Abstract: A method and system for identifying entangled photons includes generating a plurality of sets of four entangled photons, wherein one pair of photons of each set are time correlated, thereby indicating that another pair of four entangled photons are entangled. Quantum metadata comprising a time window corresponding to the generated plurality of sets of four entangled photons is collected. A coincidence of one pair of photons of each of the plurality of the sets of four entangled photons is determined. A state value of at least one photon of the other pair of each of the number of the sets of four entangled photons is determined. Ordered lists of coincidences are compared to ordered lists of state values to determine entangled state information. Time window are compared to times corresponding to the ordered lists. Error conditions are generated if conditions are met.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include apparatuses and methods for stacked polarizer hyperspectral imaging. In a number of embodiments, a method can include passing a light source input through a lens and a hyperspectral sensor, activating a first polarization layer of a plurality of polarization layers, detecting a first hyperspectral image with an array of pixels from the light source input that is polarized when passed through the first polarization layer, and determining, via a controller coupled to the array of pixels, whether a quality of the first hyperspectral image that was polarized by the first polarization layer meets a threshold. A stacked polarizer can include a plurality of polarizers that are stacked upon each other such that a hyperspectral light source input can be pass through the stack of polarizers and be detected by a pixel of an image sensor cell. Each of the polarizers in the stack of polarizers can be individually activated and deactivated.

Abstract: An omnidirectional ghost imaging system based on a mechanism of bio-inspired retina-like includes a projection system, a collimating lens, a spectroscope, a curved mirror, a bucket detector, a data acquisition card and an arithmetic system. According to the application, the logarithmic polar mapping characteristic of the bio-inspired retina-like structure is utilized to generate an annular pattern sequence of the bio-inspired retina-like, and the pattern sequence is utilized to modulate a light source. After being reflected by the target around the curved mirror, the light is projected onto the curved mirror and diffusely reflected. According to the reversible characteristics of the optical path, the light after diffuse reflection is reflected to the original light source by the half mirror and half lens, and the reflected light intensity with target information is received by the bucket detector.

Abstract: In a method of detecting changes in direction of a collimated coherent light beam, the light beam is split into partial light beams which are superimposed on a camera to form an interference pattern displaying light intensity minima and maxima alternatingly following to one another in a transverse direction oriented transversely to an average propagation direction of the partial beams. The light beam is focused into at least one focus located in front of the camera. Pictures of the interference pattern including a plurality of the light intensity maxima are registered with the camera. An average shift of the plurality of light intensity maxima with regard to the camera in the at least one transverse direction is determined from the pictures. A change in angular orientation of the collimated coherent light beam in the at least one transvers direction is deduced from the average shift.

Abstract: Stationary devices employing quadrature phase analysis light scattering are provided, to aid in the determination of the magnitude and polarity of electrophoretic mobility and zeta potential of particles in colloids. The devices use an optical quadrature interferometer with an electrophoresis sample chamber containing sample particles undergoing electrophoresis, the optical quadrature interferometer being configured to generate a quadrature signal. The phase of the quadrature signal may be analyzed at the frequency of the sample chamber electric field to estimate displacements and directions of the particles. The estimates can be used to determine a central value of the magnitude of the electrophoretic mobility, as well as its polarity. Particles having low electrophoretic mobility, or that may be adversely affected by high electric fields, can be analyzed, and constraints on vibration and light source coherence length may be relaxed. A phase modulator or frequency shifter is not required.

Abstract: Analyte collection and testing systems and methods, and more particularly to disposable oral fluid collection and testing systems and methods. Described herein are methods and apparatuses to achieve significant improvements in the detection of fluorescence signals in the reader.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-modal sensing of three-dimensional position information of the surface of an object are disclosed. In particular, multiple visualization modalities are each used to collect distinctive positional information of a surface of an object. Each of the computed positional information is combined using weighting factors to compute a final, weighted three-dimensional position. In various embodiments, a first depth may be recorded using fiducial markers, a second depth may be recorded using a structured light pattern, and a third depth may be recorded using a light-field camera. Weighting factors may be applied to each of the recorded depths and a final, weighted depth may be computed.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a technique having an off-axis interferometric geometry that is capable of spatially multiplexing at least six complex wavefronts, while using the same number of camera pixels typically needed for a single off-axis hologram encoding a single complex wavefront. Each of the at least six parallel complex wavefronts is encoded into an off-axis hologram with a different fringe orientation, and all complex wavefronts can be fully reconstructed. This technique is especially useful for highly dynamic samples, as it allows the acquisition of at least six complex wavefronts simultaneously, optimizing the amount of information that can be acquired in a single camera exposure. The off-axis multiplexing holographic system of some embodiments provide an off-axis holography modality that is more camera spatial bandwidth efficient than on-axis holography.

Abstract: An interferometric method and apparatus for the non-invasive assessment of oocyte maturity and competency. The method includes placing an oocyte in a sample holder to provide a biological target; generating a near infrared light; using a beam splitter to split the near infrared light into a signal light portion and a reference light portion; projecting the signal light portion onto the biological target; collecting reflected and back scattered light from the signal light portion projected onto the biological target with a detector; collecting at least a portion of the reference light portion with the detector; generating interferometric image data based upon the collected signal and reference light; and assessing the maturity of the oocyte based upon the interferometric data while maintaining the viability of the oocyte. When the oocyte is part of a cumulus-oocyte complex, the assessment is accomplished without removing cumulus cells from the cumulus-oocyte complex while maintaining viability.

Abstract: A method for imaging a sample, wherein the sample changes a polarization state of light as a function of position, wherein the method includes changing a polarization state of a purely polarized light of an incident light striking a micro-retarder array, thereby inducing a changed polarization state of the polarization state. The micro-retarder array is placed in a rear conjugate focal plane of a microscope. The method additionally includes projecting the changed polarization state of the polarization state into an object plane of the microscope containing the sample.

Abstract: Scopes such as medical imaging camera head devices and methods are provided using light captured by an endoscope system or other medical scope or borescope. At least one polarizing optical element manipulates the polarization properties of image light. The manipulated image light is focused on an image sensor including polarizers for each pixel. Multiple images are produced based sets of pixels having the same orientation of polarizer. The resulting images are combined with high dynamic range techniques.

Abstract: A method for providing light to an endoscope includes emitting light from a plurality of light emitting diodes, filtering the light with a plurality of dichroic filter elements, collimating and mixing light received from the dichroic filter elements into a combined light, sensing the combined light at a color sensor and determining a sensed color balance of the combined light, comparing the sensed color balance with a predetermined color balance, and varying at least one power signal to control a light intensity output by at least one of the plurality of light emitting diodes so that the sensed color balance corresponds to the predetermined color balance.

Abstract: Devices configured to determine wavelength of light, monitoring wavelength or provide a reference wavelength are disclosed. The devices can comprise a plurality of etalons. The plurality of peaks in the transmission or reflection spectrum of different etalons of the plurality of etalons can be phase shifted with respect to each other in wavelength space. The plurality of etalons can comprise materials with different group index of refraction or materials with different thermal responses. Phase shift of the plurality of peaks in the transmission or reflection spectrum of different etalons in wavelength space can be accomplished by changing the relative temperature between the different etalons.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining a multi-bit value, adjusting an orbital angular momentum of a photon according to the multi-bit value, and generating a quantum entangled pair of photons based on the photon, wherein the quantum entangled pair of photons includes the orbital angular momentum according to the multi-bit value. A quantum state is applied to the quantum entangled pair of photons, while preserving the orbital angular momentum according to the multi-bit value. A photon of the quantum entangled pair of photons is directed to an addressable memory element adapted to store a number of entangled pairs of photons including the quantum entangled pair of photons. The photons of the entangled pair of photons are retrievable from the addressable memory element according to the multi-bit value to obtain a retrieved entangled pair of photons having the quantum state. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for detecting one or more discontinuities of a structure may include a laser emitter configured to generate and direct an ultrasonic signal into a structure and a receiver comprising an optical microphone. The optical microphone may comprise an array of optical microphones configured in a complementary manner to the emitter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for measuring polarization properties and phase information, for example as can be used in microscopy applications. According to one example of the disclosed technology, an apparatus includes a light source, an interferometer configured to receive light generated by the light source and split the received light into two split beam outputs. The split beam outputs including combined, interfering light beams. Two light sensors, each including a polarization-sensitive focal plane array receive a respective one of the split beam outputs from the interferometer. Thus, some examples of the disclosed technology allows for simultaneous or concurrent measurement of properties of light including intensity, wavelength, polarization, and phase.

Abstract: A system and method including, receiving a plurality of optical beams propagating in a first direction along a first plane in a coplanar beam pattern. The system and method include redirecting a first set of the plurality of optical beams to propagate in the first direction along a second plane. The system and method include redirecting a second set of the plurality of optical beams to propagate in a second direction along the first plane. The system and method include redirecting the second set of the plurality of optical beams propagating in the second direction along the first plane to propagate in the first direction along the first plane. The system and method include generating a multi-planar beam pattern by forwarding the first set of the plurality of optical beams and the second set of the plurality of optical beams through an optical element.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus can be provided which can include a laser arrangement that is configured to provide a laser radiation, and including an optical cavity. The optical cavity can include a dispersive optical waveguide first arrangement having first and second sides, and which is configured to (i) receive at least one first electro-magnetic radiation at the first side so as to provide at least one second electro-magnetic radiation, and (ii) to receive at least one third electro-magnetic radiation at the second side so as to provide at least one fourth electro-magnetic radiation. The first and second sides are different from one another, and the second and third radiations are related to one another. The optical cavity can also include an active optical modulator second arrangement which can be configured to receive and modulate the fourth radiation so as to provide the first electro-magnetic radiation to the first arrangement.

Abstract: High-resolution 3D optical polarization tractography (OPT) images of the internal fiber structure of a target tissue. Manipulation of dual-angle imaging data of the fiber orientation inside a target tissue leads to the determination of 3D imaging properties of the target tissue, allowing transmission of the 3D image properties of the target tissue to an OPT processor to produce high-resolution 3D images.

Abstract: A scanning microscope includes a light source for generating a light beam having a wavelength, ?, and beam-forming optics configured for receiving the light beam and generating a quasi-Bessel excitation beam that is directed into a sample. The quasi-Bessel beam has a lateral FWHM and an axial FWHM that is greater than ten times the lateral FWHM, and the beam-forming optics include an excitation objective having an axis oriented in a first direction. The microscope includes beam scanning optics configured for scanning the quasi-Bessel beam in one or more directions that are substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and a detector configured for detecting signal light received from positions within the sample that are illuminated by the quasi-Bessel beam. The signal light is generated in response to an interaction of the excitation beam with the sample, and the signal light is imaged, at least in part, by the excitation objective, onto the detector.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for periscope optical assemblies within interposers that include a bulk material having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side; a first optic defined in the bulk material at a first height in the bulk material along an axis extending between the first second sides; a second optic defined in the bulk material at a second height in the bulk material, different than the first height, along the axis; a first waveguide defined in the bulk material, extending from the first side to the first optic; a second waveguide defined in the bulk material, extending from the second optic to the second side; and a third waveguide defined in the bulk material, extending from the first optic to the second optic.

Abstract: An interferometer having a fundamental beam generator, a first second harmonic generator, a waveplate, a second second harmonic generator, a harmonic separator, and a polarizing beam splitter, mounted uniaxially, (i.e., the components are aligned along one optical axis), wherein the interferometer is adapted to change a diameter of a beam to match a diameter of a sample, and to change the diameter of the beam back to its original diameter.

Abstract: There is provided an imaging section that allows multiple pixels generating a pixel signal based on incident light to act as polarization pixels each having one of multiple polarizing directions. A polarization element is attached on the side of the incidence plane side of the imaging section, causes linearly polarized light to enter the imaging section. A control section, for example, controls a sensitivity detecting section to detect a sensitivity level in each of the polarizing directions of the polarization pixels in the imaging section. An image signal processing section performs gain adjustment on the polarization pixels on the basis of the sensitivity level detected in each of the polarizing directions by the sensitivity detecting section, and carries out image composition using the gain-adjusted image signals to generate a captured image having wide dynamic range with minimum motion blur.

Abstract: A head-mounted display, or other near-to-eye display, incorporates optics that include a spatially-varying retarder (SVR). The SVR may be manufactured with a correction factor applied thereto in order to compensate for one or more manufacturing errors that are exhibited in a molded lens and/or a polarizing beam splitter included in the optics of the system.

Abstract: Deriving data for calibration or improving the positioning of a computer-controlled machine including a movable carrier for changing the position of a first machine part relative that of second machine part. The carrier is moved to a plurality of carrier positions such that the position of the first machine part relative to that of the second machine part changes for each of said plurality of positions. At each carrier position, a pattern generator attached to the first machine part is illuminated with at least two illuminators such that at least one spatial light pattern is created in space. Position data related to the position of said carrier is recorded and composite images of said at least one spatial light pattern is recorded in at least two different optical configurations of said at least two illuminators, said pattern generator, and at least one camera.

Abstract: Speckle artifacts as viewed in images projected on a display surface by a projector can be reduced. At least one spatial light modulator, illuminated by one or more light sources, can be imaged to a screen by a projection lens. A deflector subsystem can be provided in image space, proximate to the lens, where the image light emerges. In this location, image light directed to any given field point on the display surface is convergent, but can appear collimated. The deflector subsystem can include a tilted optical plate that is rotated in a plane along an axis. As the deflector subsystem is temporally rotated, the image light to any given field point traverses different optical paths, varying the angular diversity to reduce perceivable speckle by changing at least the angle of incidence to the screen.

Abstract: Scopes such as medical imaging camera head devices and methods are provided using light captured by an endoscope system or other medical scope or borescope. At least one polarizing optical element manipulates the polarization properties of image light. The manipulated image light is focused on an image sensor including polarizers for each pixel. Multiple images are produced based sets of pixels having the same orientation of polarizer. The resulting images are combined with high dynamic range techniques.

Abstract: A display system includes a first light source, a second light source, at least one movable mirror, and an attenuator. The first light source is configured to provide a first light in a first optical path. The second light source is configured to provide a second light in a second optical path. A portion of the second optical path overlaps the first optical path in an overlapping portion. The attenuator is positioned in at least the first optical path and configured to attenuate at least the first light. The movable mirror is movable to deflect the overlapping portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for marker-free detection of a cell type of at least one cell in a medium using microfluidics and digital holographic microscopy, as well as a device, particular for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A mask inspection apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: a field stop unit capable of switching between a field stop for an optical mask configured to emit an incident illumination light while maintaining the polarization state thereof and a field stop for an EUV mask configured to change the polarization state of a part of the incident illumination light and to cause an illumination light including an S-polarized light and a P-polarized light; a beam splitter unit capable of switching between a PBS for an optical mask and a non-polarized BS; an objective lens configured to collect an illumination light reflected in the beam splitter unit in a mask to be inspected and collect a reflected light obtained by reflecting an illumination light in the mask to be inspected; and a ?/4 plate that can be provided in an optical path of an illumination light and a reflected light.

Abstract: To provide an optical-scanning-height measuring device capable of efficiently measuring a shape of a desired portion of a measurement object. Designation of a measurement point on an image of a measurement object S is received. Light emitted from a light emitting section 231 is deflected by the deflecting section and irradiated on the measurement object S. The deflecting section is controlled to irradiate the light on a portion of the measurement object S corresponding to the measurement point. A deflecting direction of the deflecting section or an irradiation position of the light deflected by the deflecting section is detected. Height of the portion of the measurement object S corresponding to the measurement point is calculated on the basis of the deflecting direction of the deflecting section or the irradiation position of the light deflected by the deflecting section and the light reception signal output by the light receiving section.

Abstract: A system is described, for use in optical measurement of a sample.

Abstract: A particle counter includes a detector that receives, using a light receiving element, interference light between scattered light and reference light, generates a detection signal corresponding to the interference light, and amplifies the detection signal using an amplifier; a counting unit that performs counting of the particle, based on the detection signal in a measurement period for measuring particle; and an optical path length variable unit that causes the optical path length of at least one of a first optical path and a second optical path to be changed at a predetermined rate, wherein the predetermined rate is set based on a flow velocity of the fluid so as to slow a change in a phase difference between the scattered light and the reference light and to make the frequency of the detection signal lower by changing the optical path length.

Abstract: A bio-chip package comprises a substrate a first layer over the substrate comprising an image sensor. The bio-chip package also comprises a second layer over the first layer. The second layer comprises a waveguide system a grating coupler. The bio-chip package also comprises a third layer arranged to accommodate a fluid between a first-third layer portion and a second-third layer portion, and to allow the fluid to pass from a first side of the third layer to a second side of the third layer. The third layer comprises a material having a predetermined transparency with respect to a wavelength of a received source light, the waveguide system is configured to direct the received source light to the grating coupler, and the image sensor is configured to determine a change in the wavelength of the source light caused by a coupling between the source light and the fluid.

Abstract: A Surface Plasmon Scanning-Tunneling Chemical Mapping (SPSTM) system is disclosed that determines identification characteristics of a target material. An optical beam source launches an optical beam that propagates through a transparent optical element to a material layer to excite surface plasmons of the material layer. An optical probe with a nanometer-sized tip is positioned over a nanometer-sized region of the target material, which is positioned on the material layer, to measure a probe signal associated only with the surface plasmons that tunnel from the material layer through the nanometer-sized region of the target material and collected by the optical probe. An optical property analyzer is configured to determine at least one optical property associated with the nanometer-sized region based on the probe signal associated with the surface plasmons collected by the optical probe.

Abstract: A miniature spectrometer includes an optical system, a polarization interferometer with a polarizer and a Savart element and an analyzer, a detection unit with a detector, and a data unit. The optical system of the miniature spectrometer is configured as a diffuser.

Abstract: A substrate-type optical waveguide includes: a mode conversion section including a first input light guide path and a first output light guide path; and a polarization conversion and multiplexing section including a second input light guide path and a second output light guide path. The mode conversion section converts light input into the first input light guide path into either: a superposition of a first TE fundamental mode and a first TE higher mode; or a superposition of a first TM fundamental mode and a first TM higher mode. The polarization conversion and multiplexing section converts either: the superposition of the first TE fundamental mode and the first TE higher mode; or the superposition of the first TM fundamental mode and the first TM higher mode, into a superposition of a second TE fundamental mode and a second TM fundamental mode.

Abstract: An interferometer includes a first interferometer arm and a second interferometer arm. A first central beam, originating from a central image point of an image, passes through the first interferometer arm. A second central beam, originating from the central image point, passes through the second interferometer arm. The first central beam and the second central beam are superimposed and generate a kperpendicular=0 interference at a superposition point. A first light beam perpendicular to the first central beam, originating from an image point of the image, passes through the first interferometer arm. A second light beam perpendicular to the second central beam, originating from the image point, passes through the second interferometer arm. The first light beam and the second light beam overlap at the superposition point. At the superposition point, a wave vector component of the first light beam opposes a wave vector component of the second light beam.

Abstract: A pulse width controller for a thermal processing system is disclosed. Pulsed electromagnetic radiation is directed through a rotatable wave plate to a polarizing beam splitter, which reflects and transmits according to the phase angle of the wave plate. Radiation transmitted by the polarizing beam splitter is directed into an optical circuit that returns the radiation to the polarizing beam splitter after a transit time. A second rotatable wave plate is positioned in the optical circuit. The polarizing beam splitter reflects and transmits the returned radiation according to the phase angle of the second rotatable wave plate. A second pulse width controller may be nested in the optical circuit, and any number of pulse width controllers may be nested.

Abstract: The system and methods are made to apply interferometry to ophthalmic applications. The system makes use of a low-coherence interferometer to obtain a plurality of measurements of a contacts lens. The system and methods characterizes the surface profile of both surfaces of a contact lens, a thickness profiles, and combines these measurements with an index information to reconstruct a complete model of the contact lens.

Abstract: The present invention is related with the two-channel point-diffraction interferometer for testing the optical systems or optical elements. The two-channel point-diffraction interferometer comprising a laser source inducing a linearly polarized laser beam which is divided by a beam splitter to a working channel and to a reference channel whereas the one half of light as working channel is directed from the first collimator to the working collimator by a first single-mode optical fiber to keep polarization of light unchanged, and another half of light as reference channel is directed from the second collimator to the reference collimator by a second single-mode optical fiber to keep polarization of light unchanged.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods for utilizing optical coherence tomography (OCT) to monitor and control tissue sealing are disclosed. The surgical device includes an end effector assembly that includes first and second jaw members that are movable between a first, spaced-apart position and a second proximate position. An OCT system, at least a portion of which is incorporated into the end effector assembly, is configured to sense properties of the tissue, e.g., the structural density of the tissue, disposed between the first and second jaw members. A tissue-sealing energy source may be disposed within at least one of the jaw members and may provide tissue-sealing energy to tissue disposed between the jaw members. A controller, which is coupled to the OCT system and the tissue-sealing energy source, controls the tissue-sealing energy generated by the tissue-sealing energy source based on the properties of the tissue sensed by the OCT system.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure describe methods and systems for improved secure key generation and distribution employing environmental instability induced signal phase fluctuations that are compatible with commercial wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical systems and associated optical amplifiers for long-haul transmission.

Abstract: A lighting device may include at least one light source arrangement for generating primary light; at least one light wavelength conversion element for converting primary light into secondary light; and a filter apparatus disposed optically downstream of the at least one light wavelength conversion element and serving for filtering out primary light. The at least one light source arrangement and the at least one light wavelength conversion element are embodied or correspondingly embodied light directing means are provided in such a way that part of the primary light generated by the at least one light source arrangement impinges on the at least one light wavelength conversion element and part of the primary light generated by the at least one light source arrangement is directed past the at least one light wavelength conversion element.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for a self-referencing interferometer. The interferometer can comprise an improved spatial phase shifter that reduces the number of components, size and complexity of the spatial phase shifter and maintains a common path for a combined reference beam and signal beam. The self-referencing interferometer further comprises a single mode fiber shunt for filtering the reference beam and further reducing the size of the interferometer. The angle of the reference beam can be tilted before being recombined with the single beam which further simplifies the spatial phase shifting component of the interferometer.

Abstract: A bio-chip package comprises a substrate a first layer over the substrate comprising an image sensor. The bio-chip package also comprises a second layer over the first layer. The second layer comprises a waveguide system a grating coupler. The bio-chip package also comprises a third layer arranged to accommodate a fluid between a first-third layer portion and a second-third layer portion, and to allow the fluid to pass from a first side of the third layer to a second side of the third layer. The third layer comprises a material having a predetermined transparency with respect to a wavelength of a received source light, the waveguide system is configured to direct the received source light to the grating coupler, and the image sensor is configured to determine a change in the wavelength of the source light caused by a coupling between the source light and the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining optical properties of an object includes a tunable monochromatic light source and an optical system for illuminating at least one point of the object with light from the light source, and collecting light reflected from the object. A biaxial birefringent crystal intercepts a beam of light reflected from the object and propagates the beam along an optical axis of the crystal and transforms the beam of reflected light to a ring of light having a periphery, each point of which has a different polarization plane. A detector array detects respective points along the periphery of the ring and a processing unit is coupled to the detector and is responsive to signals thereby for determining optical properties of the object.

Abstract: A novel terrestrial wireless communications technique for terrestrial portable terminals including hand-held mobile devices and fixed wireless instruments, utilizing a spoke-and-hub communications system, having a plurality of individual hubs and/or base-stations all in communications with the portable terminals. The portable terminals and the hubs are assigned to use incompatible polarity formats in terms of circularly polarity (CP) and linearly polarity (LP). In forward links, a signal processed by the LP ground telecommunications hubs is radiated through multiple antennas with various LP polarities to an individual CP user simultaneously. The multiple paths are organized via assignments of a plurality of polarities, frequency slots, and directions by wavefront multiplexing/demultiplexing techniques such that the same communications assets including frequency spectrum may be re-used by other users. The same polarity diversity methods can be extended to peer-to-peer communications.

Abstract: A microscope, preferably a laser scanning microscope, with at least one illuminating beam, which in a partial area along the cross-section thereof, is phase-modulated with a modulation frequency. A microscope objective is provided for focusing the illumination beam onto a sample. The microscope further has a detection beam path and at least one demodulation means, wherein a pulsed illumination beam is present. In the illumination beam path upstream of the microscope objective, a first polarization beam splitter is provided, which generates at least first and second partial beam paths that have differing, preferably adjustable, optical paths. A combination element, such as a second pole splitter, for rejoining the partial beams is provided. In one partial beam path, a phase element is provided, which has at least two areas having differing phase interferences.

Abstract: A method is described for determining angle errors when measuring slewing angles of a pivoted light-deflecting device, including the following steps: emitting a first light beam and a second light beam, which enclose a light beam angle, onto the light-deflecting device; receiving the first light beam and second light beam deflected by the light-deflecting device and reflected by an object; calculating a first propagation path of the first light beam and a second propagation path of the second light beam; pivoting the light-deflecting device from an initial position to a final position, respective slewing angles of the light-deflecting device being measured in the process and a dependency of the first propagation path on the measured slewing angles being determined; and calculating an angle error for a measured slewing angle to be corrected from the set of measured slewing angles by using the light beam angle, the second propagation path and the dependency of the first propagation path on the measured slewing