Abstract: A method and an arrangement for beam control in a scanning microscope are disclosed. The scanning microscope comprises means for acquiring and displaying (3) a preview image (7) and a microscope optical system (51). Means for marking (5) at least one region of interest (27, 29) in the preview image (7) are provided. A first beam deflection device (43, 67, 68) displaces the scan field (31, 33) onto the region of interest (27, 29); and a second beam deflection device (49, 72, 94) serves for meander-shaped scanning within the scan field (31, 33).

Abstract: An optical measurement system is disclosed for evaluating samples with multi-layer thin film stacks. The optical measurement system includes a reference ellipsometer and one or more non-contact optical measurement devices. The reference ellipsometer is used to calibrate the other optical measurement devices. Once calibration is completed, the system can be used to analyze multi-layer thin film stacks. In particular, the reference ellipsometer provides a measurement which can be used to determine the total optical thickness of the stack. Using that information coupled with the measurements made by the other optical measurement devices, more accurate information about individual layers can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical guide fixture for coupling visual information on a surface to a viewer. The optical guide fixture of the invention can be coupled to an optical receiver, such as a digital camera, operably connected to a head-mounted display unit to provide a device according to the invention for viewing a surface. Such a device, in one application, provides magnified images of visual information on a surface, such as a page of a book, to a patient with a visual impairment.

Abstract: An endoscope ocular portion fitted with a microscope gripping mechanism 9 is adopted where a microscope gripping mechanism 10 has; a microscope gripping portion 12 for gripping a microscope ocular portion 11a of a medical microscope 11, an endoscope securing portion 14 secured to an endoscope ocular portion 13a, and a linkage portion 16 linking the microscope gripping portion 12 and endoscope securing portion 14, and positioning and securing the endoscope ocular portion 13a and the microscope ocular portion 11a on the same virtual plane 15 and at approximately the same spacing W as the pupil distance of an observer. According to this endoscope ocular portion fitted with a microscope gripping mechanism 9, observation of both the medical microscope and the endoscope at the same time without the observer significantly moving their head or body, is possible at low cost.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a transmitting spectral filter includes a thin film layer and a grating structure. The thin film layer is made of transmitting material to transmit a first incident radiation within a first band around a first wavelength. The first incident radiation is reflected from a mirror in an optical path. The grating structure is deposited on the thin film layer and is etched to have a grating period. The grating period causes transmission of the first incident radiation within the first band and causes at least one of reflection and diffraction of the second incident radiation above a second wavelength out of the optical path.

Abstract: A specimen of transparent living material is covered over with a cover glass while being observed. An optical image of this specimen captured by an objective lens includes spherical aberration due to the cover glass. The spherical aberration included in the optical image is corrected by a correction optical system. Imaging is performed while varying this spherical aberration correction amount. From the plurality of images which have been imaged, an image is selected whose spherical aberration is the least, according to increase and decrease of contrast. Imaging is performed while driving the correction optical system so as to bring the spherical aberration correction amount to be equal to that when the selected image was imaged.

Abstract: A microscope is disclosed for observing a magnified area. Fade-in means (32a) arranged in the path (1) of the rays of the microscope (82) reflect a thin focused beam of light (101) into the path (1) of rays. The beam of light (101) is deflected or modulated by deflecting means (102) to supply an image that can be recognised by an observer (100). The image may be projected onto the object (22) either directly or indirectly, for example through a diffusing screen (108a).

Abstract: A microscope having a mirror for deflecting light from an illumination light source in a direction of an objective lens and illuminating a specimen via a condenser lens disposed above the mirror includes a stage support which is mounted on the upper surface of a base portion to permanently hold a stage, on which a specimen is placed, with respect to the optical axis direction of the objective lens, a condenser body mounted on the upper surface of the base portion, a condenser lens holding member for holding the condenser body, an elevating mechanism for vertically moving the condenser lens holding member, and a focusing mechanism for moving the objective lens in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: Angular speed sensors and acceleration sensors are built into the casing of a video-type stereoscopic microscope. The angle of rotation of the stereoscopic microscope detected by the angular speed sensors and the amount of shift of the stereoscopic microscope detected by the acceleration sensors are input to a microscope control unit. This microscope control unit controls a vibration compensator based on the result of the detection. The vibration compensator shifts a lens within a plane orthogonal to its the optical axis so that object light from a field is deflected to a direction parallel to the optical axes of individual zoom optical systems.

Abstract: A microscope having little damage such as deformation, discoloration or the like given to a sample is disclosed. This microscope comprises an illuminance reducing unit for reducing illuminance of an illumination light on the sample. Assuming that a time width where illuminance is at a level enough for displaying an image of the sample is TF, a time width where illuminance is lower than the level enough for displaying an image of the sample is TN, and a value &agr; is as follows: &agr;=TF/(TF+TN) the value &agr; is changed according to a velocity of a stage or the like. A monitor displays a still picture of the sample for a period of TN, the still picture being one before the time width TN.

Abstract: An optical pickup device which includes an objective lens having a numerical aperture of 0.7 or more collects light emitted from a light source and irradiates an optical recording medium. The objective lens and an antireflection film formed thereon are set so that the intensity of light incident on the outermost rim of the objective lens is 45% or more and 80% or less of the intensity of incident light from the light source to the center of the objective lens. According to the configuration, it is possible to provide an optical pickup device including a high NA objective lens which can suppress a reduction in the light amount at the lens rim.

Abstract: A confocal microscope has a light source, an optical system, a rotating disk, an image capturing device such as a CCD camera, a subtracting section, a detector, and an adjusting device. The rotating disk has a transparent portion transmitting a light beam emitted from a light source and a light-permeable portion which includes transparent and opaque areas. The image capturing device alternately captures a composite image and a bright field image while the rotating disk is rotating. A subtracting section performs subtraction between a newest captured image and a last captured image, whenever a newest captured image is captured, so as to extract the confocal image. The detector detects at least once whether the captured image is the composite image or the bright field image. The adjusting device adjusts the plus/minus sign of the confocal image on the basis of a result detected by the detector.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a viewing arrangement (1) having a viewing optic (3) for viewing an object (5) along a viewing beam path. The viewing arrangement (1) also has an illuminating apparatus (9) for illuminating the object (5) along an illuminating beam path running segment-wise transversely to the viewing beam path. A beam-shaping illuminating element (15) is mounted in the segment of the illuminating beam path running transversely to the viewing beam path. The illuminating element (15) is asymmetrical relative to the illuminating beam path.

Abstract: A stereomicroscope has a left and a right stereo radiation path and an adjusting device for selecting a stereo base. A main lens is arranged between an object to be observed and the adjusting device, which may be designed as an opto-mechanical switching device. The arrangement allows an integrated structure with low light losses.

Abstract: A microscope includes a body unit that constitutes a microscope body and a plurality of units that are attached to the body unit. The plurality of units are electrically connected to a ground line. In this microscope, at least two of the units are imparted with conducting properties with conducting abilities different from each other.

Abstract: A microscope is disclosed for observing a magnified area. Fade-in means arranged in the path of the rays of the microscope reflect a thin focused beam of light into the path of the rays. The beam of light is deflected or modulated by deflecting means to supply an image that can be recognized by an observer. The image may be projected onto the object either directly or indirectly, for example through a diffusing screen.

Abstract: An inverted microscope is provided that reflects an observation light passing through an image-formation optical system upward using at least one reflection optical system and that leads the observation light to an observation path. The inverted microscope includes a confocal scanner arranged at an image surface position of the image-formation optical system, a light source for applying light onto a sample through the confocal scanner and the image-formation optical system, and a confocal image formation optical system that leads the light passing through the confocal scanner to the sample through the image-formation optical system, returns a return light from the sample to the confocal scanner along a route opposite to that for leading the light to the sample, and obtains a confocal image. A confocal observation optical system is also provided for leading the return light from the sample passing through the optical scanner to the observation optical path.

Abstract: A surgical microscope (1) includes a viewing unit (3) for viewing an object (5) and an image projection module (7) for inputting image data (9) into the viewing unit (3). The image projection module (7, 107, 207, 307) includes a plano-convex lens and a plano-concave lens. The image projection module (7, 107, 207, 307) includes an image display unit (11, 111, 211, 311).

Abstract: The invention relates to a compact microscope 4 especially for medical routine applications. The microscope is configured as a closed housing 8 wherein the specimen 30 to be microscoped is drawn in via an input opening 25. All optical components of the microscope are mounted within the housing. Alternatively, the microscope can be mounted in a standard drive bay of a personal computer 3. All movable components of the microscope are motorically driven and controlled by software via the computer. The specimen can be moved in two mutually perpendicular directions within the microscope to select the object detail of interest. An overview diagram of the specimen is produced with a line sensor when the specimen is drawn in.

Abstract: An image detecting apparatus comprises a rotating disk having pinholes that allow light to pass through, a photosensor for detecting the rotation of the disk, a CCD camera for capturing a confocal image of a specimen passed through the pinholes of the disk, a brushless DC motor for rotating the disk at a given speed, and an FPGA which produces a pulse-like brake signal having two levels for accelerating and decelerating the disk and its pulse width set variable and outputs it to the DC motor, thereby allowing the synchronization of the rotation of the disk with the image capture timing of the CCD camera.

Abstract: An object is to provide an optical head device whereby the light utilization efficiency can be increased and which can be produced at a low cost. A glass substrate 1 having projections and recesses 2 formed by patterning a SiON type transparent thin film on its inner surface by dry etching, and a second glass substrate 3 having a polyimide film 4 formed as an alignment film on its inner surface, are laminated with a space, the periphery is sealed by a sealing material made of an epoxy resin 5, and liquid crystal 6 is injected under vacuum into the interior to form an optically anisotropic diffraction grating. On the outer surface of this second glass substrate 3, a quarter-wave film 7 is laminated, and a third glass substrate 9 is bonded by a photopolymer 8 to obtain a diffracting element 10. This diffracting element 10 is disposed between a light source and an optical recording medium to obtain an optical head device.

Abstract: A forensic microscope, particularly for examination of writing, comprising a single-channel microscope with stereo viewing by synchronized interchange of the illumination angle in front of the microscope objective and/or of the angle of observation following the microscope objective and, further, by fluorescence excitation in a range of approximately 340 to 360 nm and/or between 400 nm and approximately 590 nm.

Abstract: A confocal microscope is provided that can perform automatic focussing. A beam splitter (9) is additionally disposed along an optical path of light split from reflected light from the surface of an object of a confocal microscope, whereby when light is focussed on the surface of a light detector (7), a difference between a quantity of light detected by a second light detector (11) and a quantity of light detected by a third light detector (13) is constructed so as to become a predetermined quantity, while when light is not focussed on the surface of the light detector (7), the difference between the quantity of light detected by the second light detector and the quantity of light detected by the third light detector is a quantity of light that is different from the predetermined quantity, and the object is automatically controlled such that the difference in quantity of light between the light detectors becomes the predetermined quantity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compact microscope 4 especially for medical routine applications. The microscope is configured as a closed housing 8 wherein the specimen 30 to be microscoped is drawn in via an input opening 25. All optical components of the microscope are mounted within the housing. Alternatively, the microscope can be mounted in a standard drive bay of a personal computer 3. All movable components of the microscope are motorically driven and controlled by software via the computer. The specimen can be moved in two mutually perpendicular directions within the microscope to select the object detail of interest. An overview diagram of the specimen is produced with a line sensor when the specimen is drawn in.

Abstract: A two-focal-point pickup device capable of suppressing the generation of glitch or bump in reproduced signal. The optical pickup device irradiates a light beam emitted from a light source onto an optical recording medium to form a light spot on a track of a recording surface of the optical recording medium to read the optical recording medium while controlling the position of the light spot relative to the track of the recording surface. The optical pickup device includes a converging lens section coaxially disposed in an optical axis of the light beam to converge the light beam onto the recording surface; and a hologram lens section coaxially disposed in the optical axis of the light beam to diffract the light beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for observing an object comprises an illumination optical system for illuminating an object to be observed with visible light, an observing optical system for observing the object positioned within a visual field illuminated by the illumination optical system, an index projecting optical system for projecting index for focus, the optical system having projecting luminous flux of wavelength at least a part of which is common with the wavelength of illumination luminous flux of the illuminating optical system, device for restricting luminous flux of index by intermittently projecting index light from the index projecting optical system, each projecting time being set so that no photogene occur in an examiner's eye, device for restricting luminous flux of illumination by intermittently conducting illumination by the illuminating optical system when index projection is not conducted, and by restricting the time of not conducting illumination to a time not recognized by the examiner, and device for de

Abstract: A surgical microscope includes an illumination optical system for illuminating a microscope visual field, an observation optical system which has an eyepiece lens and an imaging lens and allows observation of a first image of an observation target by guiding reflected light from the observation target irradiated with illumination light to the eyepiece lens from the illumination optical system, an image projection optical system for projecting a second image as image information within a portion of the microscope visual field, and visual field adjusting mechanism which has a field stop placed at an imaging position of the imaging lens and having a changeable stop shape and adjusts an area of the microscope visual field by changing the stop shape of the field stop in accordance with a projection state of the second image with respect to the microscope visual field.

Abstract: A method for determining a position of a microscope (1) in space is disclosed. In image detecting unit (3) is fixed to the microscope. In an operating state, the image detecting unit detects a field of view of the microscope from an angle to an optical axis (2) and is connected to a computer which is equipped with an image recognition program and with comparison data for determination of the position of the microscope with respect to the field of view.

Abstract: For focusing an operation microscope within a defined focusing range, a main objective and parts of an illuminating device are arranged in a focusing module that is separate from the microscope body. The focusing module is movable along the optical axis in a defined manner by means of manual or motor drives, so that focusing on a desired object detail is possible. Desired fine focusing can thus take place, in addition to coarse focusing by spatial positioning of the operation microscope by means of a stand. The advantages are a compact design, prevention of reflections through the main objective, and widely varied possibilities for filling of additional accessories.

Abstract: A stereomicroscope has a left and a right stereo radiation path and an adjusting device for selecting a stereo base. A main lens is arranged between an object to be observed and the adjusting device, which may be designed as an opto-mechanical switching device. The arrangement allows an integrated structure with low light losses.

Abstract: A microscope enables selective illumination using infrared or visible spectrum light. The image captured by a sensor array within the microscope may be displayed on a computer display. Some objects appear differently when exposed to infrared as opposed to visible radiation.

Abstract: A portable projection microscope includes a body, a microscopic device, a screen, optical elements, and two angle regulating components. The portable projection microscope is used as a microscope for observing the sample or as a projector for displaying the enlarged image of the sample from the objectives of the microscopic device simply by replacing the eyepiece with a mirror seat. The portable projection microscope is cheap and convenient to carry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compact microscope 4 especially for medical routine applications. The microscope is configured as a closed housing 8 wherein the specimen 30 to be microscoped is drawn in via an input opening 25. All optical components of the microscope are mounted within the housing. Alternatively, the microscope can be mounted in a standard drive bay of a personal computer 3. All movable components of the microscope are motorically driven and controlled by software via the computer. The specimen can be moved in two mutually perpendicular directions within the microscope to select the object detail of interest. An overview diagram of the specimen is produced with a line sensor when the specimen is drawn in.

Abstract: A method for improving the resolution and contrast of images associated with coherent recording is presented, which includes conventional reconstruction with a reference wave followed by re-imaging the intermediately formed image through a system based on techniques from confocal microscopy. This method provides the opportunity to bring the benefits of the optical confocal microscope, namely resolution, contrast improvement, and the accompanying three-dimensional visualization, to such diverse imaging regimes as infrared, X-ray, ultraviolet, as well as other wave propagation systems such as seismic, sonar and ultrasound imaging. In addition, through snap-shot acquisition of said coherent recordings, the capability of time resolution may be added, thus adding functionality in wavelength regions where the confocal microscope currently operates.

Abstract: The invention provides an operating microscope for observing an operating field and also for producing a three-dimensional visualization of image data of the operating field or also of a vicinity of the operating field. The user of the operating microscope, for example a surgeon, can observe a three-dimensional visualization of image data during use of the operating microscope, said image data having been acquired by computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and being stored in an image memory. Preferably, an image processing unit derives a stereoscopic image of the operating field from the stored image data, which stereoscopic image is coupled into the binocular of the operating microscope. The user can then optionally observe the actual operating field or a perspective image formed by means of the registered image data.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an optical arrangement for coupling radiation into the viewing or recording beam path of a microscope and includes at least one light-diffracting element in this beam path. Preferably, the light-diffracting element is combined with at least one reflective element or a combination of at least two diffractive elements such as transmission or reflection gratings.

Abstract: Before a measurement for an infrared analysis of a sample is performed, a measurement area of the sample is set. In the measurement area setting mode, a camera takes the image of the whole sample, and the image is shown on a display. An image of an aperture is superimposed on the image of the sample in the display. When an operator uses a mouse connected to a controller of the infrared microscope to change the width of the image of the aperture on the display, an aperture signal generator generates an aperture signal corresponding to the width of the aperture image. An aperture image signal generator receives the aperture signal and generates an aperture image signal having the width. Thus the image of the sample superimposed on the image of the aperture in the display changes accordingly, by which the operator confirms the measurement area, i.e., the position and width of the aperture, in the sample.

Abstract: There is provided an optical inspection apparatus including an illuminating block for emitting light and illuminating a sample with the emitted light, an observing optical system for forming an image from transmitted light or reflected light from the sample, and an observing block for observing the image. The observing optical system comprises an object side lens arranged on an object side close to the sample, an image side lens arranged on an image side remote from the sample, the object side lens and the image side lens being arranged such that the object side lens and the image side lens have focal points coincident to each other, forming a both-side telecentric optical system for acting on the transmitted light or the reflected light to form the image, an aperture arranged on the focal points or in the vicinity thereof, and a screen arranged on a back focal point of the image side lens or in the vicinity thereof for having the image of the sample being projected thereon.

Abstract: A multi-function microscope has a stable overall configuration and is provided with a grip for easy transportation. Additionally, it is ergonomically designed and hence the viewer can use the ocular for a prolonged period of time without experiencing any strong fatigue.

Abstract: An apparatus using electrophoresis provides accurate manipulation of an object on a microscope stage for further manipulations add reactions. The present invention also provides an inexpensive and easily accessible means to move an object without damage to the object. A plurality of electrodes are coupled to the stage in an array whereby the electrode array allows for distinct manipulations of the electric field for accurate manipulations of the object. There is an electrode array control coupled to the plurality of electrodes for manipulating the electric field. In an alternative embodiment, a chamber is provided on the stage to hold the object. The plurality of electrodes are positioned in the chamber, and the chamber is filled with fluid. The system can be automated using visual servoing, which manipulates the control parameters, i.e., x, y stage, applying the field, etc., after extracting the significant features directly from image data.

Abstract: A confocal optical apparatus comprising a light source, a first aperture portion for passing light emitted from the light source and obtaining a point source, an objective lens for causing the light that has passed through the first aperture portion to converge on a measurement object, a second aperture portion located on a plane conjugate with the convergence surface on the measurement object, and light detectors for detecting light that has passed through the second aperture portion, wherein placing the first and second aperture portions in the same position and using them as the same aperture portion, as well as positioning the detection surfaces of the light detectors substantially on the same surfaces as the conjointly used identical aperture portions make it possible to reduce the size and weight of the apparatus, to perform three-dimensional shape measurements rapidly and accurately, and to facilitate the alignment of each portion.

Abstract: A broad-bandwidth interferometric device is adapted for longitudinal insertion into a cylinder cavity to produce irradiance signals at multiple vertical-scanning positions as a function of optical path differences between a reference mirror incorporated in the probe and the cylinder-wall surface. The light-source beam is passed through an objective lens placed longitudinally in the cylinder and then divided by a beam splitter disposed in fixed relation to the cylinder wall to produce a test beam directed radially to the wall and a reference beam directed axially to a reference mirror disposed in fixed relation to the lens. During scanning, the objective lens and reference mirror are translated together, while the beam splitter remains stationary with respect to the cylinder wall, thereby varying the position of the focal point of the test beam and providing the vertical-scanning effect required to produce interference fringes and a corresponding map of the tested cylinder surface.

Abstract: Light from a mercury lamp is focused by an objective lens system and is incident on a specimen to be examined. A focusing optical path of light reflected by the specimen is split into an optical path of an ultraviolet ray and an optical path of visible light by a dichroic mirror having wavelength selectivity. The ultraviolet ray is guided to an ultraviolet CCD camera. The ultraviolet CCD camera supplies a monochrome picture signal to a monochrome display through a first picture processor. On the other hand, the visible light is guided to a color CCD camera. The color CCD camera supplies a color picture signal to a color display through a second picture processor. Therefore, an ultraviolet picture of the specimen is displayed on the monochrome display at a high resolving power and a large magnification. At the same time, a color picture of the specimen is displayed on the color display.

Abstract: A scanning laser microscope capable of detecting a fine structure producing low contrast and easily measuring the length, the volume, and so forth of an object. A laser beam is focused onto the object. The beam is scanned at regular intervals, or in a digital fashion, in two dimensions. Light scattered from the object is detected by a detector to observe an image of the object. The output signal from the detector is digitized into a given number of gray levels in synchronism with the digital scans. The object image can be stored in a memory and processed while correlating the scanned position with the intensity of the scattered light at this position.

Abstract: A projection inspector which projects the image of an object being measured onto a screen for a visual inspection. It may be used with a microscope for observation in detail. Unlike the conventional projection inspector, the inspector fully exhibits high degree of measuring function even at the time of inspecting an object having a surface color and shape that can be difficultly imaged, and projects the object's image onto the screen to inspect it, and further enables the object's image to be more correctly observed or inspected using a microscope.

Abstract: A stereoscope in which a digitally stored image can be seen through either or both eyepieces and compared with an object which can also be seen through either or both eyepieces. Digital images of objects can be stored. Both the images to be stored and the stored images can be digitally manipulated, i.e. magnified, rotated or warped.

Abstract: The housing (10), which is inserted between the magnification selector (7) and the ocular tube (8) of a microscope, accommodates a pivotable mirror (22) which is normally placed outside the beam path of the microscope, but which by actuating a lever (17) can be pivoted into the beam path in order to deliver the latter through a photo cone (13) to a camera (14). By actuating the lever (17), the camera (14) is released after the required chronological delay in order to take a picture of the object, e.g. an eye (4). A diaphragm arrangement, which can be brought into the preselected position for the exposure as well by actuation of the lever (17), is disposed at the entry of the housing (10), i.e. directly adjacent the magnification selector (7). Due to the full availability of the light and the advantageous position and adjustability of the diaphragm, optimum conditions exist both for observation and for photographical exposures.

Abstract: A microscope capable of freely moving an objective optical system and an ocular optical system thereof. The microscope includes a TV camera with a light-receiving surface at an image forming position of the objective optical system and a display, wherein the image is taken by the TV camera and transmitted to the display, the transmitted image is displayed in the display, and the displayed image is observed by the ocular optical system of the microscope.