Abstract: A kit (11) is described for the detection of characteristics and parameters of body fluids such as saliva, urine and cervical mucus for the purposes of studying and identifying fertility periods in women, comprising a set of flat plate-shaped supports (3) for samples of said body fluids (F) and a viewer (1) provided with enlargement means, characterized in that each of said flat plate-shape supports (3) for body fluid (F) presents a shallow basin or trap (3p) with a convex bottom entirely surrounded by a raised rim (3r), and is equipped with locking fins (3t) suitable for coupling with structural elements present on said viewer (1) so that it is irreversibly locked onto the latter in a desired relative posititon.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic component-recognizing device for taking an image of an electronic component brought to a component-sensing station, for recognition thereof. The component-sensing camera takes the image of the electronic component by utilizing reflected light from the electronic component. A lighting mechanism lights the electronic component. The lighting mechanism comprises a light-guiding element, a ring light guide, and a light source. The light-guiding element is arranged annularly such that the light-guiding element can diffuse illumination light and emit the diffused illumination light toward the electronic component obliquely from below. The ring light guide holds the light-guiding element. A light source supplies the illumination light to the light-guiding element.

Abstract: There is disclosed a microscope focusing apparatus comprising a light illuminator, an objective lens, an observation tube, a holder which holds these, a focusing main body including a focusing movable portion which linearly and vertically moves, and an attaching portion, formed in the focusing movable portion, which fixes the holder, wherein the holder comprises a first holder including a first support, the first support disposed on an observation optical axis, which supports the light illuminator, and a second holder including a second support, the second support disposed outside the observation optical axis, which supports the light illuminator, and one of the first and second holders can be selectively attached to the attaching portion.

Abstract: The automated microscope system (30) comprises a box in which at least one control and power supply unit (34) is installed. The box is arranged physically separately from the microscope stand (32) and is connected to the microscope stand (32) with a cable (38). In one exemplary embodiment, a computer unit (36) is connected to the box that contains at least one control and power supply unit (34).

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 microscope (10) having an improved light source assembly (40) that provides sufficient illumination for sophisticated microscopic applications while requiring so little power that it may be operated with a small, rechargeable battery pack (46) that provides over 40 hours of continuous operation from a single charge. The light source assembly (40) has a bulb life of approximately 100,000 hours and operates at temperatures significantly below the operating temperatures of conventional microscope bulbs.

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 unit of the present invention comprises various optical units relating to a plurality of different microscopic methods, a revolver for an objective lens, to which at least one objective lens is attached, a focusing mechanism which moves the revolver for the objective lens in a direction of an optical axis and focuses the objective lens selectively inserted onto the optical axis, an illumination light source, electromotive actuators which are individually disposed on the various optical units, the revolver for the objective lens, and the focusing mechanism and in which an electromotive control can be carried out, one microscope observation tube in which the various optical units, the revolver for the objective lens, and the focusing mechanism are integrally incorporated, and an attachment portion which is disposed on the microscope observation tube and which is attachable/detachable with respect to supports of various test apparatuses.

Abstract: A scanning microscope has a light source that generates a light beam for illumination of a specimen, and has a beam deflection device with which the light beam can be guided over the specimen. The beam deflection device contains at least one rotatable unit having at least one reflecting mirror. A compensation element that executes a motion equal and opposite to that of the rotatable unit is arranged in such a way that it at least partially compensates for the moment of inertia of the rotatable unit.

Abstract: A computer microscope system having a housing, imager circuit including an imaging device and support circuits, and optical unit is coupled to a computer system running a microscope control program to provide convenient imaging of objects at one or more magnification levels. The microscope control program provides control and user interface between the microscope, computer hardware and the user, thus allowing for easy Manipulation of the microscope (and the images generated) by the user.

Abstract: This invention serves to solve the problem of the large irradiation angle upon an observation target of an inclined illuminator type medical binocular microscope, and the problem of structural complexity and light attenuation of a coaxial illuminator type microscope.

Abstract: A microscope (10) having an improved light source assembly (40) that provides sufficient illumination for sophisticated microscopic applications while requiring so little power that it may be operated with a small, rechargeable battery pack (46) that provides over 40 hours of continuous operation from a single charge. The light source assembly (40) has a bulb life of approximately 100,000 hours and operates at temperatures significantly below the operating temperatures of conventional microscope bulbs.

Abstract: An optical injection system for use in conjunction with a microscope having a turret supporting an objective having an optical path is provided. The optical injection system includes a dichroic mirror disposed between the turret and the objective, along the optical path. A collimating lens is further provided having an optical path directed to intersect the dichroic mirror. A laser source is positioned to project a laser beam through the collimating lens and along the collimating lens optical path. The laser can be used in conjunction with the microscope for a number of microsurgery applications. A method for calculating and displaying the isothermal contours of the energy produced by a laser in a sample is also provided.

Abstract: Stand arrangement, in particular for medical examining and surgical microscopes, having a support foot (1), an upper part (2a), which can be rotated with respect to the support foot (2) about a vertical axis (A), and a boom (3), mounted pivotably thereon, for holding the microscope (9). The lamp housing (11) is arranged on a carrier (10) connected to the boom (3) and thereby serves to balance the stand.

Abstract: A scanning optical microscope using a wavefront converting element suffers minimum off-axis performance degradation and allows the wavefront converting element to be controlled by a simple method. Further, a pupil relay optical system is simple in arrangement or unnecessary. A laser scanning microscope includes a laser oscillator 6 and a wavefront converting element 5 for applying a desired wavefront conversion to a laser beam 15 emitted from the laser oscillator 6. An objective 7 collects a wavefront-converted approximately parallel laser beam 17 emerging from the wavefront converting element 5 onto a sample 9. A detector 29 detects signal light emitted from the sample 9. An actuator 8 scans the objective 7 along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

Abstract: An epi-illumination interference attachment according to Mirau that can be mounted onto the objective (1) of a microscope as a two-ray interference attachment module (12). The attachment has a reference mirror (6) and several beam splitters (8a-8d) which are affixed on a carrier such as turret plate (7). The beam splitters (8a-8d) show specific reflection/transmission characteristics (R/T values), especially 20/80, 35/65, 43/57, and 50/50. The reference mirror (6) shows, for instance a reflection value of 85 percent. With the installation according to this invention, objects (4) with very different reflection values can be observed and measured without any contrast problems.

Abstract: The invention refers to a setting module for an illumination apparatus (2) of an optical instrument (1), in particular of a microscope, in which the illumination apparatus (2) comprises a light source (4), an illuminating optical system, and positioning elements (7, 8, 9, 16) with which the position of the light source (4) and/or of the illuminating optical system within the illumination apparatus (2) can be modified. The setting module (17) comprises a module housing (18) having at least one drive device (19, 20, 21, 22) and coupling members (27, 28, 29, 30) for the transfer of a drive motion to the positioning elements (7, 8, 9, 16).

Abstract: A microscope frame structure having a front brace for added stability and having a dual plate structure. The front brace is rigidly coupled to the front ends of an upper portion and a base portion. The upper portion then carries optical elements such as a camera for instance. In effect, the optical elements thus reside on a bridge structure, with substantially the same structural support at both ends of the bridge. The arrangement is particularly useful in automated specimen imaging and analysis systems. The dual frame is composed of an upper plate, which supports a sample, a lower plate which contacts an elevating screw, and a spacer post in between the upper plate and lower plate. This configuration allows for more stable movement of samples.

Abstract: A microscope having a mirror for deflecting light from an illumination light source in a direction of an objective lens and illuminating a specimen via a condenser lens disposed above the mirror includes a stage support which is mounted on the upper surface of a base portion to permanently hold a stage, on which a specimen is placed, with respect to the optical axis direction of the objective lens, a condenser body mounted on the upper surface of the base portion, a condenser lens holding member for holding the condenser body, an elevating mechanism for vertically moving the condenser lens holding member, and a focusing mechanism for moving the objective lens in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: An optical attachment unit is described which can be inserted reversibly into the detection light path of a confocal optical microscope, which has the effect of modifying the magnification of the specimen at the level of the detector iris. This modification consists in the preferred form of a demagnification, so that high sensitivity is obtained at the expense of confocal function, as is required for multiphoton imaging and other purposes. No optical telescope or other imaging system used for confocal function is disturbed or removed by the operation of inserting the unit, so that the confocal function can be restored reproducibly and rapidly.

Abstract: An apparatus for an object in an ultramicropore space has a lens system so that an incidence point P with the diameter in a range from 0.3 to 0.7 mm comes to a position in a range of 12 to 17 mm away from the front side of an object lens 30. At the same time a reflection mirror 15 is positioned with a reflection mirror mounting member 8 formed with the V-shaped form in front of the object lens 30 and a reflection mirror holding frame 8 at the position of the incidence point. This arrangement is useful fir example to observe a soldered section 52 of an IC chip 50 by inserting this reflection mirror 15 into the ultramicropore space.

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 improved DMD type spatial light modulator having an array of pixels (18). The pixels (18) are of the “hidden hinge” design, each pixel having a mirror (30) supported over a hinged yoke (32). Addressing electrodes (26, 28) on an underlying metallization layer and addressing electrodes (50, 52) at the yoke level provide electrostatic forces that cause the mirrors to tilt and then to return to their flat state. The pixels (18) are designed to provide increased clearance between the leading edge of the yoke (32) and the underlying metallization layer when the mirrors (30) are tilted. Various features of the improved pixel (18) also improve the contrast ratio of images generated by the DMD.

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 pattern reading apparatus for reading a pattern from a reflective object or a transparent object. The pattern reading apparatus includes a minute-area light source, an objective lens system, an imaging lens, and an imaging element. The objective lens system causes the illumination light beam from the light source to be incident on the object and converges the light beam reflected from or transmitted through the object. The imaging lens forms an image of the object using only a scattered component of light which has been reflected from or which has passed through the object. The imaging element is disposed at a position where the image of the pattern is imaged for reading the pattern. In particular, light that forms an image of the light source is prevented from reaching the imaging element. In the case of a reflective object, ghosting light due to a reflection from a surface of the objective lens is prevented from reaching the imaging element.

Abstract: An upright microscope comprises a microscope main body constituted of a base unit and a stand unit extending upright from the rear end of the base unit. An observation optical system comprising an objective lens and an eyepiece lens is provided at the microscope main body. A stage on which a test piece is placed is assembled into an elevator unit which is caused to move up and down by focusing knobs as an integrated part. The test piece is illuminated by a lamp from below the stage. A recessed portion is formed at the base unit and the lamp is disposed at the recessed portion. The lamp is concealed by a lid member that is attached/detached by sliding over the recessed portion. When the lid member is slid and moved off the base unit, the lamp becomes exposed. As a result, the lamp can be replaced easily.

Abstract: A fluorescent microscope to observe a specimen dyed with a plurality of fluorescent dyes comprises a first filter which selectively transmitting light from a light source, a dichroic mirror which leads an light transmitting the first filter to the specimen and transmits fluorescence from the specimen, a second filter which selectively transmitting fluorescence from the specimen, a changing section to change at least one transmitting wavelength bands of the first filter and the second filter, a detection section to detect the wavelength selected by the changing section, an imaging element which images an image of the specimen, and an identification section to identify a kind and the position of the fluorescent dyes with which the specimen is dyed based on a wavelength data obtained from the detection section before and after a change in the transmitting wavelength band by the wavelength change section and a change in the image according to a change in the transmitting wavelength band.

Abstract: An optical element switching device capable of quickly and reliably switching among optical elements. The optical element switching device includes a fixed guide section mounted on a housing, and a movable guide section mounted movably relative to the fixed guide section and provided with more than three optical elements. By moving the movable guide section, one of the optical elements is selectively inserted into the optical path. The optical element switching device further includes a restricting mechanism for limiting the number of optical elements which can be inserted into the optical path by restricting the movement of the movable guide section.

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: The present invention relates to a system for determining the alignment of an object, whose image is to be recorded, with a coupling eyepiece and an image capture apparatus that defines an image plane (Pi), comprising: an image capture apparatus (2) equipped with the ability for adjusting its own position; a light source (1) that emits at least two non-focused luminous dots (1a, 1b); eyepiece coupling lens(es) or element(s) (3) that focus on an object plane (Po); an opaque mask (4) that is perforated with at least two holes (5a, 5b) and that is positioned in front of light source (1) such that it transmits at least part of the light emitted by the light source; and calculating mechanism for determining whether alignment exists and, in the case of non-alignment, for quantifying the non-alignment.

Abstract: An inverted microscope having a variable stage position, a compact size, excellent operability, and low cost. The inverted microscope includes a detachable stage unit to support a stage on which a specimen is positioned and to support an objective lens facing the specimen. A microscope housing supports the stage, and includes an imaging lens positioned to image a parallel light beam from the objective lens. An observation unit is positioned on the microscope housing to observe the image formed by the imaging lens. An illumination unit, positioned between the microscope housing and the stage unit, irradiates light having a predetermined wavelength toward the specimen, and includes a fluorescent light unit. The illumination unit is detachably mounted to the microscope housing, and the stage unit is detachably mounted to the illumination unit, and a height of the stage with respect to the microscope housing is variable.

Abstract: An apparatus for observing an object comprises an illumination optical system for illuminating an object to be observed with visible light, an observing optical system for observing the object positioned within a visual field illuminated by the illumination optical system, an index projecting optical system for projecting index for focus, the optical system having projecting luminous flux of wavelength at least a part of which is common with the wavelength of illumination luminous flux of the illuminating optical system, device for restricting luminous flux of index by intermittently projecting index light from the index projecting optical system, each projecting time being set so that no photogene occur in an examiner's eye, device for restricting luminous flux of illumination by intermittently conducting illumination by the illuminating optical system when index projection is not conducted, and by restricting the time of not conducting illumination to a time not recognized by the examiner, and device for de

Abstract: A microscope condenser with a condenser head, with the condenser being fastened to a microscope stand in a manner which allows it to move. A holding device for a glass container filled with a liquid is arranged above the condenser head. A living sample or cell for examination is arranged in the glass container. The microscope condenser in this case has a catch pan for liquid that has overflowed.

Abstract: An observation lens barrel for use in a microscope, comprising a main body for receiving a light beam applied from the microscope and including an image to be observed, an observation optical system provided in the main body and extending at right angles to a direction in which the light beam from the microscope is focused, and optical elements provided in the main body, for receiving the light beam from the microscope and emitting a light beam to the observation optical system. The main body has a first port and a second port. The first port is provided on a side opposing the microscope, with the optical elements located between the first port and the microscope. The second port is provided on a side opposing the observation optical system, with the optical elements located between the second port and the observation optical system.

Abstract: A low magnification, high resolution macroscope. The macroscope includes a body section, a stage for supporting a specimen, and a lens system including an objective lens assembly having a diameter greater than 22 mm. for forming an enlarged, intermediate image of the specimen on the stage. The macroscope also includes an eyepiece for forming a further enlarged, focused image of the specimen. Preferably, the macroscope further includes an illumination system for illuminating the specimen, and this illumination system includes a light source and a mirror. The mirror directs light from the light source, through the objective lens assembly and onto the specimen, and this mirror has a diameter larger than the diameter of the objective lens assembly. With this arrangement, the mirror directs light onto the entire horizontal cross-sectional area of the objective lens assembly, and also the mirror does not restrict the size of the image of the specimen transmitted from the objective lens assembly.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for an optical instrument includes an illumination section for outputting illumination light, and a lens made of rubber and arranged on the optical path of the illumination light output from the illumination section.

Abstract: An optical microscope has an illuminator from which light emanates to illuminate an object under examination, and an auxiliary magnifying lens unit which magnifies an image of the object formed by the light reflecting from the object. A reflective cover is connected to the bottom of the ocular lens unit of the microscope. An auxiliary magnifying unit, made up of the auxiliary magnifying lens mounted in a casing, is disposed within the reflective cover adjacent the bottom of the ocular lens unit. The illuminator is located between the reflective cover and the casing of the auxiliary magnifying unit. The auxiliary magnifying lens is thus shielded from the illuminator. The light emitted from the illuminator is prevented from propagating directly to the auxiliary magnifying lens (along any straight line from the illuminator) or indirectly to the auxiliary magnifying lens via reflection from the inner wall of the reflective cover. Accordingly, a clear image of the object is produced.

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 dye laser assembly for attaching to an optical microscope.

Abstract: An internal lighting device for a video microscope system coupled to a video machine, such as a video presenter, that can be used to observe an object. The internal lighting device uses a source mounted in the video machine or on a video microscope, and comprises a light source for projecting a predetermined amount of light and a light transmitter for projecting the light emitted from the light source part to an object to be observed using the video microscope system.

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 illumination system and method for 3-D viewing and increasing resolution, sharpness, depth of field, and perception of depth for a light microscope including an objective lens having an optical axis, wherein one or more illuminating light beams are focused onto the specimen via paths that include the objective lens and are not coincident with the objective lens optical axis, and reflection beams follow paths that include the objective lens.

Abstract: A system to obtain a high resolution image of a relatively large sample (11) for viewing by a researcher includes a rectangular holder (20) that receives a microscope slide (10) and which includes a glass filter (40) that reduces the amount of illumination of the sample without reducing the Kelvin light temperature, and a scanner (22) that receives the holder (20) and produces electrical signals which are fed to the hard drive of a computer (23) where a high resolution image of the sample is displayed on the monitor (24). One embodiment of the invention (FIGS. 5-8) utilizes a separate high intensity light source (60A) for the scanner (22A) for illuminating opposed surfaces of the slide (10A ), and a fiber optic light pipe (66A) connects the high intensity light source to the holder (20A ) within the scanner (22A ).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for reading an identification mark on a semi-conductor wafer. The wafer includes a marking area which bears a relief mark. The marking area is illuminated by a segmented light source and is viewed by a viewing device. The viewing device sees a dark segment and an adjacent lighted segment which preferably surrounds the dark segment, and the mark appears as a light image in the dark segment. Preferably the segmented light source is a diffuse light source with an opaque patch at its center. The method is particularly effective for reading soft marks with low profiles.

Abstract: A polarizing accessory system for use with a microscope. The microscope comprises an optical tube having a eye-piece lens and an objective lens, a stage having an aperture therein, and a light conveying rod arranged to covey light through the aperture to the objective lens and the eye-piece lens. The accessory system comprises a first, tray-like polarizing unit arranged to be disposed on the microscope stage over the aperture, and a second, cup-shaped polarizing unit arranged to be releasably mounted over the eye-piece lens. Each polarizing unit includes a planar polarizing filter or film mounted therein. The tray-like unit comprises a peripheral planar frame defining a central window in which a first polarizing filter element is located. The central window forms a support surface for two, conventional specimen-holding slides disposed in a side-by-side array. The width of the window is equal to the width of the slides to hold them securely in place thereon.

Abstract: An optical system switching apparatus for a reflected fluorescence microscope including a first turret having a plurality of first windows which are formed at an equal distance from a rotation center axis and on which absorption filters are mounted, a second turret having a plurality of second windows which are formed at an equal distance from the rotation center axis and on which excitation filters are mounted, a third turret having a plurality of mounting portions which are formed at an equal distance from the third rotation center axis and on which dichroic mirrors are mounted. The first to third turrets are assembled to be rotatable independently of each other, for optically aligning an arbitrary one of the excitation filters an arbitrary one of the dichroic mirrors, and an arbitrary one of the absorption filters at respective rotational positions.

Abstract: The microscope stand foot serves to accommodate an illumination device having optical components and having an aperture diaphragm and field diaphragm. The latter are assembled in a cylindrical tube held by a carrier, the tube being able to be fastened in the stand foot as a prefabricated unit. In this way, the assembly of the illumination device is simplified. When fastening the carrier in the stand foot, the tube rests under tension on mating surfaces, as a result of which an adjustment of the tube and thus of the optical components is dispensed with.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained, easy-to-use and readily portable apparatus which can be carried in a woman's purse or pocket for determining the period of maximum fertility. The apparatus includes a hollow housing that sealably contains a small magnifying system, a saliva specimen slide and an internal switch operated illuminating system for illuminating the saliva slide. The small magnifying system is used to closely view patters formed on the specimen slide by the saliva after it has dried and crystallized on the slide. The patterns are then compared with standard comparison patterns to determine the woman's present ability to conceive.

Abstract: A microscopy system designed to achieve upwards of 12,000.times. magnification with simultaneous high resolution of better than 0.3 microns and over 30 microns depth-of-field. The microscopy system utilizes a conventional research microscope having a plurality of objective magnification lenses that produce the initial magnification with acceptable limits of high resolution and depth-of-field. A projection housing is combined with the research microscope in a unique manner where it receives the initial magnification and greatly increases that magnification while still maintaining the high resolution and depth-of-field obtained during the initial magnification. A light source used to illuminate the specimen platform from its underside is located remotely therefrom and connected by a fiber optic cable to a condensing lens positioned beneath the specimen platform. This allows for high intensity lighting of the specimen while keeping it away form the detrimental heat of the source of high intensity light.

Abstract: An illumination system and method for releasing resolution, sharpness, depth of field, and perception of depth for a light microscope including an objective lens having an optical axis, wherein one or more illuminating light beams are directed onto the specimen via paths that include the objective lens and are not coincident with the objective lens optical axis, and reflection beams include the objective lens.