Abstract: The present invention concerns an image conversion module (09) that comprises an optical interface (10) for establishing an optical path (07). The image conversion module (09) further comprises a beam splitting element (13) on the optical path (07). The beam splitting element (13) is configured for splitting a beam entering the optical interface (10, 11) on the optical path (07) into a first optical subpath (14) and a second optical subpath (16). The image conversion module (09) further comprises a microelectromechanical optical system (17) that is configured for enhancing a depth of field on the first optical subpath (14) that is directed to a first optoelectronic submodule (21). The image conversion module (09) further comprises a second optoelectronic submodule (24) having an electronic sensor (26) on the second optical subpath (16). The second optoelectronic submodule (24) is configured for acquiring additional data on the sample (02).

Abstract: The invention relates first to a camera module for a microscope. The camera module comprises an optical interface for inserting the camera module into an imaging beam path of the microscope, which imaging beam path images a nominal intermediate image. Furthermore, the camera module comprises an electronic image converter and a functional element for changing an intermediate image plane, which functional element is arranged in a beam path of the camera module between the optical interface and the image converter. The camera module also comprises a first optical assembly having an optical power, which first optical assembly is arranged in the beam path between the optical interface and the image converter. According to the invention, a distance between the functional element and the optical interface along the beam path or a distance between the first optical assembly and the optical interface along the beam path can be changed. The invention further relates to a method for operating the camera module.

Abstract: The invention concerns a functional module (02) for a microscope. That functional module (02) comprises a mechanical interface (11) for removable mounting the functional module (02) to a module support of the microscope. The functional module (02) further comprises an optical interface (12) for establishing an optical path (09) from an objective (03) of the microscope to the functional module (02). Furthermore, the functional module (02) comprises at least one image sensor (21). The functional module (02) comprises a first and a second microelectromechanical optical system (17, 18). The first microelectromechanical optical system (17) is configured for enhancing a depth of field on a first optical subpath (14) that is directed to the image sensor (21). The second microelectromechanical optical system (18) is configured for enhancing a depth of field on a second optical subpath (16) that is directed to the image sensor (21). The invention further concerns a microscope.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes aperture array element and vari-focus optical element in confocal microscopy system. With the aperture array element lateral scanning property can be obtained and with vari-focus optical element axial scanning property can be obtained. Especially Micromirror Array Lens is used as a vari-focus optical element, fast and extended depth of focus scan range can be obtained. Thus the present invention of confocal microscopy with the vari-focus optical element increases scan speed of confocal microscopy system. The confocal microscopy system of the present invention comprises an illumination source, an aperture array element, a vari-focus optical element, an objective lens element, a photosensitive optical sensor device. With these elements, confocal microscopy is performed to get three dimensional images.