Abstract: A sample observation device includes: an excitation light generation unit; an intermediate image forming unit projecting excitation light to a sample and forming an intermediate image of the sample at an intermediate image position with observing light; a confocal modulation unit modulating spatial intensity distributions of the excitation light and the intermediate image at the position; a modulation drive unit moving a pattern of the modulation unit; an image relay unit relaying on a image forming surface the intermediate image; an image pickup unit converting the distribution of relayed intermediate image into digital image data; and an image processing unit processing on the digital image data. Cutoff frequency of the relay unit and Nyquist frequency of the pickup unit exceed cutoff frequency of the forming unit, and the processing unit performs a high frequency enhancing process for enhancing the high frequency component exceeding the cutoff frequency of the forming unit.

Abstract: An inspection system for flat objects, especially wafers and dies, including: a handling system for loading objects into the inspection system; a sensor assembly for receiving images or measuring values of the object surface or parts of the object surface; a driving assembly for generating a relative movement between the objects and the sensor assembly, where a movement is effected between objects relative to the sensor assembly along a first trajectory; wherein at least one further sensor assembly is provided, and the driving assembly is adapted to generate a further relative movement, where a movement of different objects relative to the sensor assembly can be generated on at least a second trajectory in order to allow at least two objects to be treated simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and associated system for imaging high density biochemical arrays comprises one or more imaging channels that share a common objective lens and a corresponding one or more time delay integration-type imaging cameras with optical alignment mechanisms that permit independent inter-channel and intra-channel adjustment of each of four degrees: X, Y, rotation and scale. The imaging channels are configured to independently examine different spectra of the image of the biochemical arrays.

Abstract: A method for defining a z-range in a sample in which a z-stack of the sample is to be recorded by means of a microscope is provided, wherein the z-range is defined automatically on the basis of a z-value situated in the sample and taking at least one predetermined parameter into account.

Abstract: An image acquisition apparatus includes an imaging optical system configured to form an image of an object, a re-imaging optical system configured to re-form the image of the object formed by the imaging optical system, a reflecting member arranged on an optical path between the imaging optical system and the re-imaging optical system, an image sensor configured to capture the image of the object re-formed by the re-imaging optical system to output image data, a first driving unit configured to change a tilt of the reflecting member with respect to an optical axis of the imaging optical system, a control unit configured to control the first driving unit according to a shape of the object, and a correction unit configured to correct a positional displacement of the image in an in-plane direction according to the change in the tilt of the reflecting member.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention provides a focusing apparatus and method for a fluorescence microscope which is capable of shortening the time in focusing, increasing system throughput and avoiding from undesirable photo-bleaching. The fluorescence microscope of the present invention employs a portion of excitation light to form images of a sample to determine a focus plane for fluorescence imaging. As intensity of the portion of the excitation light is much higher than that of fluorescence light, the exposure time is highly reduced for image formation used for focusing purpose. The fluorescence microscope of the present invention enables to perform both predictive focusing and multiplex focusing.

Abstract: An arithmetically operating device is provided and includes: an image acquiring portion configured to acquire phase difference images of a sample; a retrieval range setting portion configured to set a range of pixels each to be made a retrieval object in the other image in the phase difference images for pixels each to be made a representative set in one image in the phase difference images, and pixels other than the pixels each to be made the representative; a correlation calculating portion configured to calculate correlations between the pixels for the one image, and the pixels in the range set for the pixels; and a parallax calculating portion configured to calculate parallaxes for the pixels for the one image in accordance with the correlations thus calculated.

Abstract: An image obtaining apparatus includes an image pickup unit, a stage, a connection unit, a movement mechanism, a position detection unit, and a control unit. The image pickup unit includes an objective lens. The stage is configured to determine a position of a pathology slide in an optical axis direction of the objective lens, and the pathology slide is an image pickup target of the image pickup unit. The connection unit is provided to the stage. The movement mechanism is connected to the stage through the connection unit and configured to move the stage in the optical axis direction. The position detection unit is configured to detect a position of the stage in the optical axis direction for a measurement point preset on the stage. The control unit is configured to control the movement mechanism by using at least a result of the detection by the position detection unit.

Abstract: An automated system for inspecting a porous substrate using a sample, comprising, a delivery device positioned to apply the sample to a target point on the porous substrate along a sample axis; an imaging device and one or more lenses, positioned so that the imaging device and the lens each has a focus axis that is offset from the sample axis, and have a viewing focal point that is substantially the same as the target point; a light source that is offset from the delivery device to illuminate the surface target; and a processor comprising a data acquisition and control system that coordinates timing and automation of the delivery and imaging devices, and determines one or more characteristics of the porous substrate.

Abstract: A method and system for mapping colors of an image. The method including the steps of: segmenting an image into a plurality of regions, so that pixels in each of the plurality of regions have a characteristic that meets a predetermined similarity; determining an initial contrast between adjacent regions in the plurality of regions; and transforming an initial color of each of the plurality of regions into a target color; where a target contrast between the adjacent regions in the plurality of regions is equal to or greater than the initial contrast or a difference between the target contrast and corresponding initial contrast is less than a predetermined threshold; and where at least one of the steps is carried out by a computer device.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems methods including a design of a microscope slide scanner for digital pathology applications which provides high quality images and automated batch-mode operation at low cost. The instrument architecture is advantageously based on a convergence of high performance, yet low cost, computing technologies, interfaces and software standards to enable high quality digital microscopy at very low cost. Also provided is a method based in part on a stitching method that allows for dividing an image into a number of overlapping tiles and reconstituting the image with a magnification without substantial loss of accuracy. A scanner is employed in capturing snapshot images. The method allows for overlapping images captured in consecutive snapshots.

Abstract: The present invention allows observation or capturing of a high-contrast image of a sample for which sufficient contrast cannot be obtained in bright-field observation, such as a wafer having a pattern with a small pattern height. According to the present invention, a sample is illuminated through an objective lens used for capturing an image, and an imaging optics are provided with an aperture filter so that an image is captured while light of bright-field observation components is significantly attenuated.

Abstract: An image acquisition apparatus includes a photographing unit, an AF (Auto Focus) processing unit, and a calculation unit. The photographing unit is configured to photograph a pathological sample mounted on a slide glass using an objective lens. The AF processing unit is capable of selectively making a switch between a contrast AF method and a phase difference AF method for focusing a focal point of the objective lens on the pathological sample. The calculation unit is configured to judge a staining method of the pathological sample and select the AF method to be executed by the AF processing unit based on a result of the judgment.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for determining selected properties of a microplate comprising a plurality of sample wells. An example method includes the steps of performing a focusing function to determine a well surface z-position for a current x-y position based on an intensity indicative of a best focus of the well surface. The focusing function is performed again to determine a plate bottom z-position for the current x-y position based on an intensity indicative of a best focus of the plate bottom. The well surface z-position and the plate bottom z-position corresponding to each of the plurality of x-y positions are determined by repeating the steps of positioning the objective lens, performing the focusing function to determine the well surface z-position, and performing the focusing function for the plate bottom z-position.

Abstract: In-line holography to create images of a specimen, such as one or more particles dispersed in a transparent medium. Analyzing these images with results from light scattering theory yields the particles' sizes with nanometer resolution, their refractive indexes to within one part in a thousand, and their three dimensional positions with nanometer resolution. This procedure can rapidly and directly characterize mechanical, optical and chemical properties of the specimen and its medium.

Abstract: A stereo video microscope system (10), comprising: a stereo video microscope (11) having two output channels for providing stereo image data and including an internal lighting; a display unit (14) having two input channels for receiving and displaying stereo image data; and a control unit operably connected to the stereo video microscope (11) and the display unit (14) such that the control unit can control the operation of the stereo video microscope (11) and the display unit (14) and the flow of stereo image data between the two output channels of the stereo video microscope (11) and the two input channels of the display unit (14). In one embodiment the control unit is configured for performing an image rotation and/or exchanging the output channels such that the stereo image is always upright.

Abstract: A microscope includes an objective optical system including an imaging optical system configured to form an image of an object, a re-imaging optical system configured to re-form an image of the object image formed by the imaging optical system, and a reflection unit arranged on an optical path between the imaging optical system and the re-imaging optical system and configured to be locally changeable in at least one of a position thereof in an optical axis direction and an inclination thereof relative to an optical axis, and an image sensor configured to capture the image re-formed by the objective optical system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for performing an analysis of defective material and the refractive index, and a three-dimensional analysis of very small pattern shapes including the steps of imaging by a scanning electron microscope to acquire an image of the position of a defect under observation using information of inspection results obtained by an optical inspection device, creating a model of the defect by using the acquired image of the defect under observation, calculating the values detected by the detector when reflected and scattered light emitted from a defect model is received by the detector when light is irradiated onto the defect model thus created, comparing the detection values thus calculated and the values detected by the detector, which has received light actually reflected and scattered from the sample, to obtain information relating to the height of the defect under observation, the material, or the refractive index.

Abstract: An imaging system consisting of a cell-phone with camera as the detection part of an optical train which includes other components. Optionally, an illumination system to create controlled contrast in the sample. Uses include but are not limited to disease diagnosis, symptom analysis, and post-procedure monitoring, and other applications to humans, animals, and plants.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging a biologic fluid sample quiescently residing within a chamber is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) positioning the chamber at a Z-axis position relative to an objective lens having a lens axis, wherein the Z-axis is parallel to the lens axis; b) moving one or both of the chamber and the objective lens relative to one another at a velocity along the Z-axis; and c) creating one or more images of the biologic fluid sample as one or both of the chamber and the objective lens are moving at a velocity relative to one another within a focus search range along the Z-axis.

Abstract: A microscope system includes an accommodation unit, a stage, an optical system, an image pickup unit, a movement mechanism, a control unit, an image processing unit, and a display unit. The accommodation unit is capable of accommodating a plurality of specimens. On the stage, each of the specimens loaded from the accommodation unit is placed. The optical system includes a lens for spherical aberration correction. The image pickup unit is capable of capturing a partial image of each of the specimens placed on the stage, via the optical system. The movement mechanism moves the lens for spherical aberration correction along an optical axis. The control unit controls movement of the lens for spherical aberration correction by the movement mechanism and correct spherical aberration. The image processing unit combines the partial images captured by the image pickup unit and generate a composite image. The display unit displays the generated composite image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a normalization unit that generates a plurality of normalized images by correcting, based on different imaging conditions, brightness of a plurality of images at different brightness obtained by imaging a same subject with the different imaging conditions; and an image combining unit that generates a combined image by combining the plurality of normalized images. When the normalized image corresponding to a reference image that is a brightest image among the plurality of images is defined as a reference normalized image, the image combining unit combines the reference normalized image and a non-reference normalized image that is the normalized image other than the reference normalized image to bring gradation of pixel of the combined image close to gradation of pixel of the reference normalized image if the gradation of pixel of the combined image is smaller than the gradation of pixel of the reference normalized image.

Abstract: A microscope has a light source for generating a light beam having a wavelength, ?, and beam-forming optics configured for receiving the light beam and generating a Bessel-like beam that is directed into a sample. The beam-forming optics include an excitation objective having an axis oriented in a first direction. Imaging optics are configured for receiving light from a position within the sample that is illuminated by the Bessel-like beam and for imaging the received light on a detector. The imaging optics include a detection objective having an axis oriented in a second direction that is non-parallel to the first direction.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and a microscopy system for imaging and analysing stochastically and independently blinking point-like emitters. A multiple-order cumulants analysis in conjunction with an established blinking model enables the extraction of super-resolved environment-related parameter maps, such as molecular state lifetimes, concentration and brightness distributions of the emitter. In addition, such parameter maps can be used to compensate for the non-linear brightness and blinking response of higher-order cumulant images—used for example in Super-resolution Optical Fluctuation Imaging (SOFI)—to generate a balanced image contrast. Structures that otherwise would be masked by brighter regions in the conventional cumulant image become samples using spectral cross-cumulants.

Abstract: An image acquisition apparatus includes: a macro-photographing unit that performs macro-photographing of an image of at least a sample mounting area of a slide, on which a pathological sample is mounted, at a first magnification; a microscopic photographing unit that microscopically photographs a designated photographing area at a second magnification larger than the first magnification; a first judgment unit that judges whether there is an image of the pathological sample in each of a plurality of sectional areas sectioning the image obtained by the macro-photographing; a second judgment unit that judges, as a sample image area, a set of at least one of the plurality of sectional areas judged to be including the image of the pathological sample; and an area expansion unit that generates an expanded area by expanding the sample image area and causes the microscopic photographing unit to photograph the expanded area as the photographing area.

Abstract: A microscope has a light source for generating a light beam having a wavelength, ?, and beam-forming optics configured for receiving the light beam and generating a Bessel-like beam that is directed into a sample. The beam-forming optics include an excitation objective having an axis oriented in a first direction. Imaging optics are configured for receiving light from a position within the sample that is illuminated by the Bessel-like beam and for imaging the received light on a detector. The imaging optics include a detection objective having an axis oriented in a second direction that is non-parallel to the first direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus, a method and a system for obtaining a plurality of images of a sample arranged in relation to a sample device. The apparatus comprises at least a first optical detection assembly having an optical axis and at least one translation unit arranged to move the sample device and the first optical detection assembly relative to each other. The movement of the sample device and the first optical detection assembly relative to each other is along a scanning path, which defines an angle theta relative to the optical axis, wherein theta is larger than zero.

Abstract: A virtual microscope system capable of obtaining a stained sample image and a statistical data of spectra in a short period of time is provided, the virtual microscope system includes an image obtaining unit for obtaining a stained sample image, a spectrum obtaining unit for obtaining a spectrum of the stained sample image, an optical path setting unit for setting an optical path of a light flux passed through the stained sample with respect to the image obtaining unit and the spectrum obtaining unit and a control unit for controlling to repeat obtaining the stained sample image by the image obtaining unit and obtaining the spectrum of the stained sample image by the spectrum obtaining unit in the observation field of the stained sample to create a virtual slide and a spectrum table of the stained sample.

Abstract: A sample observation device includes: an excitation light generation unit; an intermediate image forming unit projecting excitation light to a sample and forming an intermediate image of the sample at an intermediate image position with observing light; a confocal modulation unit modulating spatial intensity distributions of the excitation light and the intermediate image at the position; a modulation drive unit moving a pattern of the modulation unit; an image relay unit relaying on a image forming surface the intermediate image; an image pickup unit converting the distribution of relayed intermediate image into digital image data; and an image processing unit processing on the digital image data. Cutoff frequency of the relay unit and Nyquist frequency of the pickup unit exceed cutoff frequency of the forming unit, and the processing unit performs a high frequency enhancing process for enhancing the high frequency component exceeding the cutoff frequency of the forming unit.

Abstract: Phase contrast microscopy images are collected of a liquid sample containing one or more microscopic objects. The images are analyzed to track the motion of the microscopic objects within the liquid sample. Using the updated locations of the tracking objects, a controller can generate control signals for controlling the microscopy parameters, to ensure that the portion of the liquid sample which is imaged includes the tracking objects. The tracking objects may be cells or cell-spheres. Thus, the system can, for example, track cells and cell-spheres, to observe their growth, during a long time-lapse experiment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inspection device including an imaging unit 16 for imaging an object to be inspected, a characteristics measurement unit 15 for measuring characteristics of the object to be inspected, an inspection information acquisition unit 11 for acquiring inspection information related to the object to be inspected, a condition determination unit 12 for determining measurement information related to a measurement condition of the object to be inspected corresponding to the inspection information, an imaging control unit 14 for controlling imaging by the imaging unit, and a measurement control unit 13 for controlling measurement by the characteristics measurement unit based on the measurement information.

Abstract: A microscopy method for generating a high-resolution image (55) of a sample (2) comprising the following steps: a) the sample (2) is provided with a marker, which upon excitation emits statistically blinking luminescent radiation, or a sample (2) is used which upon excitation emits locally distributed, statistically blinking luminescent radiation; b) the sample (2) is excited to luminescence by means of structured illumination, wherein the sample is repeatedly illuminated in at least nine different illumination conditions (.01-.09) of the structured illumination by realizing at least three rotary positions, and at least three displacement positions per rotary position of the structured illumination; c) the luminescing sample (2) is repeatedly displayed in each of the different illumination conditions on a flat panel detector having pixels, such that an image sequence (44.01-44.09) is obtained for each of the different illumination conditions (.01-.

Abstract: A method of automatically focusing a microscope on a specimen is carried out by capturing an image from each of a plurality of focal planes in or on said specimen, calculating a focus score for each of said images, selecting the focal plane corresponding to the image having the best focus score, and then repositioning said specimen relative to said microscope so that said microscope is focused on said selected focal plane, the method includes a plurality of exogenous targets in or on said specimen, which aids in focusing in the event particular objects of interest, such as cells/pathogens that may or may not be in the sample, are not present, or are present in low numbers. Automated microscopes and microscope cartridges useful in such methods are also described, along with methods of detecting pathogens in biological samples.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is configured to generate a display image used to display a captured image captured by imaging a slide on which a specimen is placed. The image processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire an overall image generated from the captured image for displaying the entirety of the slide and a magnified image generated from the captured image for displaying a portion of the specimen in a magnified manner and a generation unit configured to generate a display image containing the overall image and the magnified image. The magnified image is a rotated image rotated relative to the overall image on the basis of specimen information about a feature of the specimen displayed in a magnified manner.

Abstract: Provided is a micro or nano scope. The micro or nano scope includes a prism, a optical detection system detecting an image from a sample on the prism, and a light guiding system providing incident light to the prism, the light guiding system changing an incident angle of the incident light incident into the prism.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, the invention relates to an electronic device that features a display unit, a storage unit and a processor. The storage unit is adapted to store a plurality of widgets. Coupled to the storage unit, the processor is adapted to control downloading of the plurality of widgets upon gaining access as a member to a viewing room, and thereafter, to control operations of the plurality of widgets in providing interactive communications with other members of the viewing room as content is being played back on the display unit.

Abstract: The invention provides an novel imaging system for microscopy including both continuous motion and stationary field image acquisition. More specifically, the invention provides a system that can translate a specimen relative to the field-of-view of an imager while synchronously acquiring image data. Using the same imaging optics and imager, the system can acquire stationary images at any location on the specimen.

Abstract: One embodiment may take the form of a method for providing security for access to a goal including storing a first image and receiving a second image comprising polarized data. The method also includes comparing the first image with the second image to determine if the first image and the second image are substantially the same. In the event the first and second images are not substantially the same, the method includes denying access to the goal. In the event the first and second images are substantially the same, the method includes determining, utilizing the polarized information, if the second image is of a three-dimensional object. Further, in the event the second image is not of a three-dimensional object, the method includes denying access to the goal and, in the event the second image is of a three-dimensional object, permitting access to the goal.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the present invention relates to an imaging system 100 for enhancing microscopic images of unstained cells. The imaging system 100 comprises a light source 102 for producing light 120a, a sample holder 109 for containing cells to be imaged, a condenser 104 for focussing the light 120b at a focal plane within the sample holder 109 on the cells to be imaged, a translation mechanism for moving the focal plane of the light 120b relative to the sample holder 109 and a detector system 112 configured to acquire a plurality of images at respective focal planes within the sample holder 109 and process the plurality of images to provide an enhanced processed imaged.

Abstract: A digital microscope system, having one or several objectives, a tube lens system, a digital image recording device, a stand, a holder for a specimen and an illuminating apparatus, and optionally at least one magnification changer. One or several objectives, the tube lens system, the digital image recording device and the illuminating apparatus are integrated into a compact optical assembly, and the optical assembly is joinable to the stand in several versions that differ with regard to the spatial position and orientation of the optical assembly relative to the stand and to the specimen. The spatial position and orientation of the optical assembly relative to the stand and to the specimen may correspond, in a first version of the joining, to an upright microscope configuration and, in a second version of the joining, to an inverted microscope configuration.

Abstract: An autofocus method for a microscope with an objective which images a sample lying in an object plane, including the steps: projecting a longitudinally extended grating slit which lies in a grating slit plane onto the sample, and imaging the projection of the grating slit onto an autofocus camera; determining an intensity distribution of the grating slit image and from this, deducing a preset for a relative adjustment of sample and object plane; projecting a likewise longitudinally extended comparison slit onto the sample, and imaging the projection of the comparison slit onto the autofocus camera; evaluating the width of the comparison slit image at right angles to the longitudinal extension at at least two sites which are spaced apart along the longitudinal extension, and determining a width variation of the comparison slit image, a gradient of the width variation and a direction of the relative adjustment.

Abstract: Continuous-scanning image acquisition in an automated microscopy system uses an image reflected off of an object that supports a specimen being imaged to automatically focus the microscopy system.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a measuring section configured to measure a surface shape of an object, an image pickup section configured to obtain images of different areas of the object on an image plane of an image pickup optical system by image pickup elements, a focal-position detecting unit configured to detect a focal position of the object where a focal-position detecting point is focused on the image plane, and a focal-position determining unit configured to determine a focal position of the object at a point different from the focal-position detecting point on the basis of detection of the focal-position detecting unit and measurement of the measuring section. The image pickup section takes the images of the different areas on the basis of determination of the focal-position determining unit while the images are focused on the image pickup elements.

Abstract: An augmented field of view imaging system includes a microscope, an image sensor system arranged to receive images of a plurality of fields of view from the microscope as the microscope is moved across an object being viewed and to provide corresponding image signals, an image processing and data storage system configured to communicate with the image sensor system to receive the image signals and to provide augmented image signals, and at least one of an image injection system or an image display system configured to communicate with the image processing and data storage system to receive the augmented image signals and display an augmented field of view image. The image processing and data storage system is configured to track the plurality of fields of view in real time and register the plurality of fields of view to calculate a mosaic image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microscope arrangement provided with: a microscope (10) having at least two optical outputs (12, 14) for outputting a fluorescence signal and a switching arrangement (16) for switching the output of the fluorescence signal between the optical outputs; a beam splitter arrangement (18); optical elements (28, 30) for generating a separate partial beam path (24, 26) associated with each output in such a way that the respective fluorescence signal of each of the outputs is superimposed at the beam splitter arrangement after passing through the respective partial beam path; and also at least two optical detectors (20, 22), wherein for each of the partial beam paths, one of the detectors is located behind the beam splitter, seen from the microscope, in reflection and another of the detectors is located behind the beam splitter arrangement, seen from the microscope, in transmission.

Abstract: Image resolution enhancement techniques are implemented using a single image an unstructured broadband illumination. By placing an axicon and a convex lens pair in an optical path of a microscope, telescope, or the object system, between the system and an image capture pickup device (e.g., a camera) the maximum resolution of the system may be increased through the formation of an interference pattern at the image capture device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring digital microscope images is disclosed, in which a plurality of magnified images of a specimen are captured for tiling together to provide an overall composite image of the specimen. In accordance with the described method, the specimen is moved relative to an imaging system comprising a microscope and camera in a predetermined path while the plurality of magnified images are captured. In a preferred embodiment, the specimen, contained on a slide, is mounted on a movable microscope stage, and is moved beneath the microscope in the predetermined path. The velocity of the movement of the stage and the shutter speed of the camera is computer controlled to capture overlapping, clear images.

Abstract: A light measurement device is a light measurement device for measuring light coming from a sample, and is provided with a moving-image acquisition part for acquiring moving image data, and an analysis processing part for performing analysis processing on moving image data. The analysis processing part includes: a luminance-value-data acquisition part for acquiring luminance value data indicating a chronological change in a luminance value; a luminance-value extraction part for extracting a peak value and a bottom value of the luminance value, from the luminance value data; and a pixel specifying part for calculating an evaluation value evaluating a state of a change in a luminance value on the basis of the peak value and the bottom value and specifying a target pixel that is to be analyzed from a plurality of pixels on the basis of a repeat state of the evaluation value.

Abstract: An image with a wide visual field can be captured without causing deterioration in measurement accuracy. There are provided: a stage on which an object is placed; a display unit for displaying a height image or an observation image; a measurement unit for performing measurement on the height image; an image connecting unit configured to, by moving the stage and capturing a different region, acquire a plurality of height images, and connect the obtained plurality of height images and observation images to generate a connected image; a measurement error region display unit configured to superimpose and display a measurement error region, on an image of the object; and a measurement-image imaging condition setting unit for adjusting an imaging condition for a striped image required for generation of the height image to reduce the measurement error region.

Abstract: An auto focus control apparatus is provided to perform an auto focus adjustment using astigmatism without being affected by a pattern on a surface. A light receiving optical system includes an unpolarized beam splitter 420 separating a reflection light from an object into a first reflection light and a second reflection light, a first astigmatism producing means 430 arranged on an optical path of the first reflection light, a second astigmatism producing means 450 arranged on an optical path of the second reflection light, a first light detector 440 receiving a light passing through the first astigmatism producing means, and a second light detector 460 receiving a light passing through the second astigmatism producing means. The light source optical system 310 is arranged such that an image forming point of a focus error detecting light is defocused from an observation plane by a predetermined distance.