Abstract: The invention relates to an optical microscope system (10) for the simultaneous measurement of at least two spatially distinct regions of interest, characterized by comprising at least two distinct optical measuring heads (12a, 12b, 12c) that can be simultaneously focused on spatially distinct arbitrary regions of interest, each optical measuring head is optically connectable with at least one scan head (14), the optical microscope system further comprising a control system (32) connected to the at least one scan head and the optical measuring head, the control system being configured to provide for synchronized control of the operation of the at least one scan head and the at least two optical measuring head.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to electrochromic (EC) devices, assemblies incorporating electrochromic devices, and/or methods of making the same. More particularly, certain example embodiments of this invention relate to improved EC materials, EC device stacks, high-volume manufacturing (HVM) compatible process integration schemes, and/or high-throughput low cost deposition sources, equipment, and factories.

Abstract: An image acquisition device having a wide field of view includes a lens and image sensor configured to capture an original wide field of view (WFoV) image with a field of view of more than 90°. The device has an object detection engine that includes one or more cascades of object classifiers, e.g., face classifiers. A WFoV correction engine may apply rectilinear and/or cylindrical projections to pixels of the WFoV image, and/or non-linear, rectilinear and/or cylindrical lens elements or lens portions serve to prevent and/or correct distortion within the original WFoV image. One or more objects located within the original and/or distortion-corrected WFoV image is/are detectable by the object detection engine upon application of the one or more cascades of object classifiers.

Abstract: A multi-mode optical fiber delivers light from a radiation source to a multi-focal confocal microscope with reasonable efficiency. A core diameter of the multi-mode fiber is selected such that an etendue of light emitted from the fiber is not substantially greater than a total etendue of light passing through a plurality of pinholes in a pinhole array of the multi-focal confocal microscope. The core diameter may be selected taking into account a specific optical geometry of the multi-focal confocal microscope, including pinhole diameter and focal lengths of relevant optical elements. For coherent radiation sources, phase randomization may be included. A multi-mode fiber enables the use of a variety of radiation sources and wavelengths in a multi-focal confocal microscope, since the coupling of the radiation source to the multi-mode fiber is less sensitive to mechanical and temperature influences than coupling the radiation source to a single mode fiber.

Abstract: A movable objective lens assembly that includes an infinity-corrected objective lens providing the microscope with an optical field of view. The assembly permits the imaging of a specimen under investigation over an area of the specimen much larger than the field of view of the objective lens without moving the microscope and/or a specimen stage relative to one another. The assembly includes a mirror system and the linearly movable infinity-corrected objective lens. The mirror system includes a plurality of mirrors that provide a folded optical path that allows the objective lens to be moved relative to the specimen without moving the entire microscope. The mirror system and the objective lens are pivotably mounted relative to the rest of the microscope so as to allow the objective lens to be located substantially anywhere within a circular, or circular-sectoral, viewing area.

Abstract: A changing device (60) for an optical examination device, for example a microscope, comprising two beam paths (61.1, 61.2) for a first optical image, and a changing optics (21) which is rotatably arranged in the changing device and is, for example, a Galilei magnification changer having at least two, here three pairs of beam paths (35.1, 35.2 and 45.1, 45.2 and 55.1, 55.2, respectively) which can optionally be switched into the beam paths (61.1, 61.2) of the changing device by rotating the changing optics. In accordance with the invention, the changing optics (21) comprises for each pair of beam paths at least one, here two additional beam paths (36.1, 36.2 and 46.2, 46.2 and 56.1, 56.2, respectively), assigned to the respective pair of beam paths, and the changing device (60) likewise comprises at least one, here likewise two additional beam paths (61.3, 61.4).

Abstract: An assistant microscope add-on device for a surgical microscope (1) comprises an objective (22) inclined relative to an object plane (10) with an object field (10?), wherein the objective defines an objective plane (22?) and an objective axis (16?) perpendicular thereto forming an angle ? larger than 0° to the surface normal of the object plane (10). A tube (23) and an eyepiece (24) having an eyepiece lens (27) defining an eyepiece plane (27?) and an eyepiece axis (35) perpendicular thereto. Due to the oblique viewing angle, an intermediate image plane (26) to be imaged by the eyepiece (24) is inclined relative to the objective plane (22?). The resulting aberration is eliminated by the eyepiece axis (35) and the objective axis (16?) forming an angle ? of larger than 0°, wherein the angle ? is so chosen that the eyepiece axis (35) is substantially perpendicular to the intermediate image plane (26). Consequently, the object field (10?) is imaged free of distortion and sharply across the entire image area.

Abstract: Providing a microscope capable of movably adjusting an observation field of a sample without moving the sample. The microscope includes a first objective lens, a second objective lens, a mirror, an angular adjustment mechanism, and a shift mechanism. The first objective lens is disposed to the sample side. The second objective lens forms an intermediate image of the sample together with the first objective lens. The mirror is disposed with a tilt on an optical path between the first objective lens and the second objective lens. The angular adjustment mechanism rotatably adjust the mirror in the tilt direction. The shift mechanism makes a shift adjustment of the second objective lens in an axial direction of a rotation axis of the mirror. With the configuration, the observation field can be moved two-dimensionally by the angular adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: An optical tomography system includes a light field microscope including an objective lens, a computer-controlled light source, a condenser lens assembly and a microlens array aligned along an optical axis. A carrier containing a specimen is coupled to a rotational driver for presenting varying angles of view of the specimen. A photosensor array disposed to receive photons from the objective lens. A computer is linked to control the computer-controlled light source and condenser lens assembly and the rotational driver, and coupled to receive images from the photosensor array where the light field microscope simultaneously captures a continuum of focal planes in the specimen for each of a set of the varying angles of view of the specimen.

Abstract: An inverted fluorescence microscope is described which irradiates an excitation light onto a sample for observation of a fluorescent image of the sample. The fluorescence microscope includes (a) a transmissive illumination light source, which is arranged above a stage for placing the sample and the transmissive illumination light source is arranged facing a horizontal direction; (b) a tilt mirror, which reflects light from the transmissive illumination source and illuminates the sample on the stage from above; (c) a transmissive illumination optical unit including at least the tilt mirror is disposed so as to move in a direction in which the transmissive illumination optical unit is brought away from the stage from a normal position; and (d) a sample cover for shielding a light from the stage, wherein the sample cover is displaceable so as to expose the stage.

Abstract: A comparison optical system (1) comprising several image-acquiring optical subsystems is disclosed. A bridge (3) mechanically and optically connects the optical subsystems to one another. Each of the image-acquiring optical subsystems possesses an XYZ stage (8a, 8b), movable in motorized fashion, on which a sample to be examined is placed. Also provided is a control unit which moves the XYZ stages (8a, 8b), movable in motorized fashion, synchronously in all three spatial directions. The synchronous motion of the XYZ stages (8a, 8b) can be switched on and off by the user.

Abstract: A microscope array for simultaneously imaging multiple objects. A preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention includes arranging the objects into an array, providing a microscope array having a plurality of imaging elements with respective fields of view arranged into a corresponding array such that the imaging elements are optically aligned respectively with the objects, and simultaneously imaging the objects with the microscope array to produce respective images of the objects. The invention also provides for scanning while imaging, and for stepping and repeating the imaging process.

Abstract: A system microscope has a specimen mounting part which mounts a specimen, an inverted microscope including an illumination path which radiates illumination light from under the specimen mounting part, and an observation optical path which acquires detection light emitted from the specimen to which the illumination light is radiated, a microscope with upright frame including an illumination path which radiates illumination light from above the specimen mounting part, and an observation optical path which acquires detection light emitted from the specimen to which the illumination light is radiated, and a driving unit which moves at least one of the inverted microscope and the microscope with upright frame in a plane perpendicular to the observation optical path of the inverted microscope or the microscope with upright frame.

Abstract: A stereomicroscope includes a microscope main body and a camera for assistant. The microscope main body includes therein an objective optical system, a zoom optical system and an eyepiece optical system. The camera for assistant is detachably mounted to the microscope main body. The microscope main body provides to a main operator a pair of optical images including a certain binocular disparity as viewed from an observation direction of the main operator. The camera for assistant provides to an assistant a pair of electron images including a certain binocular disparity as viewed from an observation direction of the assistant. The observation directions of the main operator and the assistant cross at a certain angle. The camera for assistant outputs the pair of electron images into a stereo viewer which is separated from the microscope main body.

Abstract: A method of screening solution conditions suitable for the crystallization of macromolecules with a picogram to a microgram of protein using picoliter or nanoliter volumes is provided. A preferred method comprises preparing a plurality of recipe solutions in milliliter volumes, aspirating protein and recipe solutions, respectively, from a plurality of wells, and dispensing the protein and recipe solutions into a plurality of wells, covering the combined protein and recipe solutions with oil, and maintaining the solution wells until crystallization or precipitation occur therein.

Abstract: A microscope optical system in which both a sample and the viewing optics can be maintained stationary, while at the same time different points or fields of view of the sample can be examined. In the microscope optical system a sample is provided, e.g. on a stage, to be maintained in a stationary position when the sample is viewed. Further, viewing optics of the microscope optical system can be maintained in a stationary position when the sample is viewed. Intermediate optics between the stage and the viewing optics are moveable so that different portions of the sample can be examined without having to move the sample and without having to move the viewing optics.

Abstract: A method for combining a first and a second ray bundle includes forming a first partial beam and a second partial beam by the first ray bundle interacting with a first beam-splitter layer, and forming a third partial beam and a fourth partial beam by the second ray bundle interacting with the first beam-splitter layer. The first, second, third and fourth partial beams are superimposed into an outgoing ray bundle by the first, second, third and fourth partial beams interacting with a second beam-splitter layer so that, in the outgoing ray bundle, the number of occurring reflections and transmissions of the first and second partial beams are basically the same as the number of occurring reflections and transmissions of the third and fourth partial beams.

Abstract: A method for examining a specimen (11) by means of a confocal scanning microscope having at least one light source (1), preferably a laser, to generate an illuminating light beam (4) for the specimen (11), and a beam deflection device (9) to guide the illuminating light beam (4) over the specimen (11) comprises the following method steps: Firstly a preview image is acquired. Then at least one region of interest in the preview image is marked. This is followed by allocation of individual illuminating light beam wavelengths and/or illuminating light beam power levels to the region or regions. Illumination of the region or regions of the specimen (11) in accordance with the allocation is then accomplished. Lastly, the reflected and/or fluorescent light proceeding from the specimen (11) is detected.

Abstract: A microscope array for simultaneously imaging multiple objects. A preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention includes arranging the objects into an array, providing a microscope array having a plurality of imaging elements with respective fields of view arranged into a corresponding array such that the imaging elements are optically aligned respectively with the objects, and simultaneously imaging the objects with the microscope array to produce respective images of the objects. The invention also provides for scanning while imaging, and for stepping and repeating the imaging process.

Abstract: High speed, wide area microscopic scanning or laser positioning is accomplished with an inertia-less deflector (for example an acousto-optic or electro-optic deflector) combined with a high speed wide area microscopic scanning mechanism or laser positioner mechanism that has inertia, the motion of the inertia-less deflector specially controlled to enable a focused spot to stabilize, for example to stop and dwell or be quickly aimed. It leads to improved data acquisition from extremely small objects and higher speed operation. In the case of fluorescence reading of micro-array elements, dwelling of fluorophore-exciting radiation in a spot that is relatively large enables obtaining the most fluorescent photons per array element, per unit time, a winning criterion for reducing fluorophore saturation effects. The same inertia-less deflector performs stop and dwell scanning, edge detection and raster scans.

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 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: An illuminated surgical microscope (17) has a phasing screen (24) with discontinuities (28a) in one surface thereof for causing phase interference that disperses the illumination sufficiently to reduce the intensity of radiation at the retina by 1000 times or even more. The phasing screen may be rotated about a pivot (44) out of the path of illumination to cause a focused spot, if desired.

Abstract: A device for controlling a characteristic of an image signal superimposed on a specimen image includes: a main optical system configured to refract light emitted from a specimen into a main beam path; a superimposition apparatus in a fixed relationship to the main optical system, configured to generate the image signal; a superimposing reflector configured to reflect the image signal generated by the superimposition apparatus into the main beam path and to superimpose the image signal onto the specimen image; an image measurement unit in a fixed relationship to the main optical system configured to measure a characteristic of the specimen image; and a controller configured to adjust a characteristic of the image signal generated by the superimposition apparatus in response to a measurement by the image measurement unit. The characteristic of the specimen image and the characteristic of the image signal may be brightness, color, or contrast.

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 inverted microscope capable of confirming a marking or the like on an objective lens arranged under a stage from a normal viewpoint near an eyepiece without having to take a forced posture. The inverted microscope has a main body, a stage on the main body which holds a sample container, a nosepiece arranged under the stage, an objective lens fitted on the nosepiece, an eyepiece located diagonally above the stage, and an illumination system held over the stage by an illumination column. The stage has a confirmation opening, which is used for confirming conditions under the stage, and an observation opening, which is used to observe the sample. The confirmation opening is formed closer to the observer side of the optical axis of the objective lens than the observation opening, and is formed separately from the observation opening. The confirmation opening secures an optical path to view and observe the objective lens from a normal viewpoint near the eyepiece.

Abstract: An optical unit coupling mechanism for coupling optical units 10, 11 having a plurality of mutually parallel optical paths 10a, 10b with each other, said optical unit coupling mechanism comprising a round dovetail consisting of a male dovetail 1 and a female dovetail 4, wherein said male dovetail 1 has a minor diameter part 1b of predetermined diameter d.sub.2, part 1d of which is sized larger than the diameter d.sub.2 of the minor diameter part 1b. By virtue of this optical unit coupling mechanism, the system performance can be enhanced without causing a system enlargement and the system compatibility can be maintained.

Abstract: In order to better cover the operating field with a stereoscopic operating microscope in connection with a television camera, the operating microscope is provided with a beam divider, whose two beam divider elements (2, 2') inserted into the parallel optical path of the two optical viewing paths (1,1') are disposed in such a way relative to each other that the ray bundles (4,4') deflected by the beam divider elements (2,2') intersect at least once in one plane and are reflected once on reflecting elements (5,5') disposed vertically to this plane, before the ray bundles (4,4') impinge upon image-recording chips (7,7') of camera systems.

Abstract: A stereoscopic microscope having right and left eyepiece lens systems for observation of two aerial images formed with parallax. The stereoscopic microscope comprises a main body housing and an eyepiece body housing which comprises an optical system ranging to aerial images formed at locations nearest the observer's eyes and eyepiece lens systems including transmission type light diffusing devices which are disposed in the vicinities of the aerial images formed at the locations nearest the observer's eyes, thereby permitting enlarging the exit pupils and performing stereoscopic observation with little fatigue.

Abstract: An illumination system and method for providing real-time 3-D viewing and increased resolution, sharpness, depth of field, and perception of depth for a transmitted light microscope including a condenser lens having an optical axis, objective lens having an optical axis, and an eye piece, wherein a light beam path shift device enables two or more separate light beams to be directed onto the condenser along paths that are not coincident with the condenser lens optical axis and that produce beam exit paths from the condenser lens which are at maximum oblique angles relative to the objective lens axis which are within the objective lens aperture.

Abstract: A bidirectional optical fiber (12) amplifier suitable for use in a dual payout fiber-optic communication link (10) is disclosed herein. The inventive amplifier (12) is typically encasted in a shell or service loop, and is preferably connected between first and second optical fiber segments (18 and 20). The amplifier (12) includes a pump laser (102) for generating optical energy of a first wavelength. A wavelength selective optical coupler (82), in optical communication with the first fiber segment (18) and the pump laser (102), combines optical energy propagating through the first fiber segment (18) with the optical output of the pump laser (102). The amplifier (12) of the present invention further includes a doped optical fiber (114), optically connected between the wavelength selective optical coupler (82) and the second optical fiber segment (20), for amplifying optical energy within a predetermined wavelength spectrum passing therethrough.

Abstract: This specification discloses reduced tungsten oxide electrochromic material, useful in an electrochromic device, having excellent electrochromic properties. The oxidation number of the tungsten of the material as deposited on a support of the device in a stable bleached condition is, on average, between +5.99 and +5.90. The material may be made by reducing fully oxidized tungsten oxide by a reducing agent. The reducing agent may be a metal or a metal oxide.