Abstract: A surgical microscope system includes a camera 20. The camera 20 includes CCDs 21 and a focusing mechanism (41, 42, 43). If an image displayed on an electronic image display unit 5 is unclear due to a focusing error, the focusing mechanism is operated to focus the image and make the image clearly visible. Without regard to a focusing operation conducted by a doctor D1 on a surgical microscope 4, an assistant D2 on the electronic image display unit is able to manipulate the focusing mechanism and observe clear images on the electronic image display unit.

Abstract: The surgical microscope system includes a first binocular microscope and a first display device. The first binocular microscope includes an objective lens, a first right ocular lens which provides a first image based on a light flux transmitted through the objective lens, and a first left ocular lens which provides a second image based on a light flux transmitted through the objective lens. The first display device can be disposed opposite to or in alignment with the first binocular microscope, and includes a first right-eye image display surface for displaying the first image and a first left-eye image display surface for displaying the second image. The first display device can be reversed about a horizontal axis extending in a direction along which the first right-eye image display surface and the first left-eye image display surface are located in alignment.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided an imaging element array including an imaging element group in which a plurality of imaging elements are aligned, each of the imaging elements including an integrally molded input portion, an output portion, and a reflective portion, collecting light input to the input portion, reflecting the light by the reflective portion near a position where light flux is downsized, and outputting the reflected light from the output portion to form an image at an image point, and an inhibiting portion which is formed around the reflected portion in the imaging element group to inhibit light other than the light reflected by the reflective portion from traveling to the output portion.

Abstract: A depth expansion apparatus includes an image-pickup-optical-system and an image-pickup-device (hereinafter, IPS) configured to form and pick up images A and B in different focus positions, and a depth-expanded-image forming section configured to generate, based on the images A and B, a depth-expanded-image that maintains a relation between a distance from an object point to the image-pickup-optical-system and luminance. When an image side NA of the image A is represented as NA?, a resolution determined by the IPS, as R, an optical path interval between image forming surfaces for the images A and B, as d, NA of an image at a near photographing distance among the images A and B, as NAn, and NA of an image at a far photographing distance among the images A and B, as NAf, the IPS satisfy the following conditional expressions (1) and (2): R×NA?/2?d??(1) 0.05?(NAf/NAn)2?0.9??(2).

Abstract: A microscope for examining an object includes a laser light source generating pulsed light so as to illuminate the object. A measuring system including a detector is adapted to detect detection light coming from the object and the measuring system generates a measurement signal based on the detection light. The microscope includes a programmable integrated circuit including a control element and at least one of a first delay element and a second delay element. The control element is configured to generate a first control signal adapted to control the detector and the measuring system. The control element is further configured to generate a second control signal adapted to control the laser light source. The first and second delay elements are configured to delay the first and second control signals, respectively.

Abstract: A method of packaging imager devices and optics modules is disclosed which includes positioning an imager device and an optics module in each of a plurality of openings in a carrier body, introducing an encapsulant material into each of the openings in the carrier body and cutting the carrier body to singulate the plurality of imager devices and optics modules into individual units, each of which comprise an imager device and an optics module. A device is also disclosed which includes an imager device comprising a plurality of photosensitive elements and an optics module coupled to the imager device, the optics module comprising at least one lens that, when the optics module is coupled to the imager device, is positioned a fixed, non-adjustable distance from the plurality of photosensitive elements.

Abstract: An embodiment of present invention discloses an optoelectronic device package including a first auxiliary energy receiver having a first energy inlet and a side wall for substantially directing energy far away from the first energy inlet; an optical element optically coupled to the first auxiliary energy receiver and having a recess facing the first energy inlet; and an optoelectronic device optically coupled to the optical element and receiving the energy from the first energy inlet.

Abstract: A microscope system improves the operability of a user in performing a microscope observation. The microscope system attains the improvement by including: a microscope apparatus including a plurality of drive units; a display unit for displaying an operation screen for operation of the microscope apparatus; a pointing device for inputting by a pointer an operation instruction to the microscope apparatus on the operation screen; and a control unit for switching the drive units depending on the position of the pointer on the operation screen, and controlling the operation of the switched drive units depending on the operation of the pointing device.

Abstract: Microscope, particularly laser scanning microscope, for optical detection of light radiation excited in a specimen, having a detection beam path for detecting spectral components of the light radiation in a plurality of detection channels, wherein the light radiation arrives at a variable longpass filter or shortpass filter from which reflected and/or transmitted components are reflected back with a parallel offset, and the latter arrive at a detector after at least one back-reflection of this kind.

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: An imaging apparatus is realized which enables a thin finger vein authentication apparatus having a thickness installable in a portable information device. A light beam emitted from an object passes through a visible light cut-off filter 20 and enters a pre-focus lens array 11. The pre-focus lens array 11 focuses the light beam on an opening of a micro aperture array 15. The light beam passed through the micro aperture array 15 diverges, but it is focused with the post-focus lens array 13 on the light detection device 30. With this structure, a thin imaging apparatus can be obtained with maintained resolution, and a finger authentication apparatus installable in a portable information device can be realized.

Abstract: Provided is a multiple light source microscope which is capable of performing not only electron image observation but also fluorescence image observation, fluoroscopic image observation and the like for the same biological tissue sample, and is provided with a plurality of observation-use light sources. Disclosed is this multiple light source microscope configured by: an optical microscope unit for observing fluorescence, provided with a light source unit; and a scanning electron microscope unit, wherein the optical microscope has a Cassegrain mirror with an aspherical reflecting surface, and the Cassegrain mirror is arranged in a lens barrel of the scanning microscope unit so as to be coaxial with an optical axis of an electron beam of the scanning electron microscope unit.

Abstract: A microscope includes an illumination unit for illuminating a mask at a predetermined non-axial illumination angle, an imaging unit for imaging an aerial image of the mask within a predetermined defocus region, and an imaging field stop, in which as a result of the lateral displacement of the aerial image depending on the position within the defocus region and on the non-axial illumination angle, the opening of the imaging field stop is dimensioned such that the aerial image is either completely encompassed or circumferentially cut within the defocus region. A method for characterizing a mask having a structure includes illuminating the mask at at least one illumination angle using monochromatic illumination radiation such that a diffraction image of the structure is created, recording the diffraction image, establishing the intensities of the maxima of the adjacent orders of diffraction, and establishing an intensity ratio of the intensities.

Abstract: An imaging system for viewing both flat and angled surfaces of a test element, such as the end faces of both PC and APC optical fibers. A light source provides light to the angled surface, while lensing directs a portion of the original light to the angled surface at a second acute angle. A collector, e.g. photodetector, lenses or human eye, receives the portion of the light reflected from the angled surface and generates an image thereof. An annulus is provided in the optical path for managing the light. The annulus includes a transparent outer ring enabling the portion of the light to pass from the light source to the surface at the second acute angle; a central transparent section enabling light reflected from the angled surface to pass to the collector along the longitudinal optical axis; and a first light-blocking ring between the outer ring and the central section for blocking excess light from the light source and reflected from the end surface.

Abstract: This microscope apparatus is provided with the following elements: an objective lens; a CCD that constructs an image of a sample S; an illumination intensity change unit for adjusting an intensity of excitation light; an sensitivity adjustment unit for adjusting a detection sensitivity by the CCD; a galvanometer mirror for changing a light focusing position of excitation light at a pupil position of the objective lens; a storage unit that stores, for each observation method, a predetermined intensity, a predetermined detection sensitivity, and the light focusing position; and a control unit that switches the observation method, reads out the intensity, the detection sensitivity, and the light focusing position according to the observation method based on a synchronization signal synchronized with a frame signal for constructing an image, and controls the illumination intensity change unit, the sensitivity adjustment unit, and the galvanometer mirror.

Abstract: A microscope system includes a plurality of actuators configured to cause components of a microscope to operate, a plurality of power drivers configured to drive the plurality of actuators, respectively, an actuator controller configured to control the plurality of actuators through the plurality of power drivers, and a control management unit configured to control the actuator controller to designate any one of the plurality of power drivers to output a start signal for allowing the designated power driver to start operation to the designated power driver, and to control the actuator controller to stop outputting of the start signal to the designated power driver and the other power drivers other than the designated power driver until passage of a settling time in which driving of one of the plurality of actuators in response to the operation of the designated power driver is completed and then enabled again.

Abstract: An automated slide scanning system is described. The system comprises an automated focusing unit that is simple and that provides a fine adjustment of a focusing tube without any backlash. The focusing unit comprises a block that is cut or fabricated in a pattern forming a head to support a focusing tube and at least one elongated and rigid arm projecting perpendicularly from the head. One end of the at least one arm is integrally joined to the head. The focusing unit further comprises an elongated, rigid, lever which is substantially parallel and spaced apart from the at least one arm. The lever is pivotally mounted to a hinge and has a first end that is linked to the head of the focusing unit and a second free end. The focusing unit further includes a drive mechanism with a roller coupled to a motor. The roller is eccentric roller and is in constant contact to the lever's second end.

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: The invention relates to a method and a microscope for generating a microscopic image, wherein a) the sample is illuminated in each case by the microscope lens using the TIRF method; and b) the sample is illuminated in a structured fashion in different displacement positions of the structure. The sample light of the method according to a) and b) is detected in each case for generating an image of at least once sample region, wherein the sample images generated according to a) and b) are set off against one another, preferably multiplied, and the result is stored for generating a new sample image.

Abstract: A microscope system has a VS image generation means for generating a virtual slide image of a specimen which is constructed by mutually connecting a plurality of microscope images with a first photomagnification photographed and acquired whenever an objective lens and the specimen are relatively moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and which represents the entire image of the specimen, an object-of-interest set means setting an object of interest with respect to the entire image of the specimen represented by the VS image, and a three-dimensional VS image generation means for generating a three-dimensional VS image which is constructed by connecting the microscope images at different focal positions in accordance with the same focal position and which is constructed from the microscope images with a second photomagnification higher than the first photomagnification and represents the image of the object of interest.

Abstract: A complex type microscopic device includes a slider unit moving a stage, an optical microscope, a scanning electron microscope with an electron axis intersecting with an optical axis of the optical microscope, an optical measurement/observation unit having a magnification between those of the scanning electron microscope and the optical microscope and co-using an objective lens with the optical microscope, and a control unit controlling the entire device, and a display unit having a display screen. During display of a low-magnification optical microscopic image, the control unit controls the display unit to display, on the image, a representation to designate an area to be observed at a magnification of the optical measurement/observation unit, and to display, on the image, another representation to designate an area to be observed at a magnification of the scanning electron microscope during display of a high-magnification optical microscopic image.

Abstract: A microscope system which can improve the ease of use and the observation environment when a sample is observed using a microscope formed of a stand and a main body which is removable from the stand. A microscope is formed of a main body and a stand, and the main body is removable from the stand. The main body includes an objective lens, an image optical system, a CCD, a compact monitor and a battery, so that the main body, when removed from the stand, can function independently as a microscope. If the main body is mechanically connected to the stand, the main body and the stand are electrically connected via connectors, and an observation image captured by the CCD is supplied from the main body to the stand via the connectors, and is displayed on a monitor.

Abstract: A method of imaging light from a specimen in which excitation light passes to the specimen via a scanning system and light emitted by luminescence of the specimen passes in another direction via the scanning system to an image capture device having a sensor having discrete spatially distinct light sensitive regions. The scanning system is operated to scan the whole of an area of interest of the specimen, and the excitation light and/or the image capture device are controlled so that light emitted from the specimen in only incident on the image capture device sensor for a specific time period equal to that required for scanning the whole of the area of interest n time. The scanning system is a confocal system. Apparatus is provided for performing the method to produce a video signal for creating an image in a display device or for processing and analysis by a computer.

Abstract: A microscope system which is capable of changing observation states by driving various optical members and which includes a history record unit for recording history data related to a microscope operation history, a selection unit for selecting one or more microscope operation items from among a plurality of microscope operation items, and a state reproduction unit for reproducing a microscope state on the basis of a microscope operation item(s) selected by the selection unit and on the basis of a microscope operation history related to history data recorded in the history record unit.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a family of microscopes with components or discrete compact devices for illuminating an object with radiation of various spectral ranges suitable for multichannel fluorescence microscopy, so that an object is sequentially illuminated with different excitation spectra of particular fluorescent dyes.

Abstract: A three-dimensional direction drift control apparatus and a microscope apparatus that correct misalignment of a relative position between an object lens and a sample. A near-infrared light emitted from a light source is irradiated onto a surface of a glass cover holding a sample on a stage. When the near-infrared light is irradiated onto the glass cover, a regular reflection light and scattered light of the near-infrared light are generated, and the regular reflection light and the scattered light enter a half-mirror via lenses from an objective lens to an offset lens group. A clamp processing unit detects misalignment in the lateral direction of the object lens with respect to the sample based on the image of the scattered light, which has been reflected by the half-mirror and entered a two-dimensional photoelectric converter, and controls a drive unit according to this detection result, whereby the stage is moved.

Abstract: A microscope image pickup system includes: alight source; an object lens; a display device; a record device; a capture device for performing a preview mode in which an image of the test object obtained by the object lens is repeatedly captured and a plurality of captured images are continuously displayed on the display device, or an image record mode in which the image of the test object is captured and the captured image is recorded on the record device; an illumination light amount control device for controlling the amount of light of the illumination light; and a system control device for controlling an operation of the illumination light amount control device depending on the preview mode or the image record mode performed by the capture device.

Abstract: A microscope system which can improve the ease of use and the observation environment when a sample is observed using a microscope formed of a stand and a main body which is removable from the stand. A microscope is formed of a main body and a stand, and the main body is removable from the stand. The main body includes an objective lens, an image optical system, a CCD, a compact monitor and a battery, so that the main body, when removed from the stand, can function independently as a microscope. If the main body is mechanically connected to the stand, the main body and the stand are electrically connected via connectors, and an observation image captured by the CCD is supplied from the main body to the stand via the connectors, and is displayed on a monitor.

Abstract: A screen device of the present invention has a light collecting element array including a plurality of light collecting elements that collect incident light from a projector and a back surface sheet. The back surface sheet includes a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, a photoconductive layer disposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, and an image recording layer disposed between the first electrode plate and the photoconductive layer. At the back surface sheet, a light reflecting portion is formed at a light collecting region to which the light collected by the light collecting elements is irradiated, and a light absorbing portion is formed at a non-light collecting region to which the light collected by the light collecting elements is not irradiated.

Abstract: A method of performing 3D photoactivation microscope imaging includes providing a sample having a plurality of probes, each of the plurality of probes including a photo-activatable material. Probes from the plurality of probes are activated to form a sparse subset of probes, the sparse subset of probes having probes that are spatially separated by at least a microscope resolution. The sample is illuminated with a readout light source, and light emitted from activated probes is detected. Based on the light emission detected from the activated probes, localized three-dimensional positions of the activated probes are obtained.

Abstract: The microscopic imaging apparatus includes a system controlling unit for obtaining a VD time setting value, and for obtaining the number of electric charge subtracting pulses, a synchronization signal generating unit for generating a vertical synchronization signal on the basis of the VD time setting value output from the system controlling unit and the horizontal synchronization signal, and a timing generating unit for extracting the electric charge of the imaging device by supplying the horizontal synchronization signal by the number of electric charge subtracting pulses to the imaging device as the electric charge subtracting pulses, and for generating a read pulse synchronous with the vertical synchronization signal in order to stop the accumulation of the electric charge of the imaging device after exposure is started.

Abstract: A method of autofocusing includes capturing first, second and third images of a sample, at respective first, second and third sample distances and respective first, second and third lateral positions determined with respect to an objective; determining a quantitative characteristic for the first, second and third images; determining a primary sample distance based upon at least the quantitative characteristics for the first, second, and third images; and capturing a primary image of the sample at the primary sample distance and at a primary lateral position that is offset from the first, second and third lateral positions.

Abstract: A system and associated method 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: The invention relates to an reimaging optical system that has a sufficiently enhanced magnification and better performance, and an endoscope using the same. The reimaging optical system 3 is adapted to re-form an image by an image guide 6 on a solid-state imaging device 4 having a diagonal length of 6.5 mm or longer, and satisfies the following condition. 0.6<(D×|?|)/V??(1). Here D is the diameter of the image guide 6, ? is the optical transverse magnification of the reimaging optical system 3, and V in mm is the minor axis direction length of an imaging area of the solid-state imaging device 4.

Abstract: Provided with a time-lapse imaging unit which repeatedly captures a specimen at predetermined time intervals and generates a plurality of images, and a recording unit which records at least one of an image group including one or more of the images captured during a predetermined period among a period of a time-lapse capturing performed by the time-lapse imaging unit or an image group including one or more of the images picked at predetermined time intervals among the period of the time-lapse capturing performed by the time-lapse imaging unit. Thus, data generated in time-lapse photography are managed favorably in a microscope apparatus provided with a time-lapse imaging unit which repeatedly captures a specimen at predetermined time intervals and generates a plurality of images.

Abstract: A focusing apparatus for use with an optical system having a high NA objective lens includes an image forming and capturing mechanism for forming an image in an intermediate image zone and for capturing an image by receiving and refocusing light from a selected focal plane within the intermediate image zone, and a focus adjusting mechanism for adjusting the position of the selected focal plane within the intermediate image zone. The image forming and capturing mechanism includes at least one high NA lens. In use, spherical aberration introduced by the high NA objective lens is reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of performing orthogonal light sheet microscopy (OLM) and computer optical tomography (COT) simultaneously in a single device are provided. The dual-mode imaging microscope allows for the use of both OLM and COT in a single instrument. This dual-mode device will allow researchers to have access to both types of microscopy, allowing access to the widest possible selection of samples, and improved imaging results. In addition, the device will reduce the high costs and space requirements associated with owning two different imagers (OLM and COT).

Abstract: System and method for selectively viewing features of objects, including features hidden under non-transparent materials.

Abstract: A method of packaging imager devices and optics modules is disclosed which includes positioning an imager device and an optics module in each of a plurality of openings in a carrier body, introducing an encapsulant material into each of the openings in the carrier body and cutting the carrier body to singulate the plurality of imager devices and optics modules into individual units, each of which comprise an imager device and an optics module. A device is also disclosed which includes an imager device comprising a plurality of photosensitive elements and an optics module coupled to the imager device, the optics module comprising at least one lens that, when the optics module is coupled to the imager device, is positioned a fixed, non-adjustable distance from the plurality of photosensitive elements.

Abstract: A microscope image pickup system is one having a microscope apparatus enabled to change an observation state by driving one or more optical members, which comprises: an image pickup unit for picking up an image of an observation object; an image process unit for applying an image process to an image picked up by the image pickup unit; an input unit for inputting a process factor of the image process unit, wherein an observation state of the microscope apparatus and/or an image pickup condition of the image pickup unit are set up and an image is picked up so as to pick up an image of an image quality being equal to, or better than, that of an image to which an image process is applied on the basis of the process factor input from the input unit.

Abstract: Providing an imaging apparatus and a microscope capable of taking two-dimensional images of a sample at a plurality of observation positions different in the optical axis direction at the same time. The apparatus includes an image-forming lens 15 that forms images of a sample 4 on a plurality of image-forming places; an optical-path-dividing member 17, 18, 19 that divides an optical path from the same area in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the sample 4 so as to form the plurality of image-forming places; and an optical-path-length-changing member 27, 28, 29 that is provided on at least one optical path between the plurality of image-forming places and the imaging lens 15.

Abstract: A projection and detector device that attaches externally to the photo-port of a widefield microscope. The device includes a light source interface for receiving of illumination from a light source, the illumination defining an illumination path. A pattern mask is located within the illumination path for projecting one or a plurality of objects, structures, or patterns onto a sample located at the object plane of the optical microscope. The pattern mask may be used with structured illumination microscopy (SIM) to project a moving striped optical grid pattern or Ronchi Ruling onto the sample at the object plane in either fluorescence or reflected brightfield imaging. A mechanical or digital diaphragm may also be used, for techniques such as Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP), fluorescence photoactivation, and targeted illumination. A computer linked with a charged coupled device (CCD) camera may be used to capture images for storage and further post-processing.

Abstract: The wide angle lens system described herein allows projection devices (e.g., rear projection display devices) to be more compact than would otherwise be possible. The lens system includes a wide angle lens stage and a relay lens stage. When operating as a projection device, the relay lens stage projects a distorted intermediate image to the wide angle lens stage, which projects the image for display. The distortion cause by the relay lens stage compensates (i.e., is approximately equal and opposite) for the distortion caused by the wide angle stage. The distortion can be the image shape and/or the focal plane. When operating as a taking device, the wide angle stage provides a distorted image to the relay lens stage, which compensates for the distortion and provide a less distorted, or even non-distorted image, for capture.

Abstract: Apparatus for and method of rapid three dimensional scanning and digitizing of an entire microscope sample, or a substantially large portion of a microscope sample, using a tilted sensor synchronized with a positioning stage. The system also provides a method for interpolating tilted image layers into a orthogonal tree dimensional array or into its two dimensional projection as well as a method for composing the volume strips obtained from successive scans of the sample into a single continuous digital image or volume.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser scanning microscope that can generate an arbitrary control signal without depending on the configuration of the hardware. A memory 64 has a bit width wider than a bit width of drive data based on a drive table for generating a drive signal X for driving a scanner, which is driven by a drive circuit 66X, to scan a designated scanning area at a designated speed, and stores the drive table, and a controller 61 sets a control signal for controlling a predetermined operation in a predetermined mechanism that has a strict time relationship with the scanning based on the drive data, in bits in the bit width of the memory 64X, excluding the bits used by the drive data, and these mechanisms perform the predetermined operation based on the control signal that is read simultaneously when the drive data is read from the memory 64X. The present invention can be applied to a confocal laser scanning microscope that observes a sample by performing scanning with laser light.

Abstract: Apparatus for obtaining an image of a specimen (6) by optical projection tomography comprises a confocal microscope which produces a light beam which scans the specimen (6) whilst the latter is supported in a rotary stage (7). Light passing through the specimen is passed through a convex lens (8) which directs, onto a central light detector of an array of detectors (9), light which exits or by-passes the specimen parallel to the beam incident on the specimen.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the invention features an objective arranged to image radiation from an object plane to an image plane, including a plurality of elements arranged to direct the radiation from the object plane to the image plane, wherein the objective has an image side numerical aperture of more than 0.55 and a maximum image side field dimension of more than 1 mm, and the objective is a catoptric objective.

Abstract: An optical viewing arrangement has an image recording function and each telescope tube thereof has a beam path through an objective and an ocular and has a sensor component assembly for outcoupling and converting a component light beam into digital data. A camera electronic component assembly (9) converts and compresses the digital image data of the sensor component assembly. The assembly (9) has a communications interface (10) for coacting with a communications interface (16) of an external remote-control unit (11) for digital data transmission. The interface (16) coacts with the interface (10) of the external optical viewing arrangement (1) for digital data transmission as well as a touch operator-controlled panel (15) for inputting and/or selecting operator-controlled functions, a microprocessor (24) for data processing incoming and outgoing data, a storage unit (17) for storing the digital data and a display (14).

Abstract: A near-field microscope using one or more diffractive elements placed in the near-field of an object to be imaged. A diffractive covers the entire object, thus signal may thereby be gathered from the entire object, and advantageously increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the resulting image, as well as greatly improve the acquisition speed. Near-field microscopy overcomes the limitation of conventional microscopy in that subwavelength and nanometer-scale features can be imaged and measured without contact.

Abstract: An optical imaging system for inspection microscopes with which lithography masks can be checked for defects particularly through emulation of high-aperture scanner systems. The microscope imaging system for emulating high-aperture imaging systems comprises imaging optics, a detector and an evaluating unit, wherein polarizing optical elements are selectively arranged in the illumination beam path for generating different polarization states of the illumination beam and/or in the imaging beam path for selecting different polarization components of the imaging beam, an optical element with a polarization-dependent intensity attenuation function can be introduced into the imaging beam path, images of the mask and/or sample are received by the detector for differently polarized beam components and are conveyed to the evaluating unit for further processing.