscope base, such as a basis plate, feet or rack or the like. In at least one embodiment, the microscope stand is made in two parts, the first part being provided for holding the observation system, and the second part is substantially positively connected to the first part. This second part includes at least one, preferably shaft-like, cavity, in which at least one electric or electronic component, which is preferably either an electric illumination system for the object to be examined by way of the observation system (in this respect the illumination system forms part of the observation system) and/or of an electronic camera system.

Abstract: A microscope includes a microscope basis for placing the microscope onto a surface, e.g. of a working table, a microscope pillar, which stands on the basis and extends substantially in upright direction, a support arm on the pillar, which projects from it and can be adjusted in height from the basis and supports an optical or opto-electrical observing system. The support arm has substantially light-tight walls, which surround at least one cavity. This cavity is located between the optical system and a region that is at least near the microscope pillar. In at least one embodiment, the at least one component is located within the cavity and includes an internal light source. There is a plug-in and holding system for the energy guide, which is either light energy and/or electrical energy.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus includes a lamp mount including a first mount and a second mount. The first mount has a first cavity to mount an observation module. The second mount has a second cavity to mount an image capture module. The measurement apparatus further includes a plurality of light modules mounted on an undersurface of the lamp mount. The second mount is disposed with an included angle relative to a first axis of the first cavity so that a second axis of the second cavity and the first axis converge on a point. The undersurface of the lamp mount is concave so that light from the light modules tilts toward the first axis, and the light and the first axis also converge on the point.

Abstract: A surgical microscope (100) has an illuminating module (120). The illuminating module contains an illuminating optic which images a field diaphragm (124) to a parallel illuminating beam path at infinity. The field diaphragm (124) is illuminated by a light source. The illuminating optic includes a first lens assembly and a second lens assembly which functions to image the field diaphragm (124) into the object region (108) via the microscope main objective (101) of the surgical microscope (100). An in-coupling element (128) is provided between the first lens assembly (125) and the second lens assembly (126) and this in-coupling element couples the OCT-scanning beam into the illuminating beam.

Abstract: The size and production costs of an optical microscope apparatus capable of blocking light or maintaining the specimen environment are reduced. The provided optical microscope apparatus includes a microscope that has a stage for mounting a specimen (A), a transmission-illumination optical system, and a detection optical system; and a housing that surrounds the microscope, wherein the housing includes a fixed housing, and a movable housing, wherein, among optical parts constituting the transmission-illumination optical system and the image-forming optical system, at least some optical parts disposed above the stage are movable, and wherein a switching mechanism is provided, the switching mechanism being configured to retract the optical parts away from above the stage when the movable housing is disposed in an open position relative to the fixed housing and to substantially align the optical axes of both optical systems when the movable housing is disposed in a closed position relative to the fixed housing.

Abstract: A sample slide, launch system, and method for microscopy having two optical fibers positioned proximate a sample slide with optical fiber mounting elements to deliver EMR to a surface of the sample slide at a critical angle for total internal reflection microscopy. In one exemplary embodiment, the EMR from the first optical fiber and the EMR from the second optical fiber may have different polarization states and/or wavelengths.

Abstract: A microscope includes a base having thereon first optics that image a region that includes a location for a specimen. A method and apparatus involve: removably supporting on the base an illumination module that includes a source of radiation and second optics; and delivering radiation from the source to the location utilizing optical structure embodied entirely within the second optics, including directing radiation traveling from the source to the location through a lens that is part of the second optics.