Abstract: An optical assembly includes a lens unit capable of being moved along an optical axis of the optical assembly. The lens unit includes a lens mount for holding at least one lens. The optical assembly further includes a sleeve for receiving the lens mount. The lens mount is in sliding contact with and movable in relation to the sleeve as the lens unit is moved along the optical axis. The lens mount is formed of or comprises at its outer surface a self-lubricating material, and/or the sleeve is formed of or comprises at its inner surface a self-lubricating material.

Abstract: An optical assembly includes a lens unit capable of being moved along an optical axis of the optical assembly. The lens unit includes a lens mount for holding at least one lens. The optical assembly further includes a sleeve for receiving the lens mount. The lens mount is in sliding contact with and movable in relation to the sleeve as the lens unit is moved along the optical axis. The lens mount is formed of or comprises at its outer surface a self-lubricating material, and/or the sleeve is formed of or comprises at its inner surface a self-lubricating material.

Abstract: A microscope for imaging a sample by a transmitted light contrasting method includes an objective lens holder configured to place an objective lens of a number of objective lenses onto an optical axis of the microscope. The microscope further includes a lens system for forming an intermediate image of an exit pupil of any one of the number of objective lenses placed onto the optical axis. The intermediate image is formed at a respective conjugated plane conjugate to the exit pupil. The microscope further includes a control device configured for automatically positioning a modulation element onto the optical axis at a positon related to the respective conjugated plane.

Abstract: A feed device for an immersion medium for use with an objective enabling a specimen to be imaged microscopically includes a cap fitted releasably or fixedly to the objective and delimiting a receptacle space for the immersion medium. The cap has an exit opening aligned with an optical element of the objective facing the specimen. The immersion medium held in the receptacle space is feedable through the exit opening to a target space situated between the optical element of the objective and the specimen. A sensor is integrated in the cap and has an electrode structure configured to detect an amount of the immersion medium fed through the exit opening to the target space. The electrode structure at least partly encloses the exit opening and has a spatial detection region extending away from the exit opening in a radial direction.

Abstract: A feed device for an immersion medium for use with an objective enabling a specimen to be imaged microscopically includes a cap fitted releasably or fixedly to the objective and delimiting a receptacle space for the immersion medium. The cap has an exit opening aligned with an optical element of the objective facing the specimen. The immersion medium held in the receptacle space is feedable through the exit opening to a target space situated between the optical element of the objective and the specimen. A sensor is integrated in the cap and has an electrode structure configured to detect an amount of the immersion medium fed through the exit opening to the target space. The electrode structure at least partly encloses the exit opening and has a spatial detection region extending away from the exit opening in a radial direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mirror device for deflecting illuminating light in SPIM microscopy. The invention is characterized by a holding component that comprises a connecting element for mounting the holding component on a microscope objective, at least one deflection mirror being detachably mounted on the holding component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mirror device tor deflecting illuminating light in SPIM microscopy. The invention is characterized by a holding component that comprises a connecting element for mounting the holding component on a microscope objective, at least one deflection mirror being detachably mounted on the holding component.