Abstract: Disclosed is a method for a wavelength dependent polarization modification for a polarization controller using a model for determining the parameter &agr; and &bgr; for the setting of at least one wavelength dependent optical component of the polarization controller. The model is provided for compensation of a wavelength dependent polarization of the at least one optical component. The model is further providing the determined setting to the at least one optical component for modifying the input state of polarization of the incident optical beam to the desired output state of polarization. Therefore, the wavelength depending optical components and the input state of polarization of the incident beam will be considered by the modification for the desired output state of polarization.

Abstract: A confocal microscope with separate illumination and detection directions is disclosed. The detection direction in the object is inclined relative to the illumination direction at a predetermined angle which is selected such that the overlapping area of the illumination volume and detection volume is reduced compared to a conventional confocal microscope. A beam splitter or a reflector is provided in the beam path between the objective and an image plane of the microscope for coupling in the illumination light and/or for coupling out the detection light and/or in that the illumination light is coupled into the microscope and/or the detection light is coupled out of the microscope via one or more light-conducting fibers.