Abstract: The present invention serves to vary and adjust the transmitted light illumination in microscopes, particularly with respect to the numerous, different illumination situations. The device, according to the invention, for varying and adjusting the transmitted illumination for microscopes comprises modules for darkfield illumination, brightfield illumination, and/or diffuse illumination and/or for adapting the object field in which an illumination unit can be selectively coupled to different modules and in which actuators are provided for implementing the adjustments within the modules and for producing the desired connections, these actuators being operated by means of operating elements of a control unit. The adjustments within the modules and the implemented connections are detected and are stored in the control unit so as to be reproducible.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular unit for the distribution of the light flow of a cold light source which makes it possible to combine different illumination methods in mixed-light operation with only one individual high-power cold light source and to switch between illumination methods. In the modular unit according to the invention for the distribution of the light flow of a cold light source, the light flows of a cold light source which are distributed to a plurality of cross sections can be manipulated individually, and elements provided for the manipulation of the light are constructed in such a way that an adaptation possibility for different types of light guides is provided at the output of each individual cross section. Any combinations of optical elements for beam shaping, beam splitting and/or beam guiding can be used to distribute the light flow.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a stereo microscope with electrically controllable components which is characterized in that it is highly user-friendly and ergonomic. For this purpose, all essential components are provided with an electric control or status detection and are interconnected by a network. A common all-purpose operator console is advantageously provided.