Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to a lens structure, which includes a mounting seat, a sliding carriage, a lens cover, and at least one elastic member, wherein the mounting seat has a first through-hole formed thereon and defines two operating positions, the sliding carriage slidably coupled to the mounting seat and having a second through-hole formed thereon, wherein the second through-hole corresponds to the first through-hole in one operating position, the lens cover arranged on the sliding carriage and having a plurality of heat-dissipating holes formed thereon in correspondence with the second through-hole, one end of the elastic member fixed to the mounting seat, and the other end of the elastic member fixed to the sliding carriage, wherein the sliding carriage is urged to move a predetermined distance form one operating position, the elastic member provides resilient force to drive the sliding carriage to another operating position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a holding apparatus for holding an optical element with an edge whose thickness increases or decreases inwardly, the apparatus including a barrel having an internal diameter larger than an external diameter of the optical element, a support configured to support and position the optical element relative to the barrel via a first surface of the edge in a direction of an axis of the barrel, and a restriction device including a regulation member which faces a second surface of the edge opposite to the first surface in the direction of the axis, is apart from the second surface if an amount of decentering of the optical element is less than a predetermined amount within a tolerance, and contacts with the second surface if the amount of decentering reaches the predetermined amount, and configured to restrict decentering of the optical element.

Abstract: A positioning mechanism for aligning an optical device and an image sensor is disclosed. The positioning mechanism includes a base operable with a support for an image sensor, a tube operable with an optical device, and an adjuster disposed between the base and the tube. In one aspect, the adjuster is positionable relative to the base in a translational degree of freedom and two rotational degrees of freedom. In another aspect, the tube is positionable relative to the adjuster in two translational degrees of freedom, and a rotational degree of freedom.

Abstract: An optical device includes a soft polymer film having a first and second surface. A first compliant electrode is connected to the first surface and a second compliant electrode is connected to the second surface. A rigid optical element is connected on the first and/or second surface or integrated into the polymer film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monolithic optical mount, which is divided by a plurality of cutouts into a stationary outer mount ring, a laterally adjustable inner mount ring, and manipulator units that are arranged with uniform offset from each other and formed by the remaining material connections. The cutouts have a uniform constant width and can therefore advantageously be produced by milling. The manipulator units have a simple geometrical design in the form of T- or L-shaped webs.

Abstract: An image stabilizing apparatus comprises: a base; a first frame that is movably coupled to the base in a first direction; a first vibration axis that is disposed on the base and extended along the first direction to movably support the first frame in the first direction; a first vibration unit that vibrates the first vibration axis; a first sensing unit that senses a position variation of the first frame; a second frame that is movably coupled to the first frame in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction; a lens coupled to the second frame; a second vibration axis that is disposed on the first frame and extended along the second direction to movably support the second frame along the second direction; a second vibration unit that vibrates the second vibration axis; and a second sensing unit for sensing a position variation of the second frame.

Abstract: A projector includes: a display device which modulates illumination light; a projection lens which projects modulation light produced by the display device; and a holding device which has a holder member supporting the display device, a frame member supporting the projection lens and functions as a base capable of supporting the holder member, and an expanding and contracting member disposed between the frame member and the display device, wherein a temperature coefficient for the expansion and contraction of the expanding and contracting member in the direction of the optical axis of the projection lens corresponds to a temperature coefficient for the increase and decrease of the focal distance of the projection lens.

Abstract: A voice coil motor includes a stationary magnetic field generator having a supporting frame, a moveable magnetic field generator, a case and a double sided adhesive layer. The supporting frame defines a first receiving space receiving the moveable magnetic field generator. The moveable magnetic field generator defines a second receiving space. The case encloses the stationary magnetic field generator, the moveable magnetic field generator and the double sided adhesive layer and includes a bottom plate and side plates. The bottom plate includes a first surface and a second surface facing away the first surface. The side plates extend from the second surface. The bottom plate defines a through hole. A diameter of the through hole is smaller than that of the second receiving space. The double sided adhesive layer is entirely covering the second face.

Abstract: A central position detection section has a detection width in which the central position has a median value along one axial direction. When the direction from a position, which is located at the time at which returning is started toward the central position is defined as a go direction, the control section commands that a drive mechanism should sequentially perform following operations: a first operation of driving a the projection lens assembly in the go direction; a second operation of allowing the projection lens assembly to travel in a return direction at least by the detection width; and a third operation of allowing the projection lens assembly to travel in the detection width in the go direction by ½ of the detection width traveled in the go direction.

Abstract: A lens barrel is provided that includes a zoom optical system, a zooming unit, and a light adjusting mechanism. The zoom optical system is configured to form an optical image of a subject and includes a first, a second, and a third lens group. The third lens group is movable and configured to move the optical image. The zooming unit causes the zoom optical system to perform a zooming operation. The light adjusting mechanism is configured to adjust the light passing through the zoom optical system. The lens barrel is configured to change between an imaging state and a retracted state. In the imaging state, the zooming operation is performed, and the first, the second, and the third lens groups are in alignment. During the zooming operation, the second lens group moves integrally with the third lens group along the optical axis, and the light adjusting mechanism and the second lens group move independently of one another along the same axial direction.

Abstract: A position controller for an image stabilizing optical element in an optical system includes an advancing/retracting frame which holds part of the optical system, a main actuator, an anti shake movable frame supported by the advancing/retracting frame, an anti shake drive actuator, an insertable/removable frame which holds the image stabilizing optical element and is supported by the anti shake movable frame, a removal drive mechanism which engages with the insertable/removable frame and moves the insertable/removable frame from an insertion position to a removed position, and a controller. Upon an inputter inputting a lens accommodating drive signal to the controller, the controller switches the anti shake drive actuator to a non driving state before moving the insertable/removable frame to the removed position by moving the advancing/retracting frame toward the accommodated position.

Abstract: In a retractable lens barrel, during imaging, when a drive unit is driven accompanying the extension of the retractable lens barrel, a first lens and a second lens are moved along the optical axis to maintain a given interval between the first lens and the second lens, a rotating member rotates in a given direction and rotates centered about a line parallel to the optical axis, whereby a first optical element is inserted onto the optical axis. The second lens is moved such that a second optical element remains positioned on the optical axis. In this state, the entrance of outside light, which can cause image formation to be negatively affected, is prevented by the rotating member and a base member. Thus, light entering the inside of the retractable lens barrel is limited to the light transmitted by the first optical element and necessary for image formation.

Abstract: A lens apparatus includes a first lens unit and a second lens unit each of which is configured to move in an optical axis direction, a first cam tube that includes a first cam part and a second cam part respectively on an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface and moves the first and second lens units respectively in the optical axis direction using the first and second cam parts as the first cam tube rotates around an optical axis, and a linearly moving guide tube that is arranged on an inner circumferential side of the first cam tube and configured to guide the first and second lens units in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: In an imaging apparatus, during an utilization state, optical elements and an image sensor are arranged on the same optical axis. During a retracted state, the optical elements in include at least one optical element that is moved from an optical axis position on the optical axis to a first retraction position that differs from the optical axis position; the image sensor is moved from the optical axis position to a second retraction position that differs from the first retraction position; and the moved optical element and the image sensor are arranged such that at least one portion of the move optical element and of the image sensor overlap in a plane substantially orthogonal to the optical axis.

Abstract: A replacement apparatus for an optical element mounted between two adjacent optical elements in a lithography objective has a holder for the optical element to be replaced, which holder can be moved into the lithography objective through a lateral opening in a housing of the same.

Abstract: A voice coil motor includes a case, a moving barrel, magnetic elements, a lower plate, an elastic plate, a first and a second coil assemblies. The case includes an upper plate and a sidewall extending downward from peripheral edges of the upper plate. The upper plate and the sidewall cooperatively define a receiving room. The moving barrel is received in the receiving room. The magnetic elements are received in the receiving room and surround the moving barrel. The lower plate is positioned on one end of the sidewall The elastic plate is connected between the upper plate and the moving barrel or between the lower plate and the moving barrel. The first coil assembly includes pairs of coils. Each pair of the coils is opposite to each other and attached on the moving barrel. The second coil assembly is annular shaped and sleeved over the moving barrel.

Abstract: The optical apparatus includes a first optical unit and a second optical unit that are movable in an optical axis direction, actuators that respectively move the first and second optical units in the optical axis direction, and a linking mechanism that is configured to link the first and second optical units with each other such that, in a state where the optical axis direction is tilted with respect to a horizontal direction and thereby an obliquely downward force caused by gravity acts on each of the first and second optical units in an obliquely downward direction, one of the first and second optical units works as a counterweight to provide an obliquely upward force acting on the other of the first and second optical units in an obliquely upward direction.

Abstract: An SMA actuation apparatus comprises a camera lens element supported on a support structure by a plurality of flexures. An SMA wire at an acute angle to the movement axis and a biasing element are connected between the support structure and the movable element. A component of the force applied by the SMA wire perpendicular to the movement axis compresses the flexures causing them to apply a force to the movable element having a component along the movement axis in the same direction as the SMA wire. An end-stop limits the movement of the movable element, and the moment applied by the end-stop to the movable element about the center of stiffness is equal to the moment applied by the SMA wire about the center of stiffness at the point when the movable element loses contact with the end-stop on contraction of the SMA wire.

Abstract: An optical device comprises: a first holding frame holding an optical system; a second holding frame holding the first holding frame and having a groove provided on a face opposing the first holding frame; an elastic member provided between the first holding frame and the second holding frame; a position determining portion capable of determining a position of the first holding frame towards the elastic member, and provided to sandwich, with the elastic member, the first holding frame; a fixing portion is capable of fixing the first holding frame towards the position determining portion so that the first holding frame is fixed, and which is provided to sandwich, with the position determining portion, the first holding frame; and a protruding portion which has a first end fixed to the first holding frame, and another end which differs from the first end and which is inserted into the groove.

Abstract: A lens driver moving a lens perpendicularly to optical axis, the lens driver including: fined member; movable member holding the lens; spacer interposed therebetween with the members being movable to each other perpendicularly to optical axis; biasing unit biasing the movable member toward the fixed member; detector for detecting position of the movable member relative to the fixed member in plane perpendicular to optical axis; driver driving the movable member relative to the fixed member perpendicularly to optical axis; controller controlling the driver based on position of the movable member; and range definer defining: movable position having large movable range between the members in the perpendicular plane; and fixed position having small movable range between the members in the perpendicular plane based on rotation position about optical axis where sliding friction is generated between the spacer and one of the members, or between the driving unit and the movable member.

Abstract: A lens barrel is provided that includes a zoom optical system, a zooming unit, and a light adjusting mechanism. The zoom optical system includes a first, a second, and a third lens group. The second lens group is movable in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and configured to move the optical image in the same direction. The zooming unit causes the zoom optical system to perform a zooming operation. The lens barrel is configured to change between an imaging state and a retracted state. In the imaging state, the zooming operation is performed and all the lens groups are aligned with one another. During the zooming operation, the first and third lens groups move independently of each other, and the light adjusting mechanism moves integrally with the second lens group. In the retracted state, the third lens group is disposed off center from the optical axis.

Abstract: A fixture structure is disclosed that is able to independently adjust relative positions of constituent components in different directions and able to reduce workload of the relative position adjustment. The fixture structure includes plural members fixed with each other by screws, a first adjustment unit for adjusting relative positions of two or more of the members in a first direction and arranged on surfaces of the two or more members parallel to the first direction, and a second adjustment unit for adjusting relative positions of two of more of the members in a second direction intersecting with the first direction and arranged on surfaces of the two or more members parallel to the second direction.

Abstract: A projection type image display apparatus includes a first lens group including a plural number of lenses being disposed in a direction of propagation light with respect to an image display element, a second lens group including a plural number of lenses being disposed in a direction of propagation light with respect to said first lens group and a reflection mirror, which is configured to reflect light emitted from at least one of said first and second lens groups, so as to project the light obliquely upon a screen. A ratio (Lo/Lp) of a diagonal size (Lo) of said screen and a distance (Lp) from a center of said reflection mirror to said screen is at least 2, and the second lens group includes a refractive lens having a negative power and a rotationally symmetric surface configuration.

Abstract: Providing a zoom lens system having a vibration reduction function capable of performing quick focusing with excellent optical performance even upon vibration reduction. The system including, in order from an object, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, and a fourth lens group G4 having positive refractive power. Upon zooming from a wide-angle end state to a telephoto end state, a distance between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 varies, and a distance between the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3 varies. The third lens group G3 carries out focusing from an infinity object to a close object. At least a portion of the fourth lens group G4 moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

Abstract: A digital camera of the present invention has: a lens group reflecting photographic object light entering along a first optical axis to a second optical axis direction perpendicular to the first optical axis and forming an image of light flux thereof on an image pickup device located on the second optical axis; and a driving force generating member blocking or allowing entering light flux along the first optical axis by driving a barrier member, and has a camera body having an optical housing, a containing portion containing the optical housing and the barrier member, and having a transmitting member transmitting driving force of the driving force generating member to the barrier member, wherein the coupling relation between the driving force generating member and the driving force transmitting member is maintained.

Abstract: An optical device includes an advancing/retracting member, an anti-shake frame supported by the advancing/retracting member, an insertable/removable frame which holds an image-stabilizing insertable/removable optical element and is rotatably supported by the anti-shake frame, a through-hole formed through the anti-shake frame to allow the insertable/removable frame to move between the insertion and removed positions, the through-hole including a circular arc groove about a rotational center of the insertable/removable frame and an outer end of the through-hole formed as an open end, and a bridge portion formed on the anti-shake frame to connect opposed inner walls of the through-hole at the outer end. The bridge portion is offset from the anti-shake frame and overlaps the clearance through-hole, as viewed in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: An element holding device of the present invention includes: a guide portion engaging with a guide shaft; a lens fixing portion on which to fix a collimator lens; an arm portion; an insertion portion having a hole portion in which to insert a guide shaft; a wire fixing portion made by protruding a side surface of the insertion portion in a ?Y direction; and a wire fixed on the wire fixing portion. A bent portion being a leading end portion of the wire is housed in a slit. Thereby, excess deformation of a contact portion is suppressed.

Abstract: The invention discloses a lens adjusting module for adjusting the position of a lens module. The lens adjusting module includes an input rod and an output rod, wherein the input rod is configured along a first direction and has an inclined surface. The output rod is configured along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The output rod has a first contact surface contacting the inclined surface, and a second contact surface contacting the lens module. When the input rod moves along the first direction, the first contact surface of the output rod moves along the inclined surface of the input rod, and the lens module moves with the output rod along the second direction.

Abstract: A drive device capable of engaging a drive shaft and a part holding the drive shaft with a suitable force without accompanying increase in the size of the drive device. The drive device includes a couple member with a piezoelectric element and a transmission shaft coupled together, a lens holder that holds a lens and to which the couple member is secured, a biasing member that biases the transmission shaft in a direction intersecting a placement direction of the transmission shaft viewed from the lens holder (excluding a lengthwise direction of the transmission shaft), and a link member (link body) that holds the transmission shaft in a slidable manner together with the biasing member.

Abstract: An objective and a method for operating an objective, in particular a projection objective or an illumination objective for microlithography for imaging a reticle onto a wafer, with a plurality of optical elements that are arranged along a ray path, wherein at least one optical element of a first kind (1) is provided, which is irradiated only partially by a ray bundle, wherein the one or more optical element(s) of the first kind are rotatably mounted or positionable about the optical axis or an axis parallel thereto, wherein, for each optical element of the first kind at least two mounting positions are provided, and wherein the rotation angle between the two mounting positions is defined by the surface (7) irradiated by the ray bundle such that, in the various mounting positions, the surfaces irradiated by the ray path do not overlap.

Abstract: An actuator capable of attaining two-dimensional positioning with a simple configuration includes an electromechanical transducer 11 which makes mechanical displacement in accordance with a voltage applied thereto, a driving shaft 12 which is axially displaced and inclined by the mechanical displacement of the electromechanical transducer 11, a movable member 13 which frictionally engages on the driving shaft 12, and a driving circuit for superposing a direct-current driving voltage leading to an inclination of the driving shaft 12 at a desired angle at a low rate of change preventing slide displacement of the movable member 13 relative to the driving shaft 12 and an alternating driving voltage for causing axial vibrations of the driving shaft 12 so as to cause slide displacement of the movable member 13 relative to the driving shaft 12 and applying the superposed voltages to the electromechanical transducer 11.

Abstract: A lens unit and a lens driving apparatus are provided. First to third guide members have first to third axis lines, and the first to third axis lines are arranged in parallel with each other. A first lens holder has a first lens held by a first lens holding portion with a first main sliding portion guided by sliding on the first guide member, and a first sub sliding portion guided by sliding on the third guide member. A second lens holder has a second lens held coaxially with the first lens by a second lens holding portion with a second main sliding portion guided by sliding on the second guide member, and a second sub sliding portion guided by the third guide member.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a rear movable member holding a rear optical element, an off-axis removable member holding a removable optical element, a front movable member supporting the off-axis removable member, and a removal driving member supported by the front movable member. When the front and rear movable members are at the photographing positions, the removable optical element is positioned in front of the rear optical element, and when the front and rear movable members are at the retracted accommodating positions, the removable optical element overlaps the rear optical element. When the front and rear movable members relatively move rearward, the removal driving member contacts the rear movable member to be slidable in a driven direction of the off-axis removable member while the off-axis removable member does not contact the rear movable member.

Abstract: A deforming mechanism for deforming a transmissive optical element comprises a rotation member configured to hold the optical element and to rotate around an axis parallel to a tangential line of a circumference of the optical element at a portion where the rotation member holds the optical element, so as to deform the optical element by the rotation, a torque generating unit configured to generate a torque to rotate the rotation member around the axis, a holding base, and an elastic member connecting the holding base to the torque generating unit.

Abstract: A lens drive device may include a movable body holding a lens and movable in an optical axis direction of the lens, a fixed body movably holding the movable body, a drive mechanism for driving the movable body, and a board on which an imaging element is mounted and which is fixed on an opposite-to-object side of the fixed body. An opposite-to-object side end face of the fixed body is formed with a plurality of projections which are abutted with a mounting face of the board on which the imaging element is mounted for correcting inclination of an optical axis of the lens with respect to the imaging element.

Abstract: An objective comprises: a first group including a plurality of lens groups arranged at a predetermined interval; a second group composed of a single lens-group; a pressing ring which is screwed in, the pressing ring being for fixing the first group; and an outer frame accommodating the first group, the second group, and the pressing ring, wherein the outer frame includes a first hole at a position facing the second group.

Abstract: In an image pickup device 1 and a method for manufacturing same according to the present invention, one end of a rod 42 in an ultrasonic linear actuator 4 is supported tiltably by a first supporting section (for example, a front frame 52), and after the position of the ultrasonic linear actuator 4 is adjusted in such a manner that an optical axis of a moving lens group (for example, a first unit 2) which engages with the rod 42 is perpendicular to an element surface of an image pickup element 7, a piezoelectric element 41 which is connected to another end of the rod 42 is fixed by adhesive to a second supporting section (for example, a rear frame 51) which is disposed in the vicinity of the piezoelectric element 41.

Abstract: A position controller for a removable optical element in an optical system includes an advancing/retracting ring; a removable optical element holding member supported by the advancing/retracting ring and rotatable about a first rotational axis between an insertion position on the optical axis and a removed position; an insertion holder which holds the removable optical element holding member at the insertion position; a removal drive member supported by the advancing/retracting ring and rotatable about a second rotational axis between an insertion allowance position and a forced removing position; and an insertion/removal controller. A rotational radius from the second rotational axis to a contact point between the removable optical element holding member and the removal drive member is greater than a rotational radius from the first rotational axis to the contact point.

Abstract: An optical assembly includes a light path and at least one optic to be positioned in the path. A support arrangement supports the optic having a foot arrangement including at least one foot that receives a direct manipulation with the foot slidingly engaged against a support surface to move the optic relative to the light path. Movement of the foot may move the optic along a predetermined path. The foot defines a footprint for engaging the support surface and receives the direct manipulation in a way which changes the footprint on the support surface to move the optic responsive to changes in the footprint. A movement arrangement may selectively bias the foot against the support surface during a movement mode, intended to permit movement of the foot against the support surface, and in a locked mode, intended to lock the foot against the support surface.

Abstract: An interchangeable lens unit is provided that includes a lens housing, a cam frame, a zoom motor mounted to the lens housing, and a transmission mechanism. The zoom motor has a zoom driveshaft that outputs a driving force. The transmission mechanism is configured to transmit the driving force from the zoom driveshaft to the cam frame. The lengthwise direction of the zoom motor is oriented differently than the direction of the optical axis. When viewed along the direction of the optical axis, the zoom motor is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the cam frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical analyzer having illumination optics that include a light source, such as a laser or other source, adapted to emit a collimated, or approximately collimated, light beam, and a focusing lens that focuses the beam onto a focus spot within a detection region, wherein the focusing lens is mounted in a lens positioning apparatus that allows for precise positioning of the focus spot within the detection region. The lens positioning apparatus comprises a lens holder adapted to rotate through a small angle around a pivot axis parallel to the optical path, such that the lens holder rotates in a plane perpendicular to the optical path, and an actuator adapted to provide an angular displacement of the lens holder around the pivot axis. The lens holder holds the focusing lens at a first distance from the pivot axis, and is coupled to the actuator at a second distance from the pivot axis, wherein the second distance is larger than the first distance.

Abstract: A lens barrel 111 according to the present invention includes: a lens group 220 which moves along an optical axis direction 300; and a lens holding frame 224 holding a lens group 220. A guide hole 406 is provided in the lens holding frame 224, the guide hole 406 being penetrated by a main shaft 440 having a circular cross section. A cross section of the guide hole 406 taken orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the main shaft 440 includes at least two linear portions 406a, and the main shaft 440 is in contact with the two linear portions 406a.

Abstract: This invention provides a photographing module at least including an electrically controlled actuator, an elastic member, and a photo sensor. The electrically controlled actuator at least comprises a fixed element, a movable element, and an electrical unit and at least provides an axial displacement, wherein the movable element is connected to the lens unit and the electrical unit electrically communicates with the elastic member. The elastic member at least comprises a fixed portion, a movable portion, an elastic portion, and a pair of power supply terminals, wherein the fixed portion and the movable portion are respectively connected to the fixed element and the movable element. The photo sensor is positioned on an image side of the photographing module and connected to the fixed member.

Abstract: An axis adjustment device, which may adjust an optical axis mismatch of an optical device at a high precision, and may perform an axis adjustment operation, includes a holding member to hold an optical device, a support member to support the holding member so that the holding member moves within a facing surface, a first rotating member to hold the holding member and rotatably supported around a first point S1 formed at a surface facing the support member, and a second rotating member to hold the holding member and to be rotatably supported around a second point formed at the surface facing the support member. The holding member moves within the surface facing the support member due to a rotation of one of the first and second rotating members and in order to adjust a relative position in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis of the optical device.

Abstract: A holding arrangement for an optical element includes a basic structure surrounding an optical element and a mounting device by which the optical element can be supported on the basic structure with two degrees of freedom for a rotational movement about an optical axis and a translational movement along a first axis which extends perpendicularly to the optical axis and intersects the optical axis in a center. The mounting device includes four joint locations arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center and at least one parallel rocker which is displaceable parallel to the first axis. A manipulator unit includes a holding arrangement.

Abstract: An optical isolation assembly (30) for reducing the transmission of vibration from an optical barrel (25) to an optical element assembly (28) includes an optical mover assembly (256), a first measurement system (258), a second measurement system (260), and a control system (24). The optical mover assembly (256) moves, positions and supports the optical element assembly (28) relative to the optical barrel (25). The first measurement system (258) generates one or more first measurement signals that relate to the relative position between the optical element assembly (28) and the optical barrel (25). The second measurement system (260) generates one or more second measurement signals that relate to the absolute movement of the optical element assembly (28) along the first axis. The control system (24) controls the optical mover assembly (256) utilizing the first measurement signals and the second measurement signals.

Abstract: A projection type image display apparatus includes an image display element, a projection unit including a first lens group and a second lens group formed with a plural number of lenses, a reflection mirror configured to reflect light emitted from the second lens group thereon after the light passes through the first lens group so as to project the light on a screen obliquely, and a mechanism configured to enable movement of at least one lens of the second lens group in a direction of an optical axis. The first lens group is fixed with respect to a bottom portion of the mechanism and is configured to compensate for an aberration of an optical system thereof. The second lens group is configured to enable movement of at least one lens of the second lens group with respect to the first lens group and the bottom portion of the mechanism.

Abstract: A solid immersion lens supporting device includes a lens holder 30 that holds a solid immersion lens 20 in a free state in which a lens bottom surface 22 protrudes downward through a lower opening 32 so as not to fix the solid immersion lens, and a lens cover 40 which is provided to an upper opening 31 of the lens holder 30, and in which a cover bottom surface 42 on the solid immersion lens 20 side is on a plane perpendicular to an optical axis, the lens cover coming into one-point contact with a spherical lens top surface 21 of the solid immersion lens 20. Further, the lens cover 40 is provided with a positioning portion which is capable of carrying out positioning of the solid immersion lens 20 with respect to the objective lens with reference to an image of the lens cover 40 observed via the objective lens. Thereby, the immersion lens supporting device which is capable of efficiently carrying out movement, installation, and positioning of the immersion lens onto a sample is realized.

Abstract: A lens position adjusting mechanism includes a lens, a lens attachment frame that includes a lens holding portion for holding the rim of the lens, and a holding case that sandwiches the lens attachment frame movably in a plane direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens. The lens attachment frame includes a shaft portion on the periphery of the lens holding portion, functioning as a fulcrum at a time when the lens attachment frame moves in the plane direction. The holding case includes a shaft supporting portion for supporting the shaft portion and frame guide grooves for sandwiching the lens attachment frame. The position of the lens is adjusted by operating a lug portion by fingers or the like with the shaft portion as a fulcrum. Then the adjusted position is fixed by injecting an adhesive into wedge spaces formed of opposing adhesion grooves.

Abstract: An optical element position control mechanism includes an optical element holding member which holds an optical element of a photographing system and is guided in an optical axis direction; a drive mechanism for moving the optical element holding member in the optical axis direction; and a biasing device including an arm which is swingable about a swing axis, the swing axis being substantially orthogonal to the optical axis, and the arm extending substantially orthogonal to the swing axis and having a free end portion which engages with the optical element holding member to bias the optical element holding member in the optical axis direction.