Abstract: A method of adjusting an optical apparatus that acquires an image of a sample includes the steps of moving a focusing section included in the optical apparatus in a direction in which a contrast of a first image of the sample increases, and adjusting an aberration amount occurring in the optical apparatus in a direction in which a contrast of a second image of the sample increases.

Abstract: A method is useable for correcting a spherical aberration of a microscope having an objective and a cover slip or object carrier, the objective having a correction element for correcting the spherical aberration. The method includes: ascertaining, by the microscope, an index of refraction of an optical medium bordering the cover slip or object carrier and/or a thickness of the cover slip or object carrier along an optical axis of the objective, ascertaining the spherical aberration based on the index of refraction of the optical medium and/or the thickness of the cover slip or object carrier, and ascertaining, based on the spherical aberration, a positioning variable, by which the correction element is adjusted so that the spherical aberration is corrected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microscope of which visibility, controllability and operability can be improved. In the microscope, an optical path and optical path of an image forming system are set so as to be perpendicular to each other when viewed from the top. In other words, in this microscope, there exists an ocular optical system that guides light, which propagates the optical path to optical path of the image forming system, to a user. The optical path is formed in a direction perpendicular to a direction of the light from a sample emitted from the ocular optical system to the user. The present invention can be applied to an inverted microscope.

Abstract: A laser welding quality inspection method of a welded portion between a joining object and a joined object, when the joining object and the joined object are welded by being irradiated with a laser beam, the method includes: acquiring first data indicating a signal intensity of thermal radiation light radiated from the welded portion during the welding; acquiring second data indicating a signal intensity of plasma light radiated from the welded portion during the welding; and determining whether or not the welded portion includes an abnormality based on a comparison between the signal intensity of the thermal radiation light and the signal intensity of the plasma light which are acquired.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a microscopy system includes a first objective positioned adjacent to a sample to be imaged, the first objective being configured to both illuminate the sample with light and collect light from the sample, and a remote imaging module positioned remotely from the first objective and the sample, the remote imaging module being configured to rotate the image plane of the collected light.

Abstract: A rear adapter module for a finite conjugate optical assembly and camera is configured to couple with a core zoom module. A lens assembly of the rear adapter module includes three or more lens elements and has a positive focal length. The lens assembly exhibits a pupil size of between 16 and 25 mm and a pupil depth greater than 50 mm.

Abstract: A testbed device includes high performance actuators, a video microscopy system and a plurality of high resolution, throughput sensors adapted or configured for collecting data that may be used in predictive modelling of machine processes.

Abstract: A microscopy method is for producing an electronic image of an object, wherein the object is imaged with an adjustable optical imaging scale on an image detector. The method includes: selecting a parameter for the electronic image, wherein the parameter can be influenced by the optical imaging scale and differs from the image field dimensions, and setting a setpoint value range for the parameter, setting a total imaging scale for the electronic image, wherein adjusting or controlling the parameter of the electronic image is implemented such that, at the same time, the parameter of the electronic image lies in the specified setpoint value range with a tolerance and the set total imaging scale is obtained, wherein the optical imaging scale forms a basis for a manipulated variable of the adjustment or closed-loop control and a digital image magnification is carried out on the basis of the set total imaging scale.

Abstract: A ternary fluorescence correlation spectroscopy system for analyzing an interaction between three kinds of molecules, including at least three excitation light sources with different wavelengths. The excitation light sources are configured to illuminate and excite a sample to generate a fluorescence signal. The fluorescence signal is divided into multiple signals according to wavelength, which are then respectively detected by a single photon detector and transmitted to a signal acquisition and operation card to perform real-time operation of a triple-correlation function, so as to obtain a fluorescence triple-correlation spectroscopy curve.

Abstract: An objective for a microscope includes a displaceable lens group for correcting a spherical aberration. The displaceable lens group is designed in so that an offset of same in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis leads to only a small coma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coded zoom knob (3) for detecting the rotation of the zoom drive shaft (4) of a zoom system (10) of a microscope (1), comprising a magnet (34) coupled to the zoom drive shaft (4), and a magnetic sensor (43) rotatably decoupled from the magnet (34) for sensing a rotation of the magnet (34).

Abstract: A method for operating a point laser-scanning microscope includes scanning a sample with a focused illumination laser beam; recording a plurality of images by detecting elements being configurable to an intensity mode, in which the recorded images are intensity images gi,j(n) related to photons collected during an entire dwell time of the illumination beam on an individual position n, or to a time-resolved mode, in which the recorded images are time-resolved images gi,jt(n, t), the collected photons being discriminated based on their arrival times to individual detecting elements; calculating a fingerprint image a by summing the plurality of intensity images gi,j(n) over all positions n; estimating shift matrices sx and sy from the intensity images gi,j(n); reconstructing at least one of a time-resolved object function ft and an intensity object function f; and visualizing at least one of a high-resolution time-resolved image ft˜ and a high-resolution intensity image f˜.

Abstract: A finite conjugate lens assembly including an afocal zooming component that has five optical groups that are configured to provide a ratio of highest to lowest magnification between 5.5:1 and 16:1. A lens attachment module and rear adapter module may be disposed, respectively, on an object side and an image side of the optical assembly. The lens assembly may exhibit an approximate etendue between 0.95 and 4.65 mm2sr, and may be configured in accordance with between 6.6 MP and 32 MP image sensors.

Abstract: A finite conjugate optical assembly, comprising a lens with a core zoom module that includes five optical groups that are configured to exhibit at least 1.58 mm2sr of etendue at a lowest magnification position, and a ratio of highest to lowest magnification of at least 7:1, and to provide a maximum magnification of 2× or greater.

Abstract: A finite conjugate optical assembly including a core zoom module that includes five optical groups that are configured to provide a ratio of highest to lowest magnification between 5.5:1 and 16:1. A lens attachment module and rear adapter module may be disposed, respectively, on an object side and an image side of the optical assembly. The optical assembly may exhibit an approximate etendue between 0.95 and 4.65 mm2sr, and may have a magnification of 2× or more at one or more points of the zoom. The optical assembly may be configured in accordance with between 6.6 MP and 32 MP image sensors.

Abstract: A lens system comprises a first lens group and a second lens group, and is configured to form an image at a first magnification and at a second magnification. The lens system has a common optical axis in both magnifications. The lens system is further configured to form an intermediate image between the first lens group and the second lens group at the first magnification. The intermediate image formed in the first magnification is further imaged onto an optical detector. In the first magnification, the second lens group acts as a relay lens imaging the intermediate image onto the optical detector. In the second magnification, the first and second lens groups together form an image on the optical detector without forming an intermediate image.

Abstract: A liquid lens can include two or more liquids enclosed in a chamber. The liquid lens can be configured to reduce the chromatic aberration produced when the meniscus formed at the interface of two of the liquids is tilted. This can be accomplished in a number of ways including selecting the liquids to maximize the refractive index difference and minimize the Abbe number difference.

Abstract: An observation device 100 includes an objective 2a, camera 3, an observation scope changing device, and a control device. The objective 2a having from 4× to 20× and including a positive lens group forms an image with light from sample S. The lens group includes a single lens L1 having a concave surface on an object side and a variable aperture diaphragm 4. The camera 3 converts the image into an image signal. The observation scope changing device performs electronic scaling on the image signal and performs an observation scope changing process. The control device controls the diaphragm 4 in accordance with the observation scope changing process. The observation device 100 satisfies a conditional expression is satisfied, 3?|fa/fGS|?10 where fa is a focal length of single lens L1 and fGS is a focal length of a lens group from an object plane to the diaphragm 4.

Abstract: A confocal microscope for imaging tissue having an imaging head for capturing optically formed microscopic sectional images of tissue samples, a platform upon which is disposed a linear stage for moving the imaging head along a vertical dimension, and a rotary stage to rotate the linear stage and imaging head about the vertical dimension. A mounting arm couples the imaging head to the linear stage to adjust tilt of the imaging head and to rotate the imaging head about a normal axis perpendicular to an optical axis of an objective lens of the imaging head. In a first mode of operation, the imaging head is positioned to image an ex-vivo or in-vivo tissue sample upon the platform, such as ex-vivo tissue sample mounted upon a movable specimen stage, and in a second mode of operation the imaging head is positioned to image an in-vivo tissue sample beside the platform.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are implemented for microscope imaging solutions. One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed toward an epifluorescence microscope. The microscope includes an image capture circuit including an array of optical sensor. An optical arrangement is configured to direct excitation light of less than about 1 mW to a target object in a field of view of that is at least 0.5 mm2 and to direct epi-fluorescence emission caused by the excitation light to the array of optical sensors. The optical arrangement and array of optical sensors are each sufficiently close to the target object to provide at least 2.5 ?m resolution for an image of the field of view.

Abstract: A finite conjugate optical assembly including a core zoom module that includes five optical groups that are configured to provide a ratio of highest to lowest magnification between 5.5:1 and 16:1. A lens attachment module and rear adapter module may be disposed, respectively, on an object side and an image side of the optical assembly. The optical assembly may exhibit an approximate etendue between 0.95 and 4.65 mm2sr, and may have a magnification of 2× or more at one or more points of the zoom. The optical assembly may be configured in accordance with between 6.6 MP and 32 MP image sensors.

Abstract: A finite conjugate lens assembly including an afocal zooming component that has five optical groups that are configured to provide a ratio of highest to lowest magnification between 5.5:1 and 16:1. A lens attachment module and rear adapter module may be disposed, respectively, on an object side and an image side of the optical assembly. The lens assembly may exhibit an approximate etendue between 0.95 and 4.65 mm2sr, and may be configured in accordance with between 6.6MP and 32MP image sensors.

Abstract: A finite conjugate optical assembly, comprising a lens with a core zoom module that includes five optical groups that are configured to exhibit at least 1.58 mm2sr of etendue at a lowest magnification position, and a ratio of highest to lowest magnification of at least 7:1, and to provide a maximum magnification of 2× or greater.

Abstract: A finite conjugate lens assembly with modular interchangeable components includes a zooming component that includes three independently movable lens groups that are disposed within the lens assembly between a pair of static lens groups. The lens assembly exhibits an etendue of between 0.95 and 4.65 mm2sr.

Abstract: It is possible to easily acquire an original image of a specimen that satisfies necessary conditions for generating a super-resolution image. The present invention provides a scanning microscope apparatus that includes an objective lens that irradiates a specimen with laser light emitted from a laser light source; a scanning portion that scans the laser light irradiated onto the specimen via the objective lens; and a PC that acquires an original image of the specimen, calculates, from the magnification of the objective lens, information about the number of pixels of the original image or information about the zoom magnification of the original image that achieves the per-pixel pixel resolution needed to generate a super-resolution image, and controls the scanning portion or image acquisition according to the calculated information about the number of pixels or information about the zoom magnification.

Abstract: A surgical system has a surgical microscope with an imaging optical unit and a control unit for setting imaging parameters of the microscope. The system further has an image processing device for overlaying an overlay image stored in the image processing device with an image generated by the microscope. A data processing unit is connected to the control unit of the microscope and to the image processing device. The control unit is configured such that, before a change of at least one imaging parameter of the microscope from a first value to a second value, it stores both the first value and the second value and makes them available to the data processing unit. The image processing device is configured in such a manner that it modifies the overlay image in a manner corresponding to the stored first and second values of the at least one imaging parameter.

Abstract: A microscope includes: an objective lens having an optical system; a correction collar provided on the objective lens and configured to move the optical system in a direction of an optical axis of the optical system by rotating around the objective lens to correct aberration; a switching unit to which the objective lens is attachable and which switches a position of the objective lens; a supporting unit for supporting the switching unit; and a focusing unit that holds the supporting unit such that the supporting unit is movable along the optical axis of the objective lens. A correction collar operating device is detachably attached to the supporting unit and includes: an input unit for inputting rotary force to rotate the correction collar; and a correction collar driving unit for rotating the correction collar according to the rotary force while the correction collar driving unit has contact with the correction collar.

Abstract: Designs for a light field otoscope are disclosed. An example light field otoscope includes an objective lens group, relay optics and a plenoptic sensor (e.g., microlens array and sensor array). The objective lens group images an interior of a human ear and is characterized by a pupil plane and an image plane. The relay optics is positioned between the objective lens group and the plenoptic sensor. It relays the image plane to the microlens array and relays the pupil plane to the sensor array.

Abstract: An actinic, through-pellicle EUV mask inspection or metrology system acquires image information by scanning an array of focused illumination spots across a photomask and detecting the mask reflectance signal from each spot in synchronization with the scan motion. The radiation from each spot is detected by a detector comprising four quadrant sensors to provide information on the angular reflectance distribution, which is sensitive to the reflectance phase. The focal spots are generated from achromatic EUV microlenses (phase-Fresnel, Schupmann doublets), enabling the use of a high-bandwidth, high-power, laser-produced-plasma EUV source for high-throughput operation. The microlens foci are projected through illumination optics (EUV mirrors) onto the focal spots at the mask, and the microlenses nullify the illumination optics' geometric aberrations for substantially aberration-free point imaging.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image compression method of a digital pathology system. The image compression method is a method of compressing digital slide images having first to nth original plane images (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2).

Abstract: A microscope is a microscope that switches an observation method between the bright-field observation and the fluorescence observation. The microscope includes an objective that irradiates a sample with excitation light and converts fluorescence from the sample into a parallel light flux, a beam splitter that splits fluorescence and excitation light from each other, and a collective lens that is arranged in such a manner that it is freely set in and removed from an optical path between the beam splitter and the objective, that has a positive power, and that is set in the optical path for fluorescence observation and is removed from the optical path for bright-field observation.

Abstract: A microscope includes at least one illuminating lens configured to guide at least one illuminating beam in the form of a light sheet for illuminating at least one specimen to be examined. The microscope also includes at least one detection lens configured to capture at least one detection beam issuing from the at least one specimen to be examined. The at least one illuminating lens has an optical axis at an angle ?, which is not equal to 90°, to an optical axis of the at least one detection lens. The at least one illuminating beam enters the at least one illuminating lens at an entry angle ? such that the light sheet lies within a focal plane of the at least one detection lens.

Abstract: An infrared microscope includes a sample stage configured to support a sample; an objective configured to focus radiation emanated from the sample to an intermediate image plane between an objective and an infrared detector; and a magnifying assembly including a first set of reflective elements provided in a fixed position and a second set of reflective elements.

Abstract: A lens drive unit includes: a driven member that moves a lens in an optical axis direction; a first gear rotated by a drive force of a drive motor; a second gear rotated by a drive force of a manual operation section; a third gear that engages with the first gear and the second gear and is rotated when the first gear is rotated but the second gear is not rotated whereas rotated when the second gear is rotated but the first gear is not rotated; and a fourth gear rotated when the third gear is rotated to transmit the drive force of the drive motor or the drive force of the manual operation section to the driven member, wherein the reduction ratio of the fourth gear to the first gear is set to be greater than the reduction ratio of the fourth gear to the second gear.

Abstract: A microscope for high resolution scanning microscopy of a sample, having: an illumination device for the purpose of illuminating the sample, an imaging device for the purpose of scanning at least one point or linear spot over the sample and of imaging the point or linear spot into a diffraction-limited, static single image below am imaging scale in a detection plane. A detector device for detecting the single image in the detection plane for various scan positions, with a spatial resolution which, taking into account the imaging scale in at least one dimension/measurement, is at least twice as high as a full width at half maximum of the diffraction-limited single image. The amplitude and/or phase of a wavefront influenced by the sample is detected with spatial resolution by means for wavefront detection, and wherein the influence of the sample on the phase is determined by means of a wavefront sensor.

Abstract: A stereoscopic microscopic providing at least one pair of stereoscopic optical paths comprises an objective system, a first focusing lens having a first optical refractive power and a second focusing lens having a second optical refractive power and at least one actuator. The first optical refractive power and the second optical refractive have different signs. The objective system and the first and second focusing lenses are commonly traversed by the at least one pair of stereoscopic optical paths, respectively. The actuator shifts at least one of these first and second focusing lenses along the at least one pair of stereoscopic optical paths to change the working distance and/or to vary an optical refractive power of at least one of these first and second focusing lenses. The first focusing lens is immediately neighboring the objective system along the at least one pair of stereoscopic optical paths.

Abstract: Improved methods and systems for imaging are provided. Specifically, systems and methods for extending the range of a digital zoom are provided in which an imaging system provides continuous magnification over a plurality of interleaved optical pathways and digital zooming imagers. Systems and methods of centering an image as the field of view changes, and for masking out undesirable obstacles from a magnified image are also provided.

Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus includes a projection optics having a last element, by which an exposure light is projected onto an upper surface of a wafer through liquid covering a portion of the upper surface. The last element has a convex-shape incident surface, an exit surface from which the exposure light is emitted, and an outer surface arranged above the exit surface. The outer surface of the last element has a lower portion, and extends radially-outwardly and upwardly from the lower portion. The apparatus also includes a gap along the outer surface of the last element, the gap being defined between the outer surface of the last element and an opposing surface.

Abstract: A microscope comprising multiple optical systems in the imaging beam path and at least one subassembly, the optical effect of which in relation to the imaging beam path can be modified by controlling the subassembly, e.g. a group of lenses or a diaphragm that can be moved in the direction of the optical axis, a diaphragm having a variable aperture, a digital zoom device, a shutter, or a focusing device. The microscope includes a control unit which is designed to generate control signals for the subassembly in a first mode of operation to regulate or control the functional parameters exclusively of the imaging optical system with which the subassembly is associated, and additionally in a second mode of operation to regulate or control the functional parameters of the entire optical system of the microscope.

Abstract: Immersion lithography system and method using a sealed wafer bottom are described. One embodiment is an immersion lithography apparatus comprising a lens assembly comprising an imaging lens and a wafer stage for retaining a wafer beneath the lens assembly, the wafer stage comprising a seal ring disposed on a seal ring frame along a top edge of the wafer retained on the wafer stage, the seal ring for sealing a gap between an edge of the wafer and the wafer stage. The embodiment further includes a fluid tank for retaining immersion fluid, the fluid tank situated with respect to the wafer stage for enabling full immersion of the wafer retained on the wafer stage in the immersion fluid and a cover disposed over at least a portion of the fluid tank for providing a temperature-controlled, fluid-rich environment within the fluid tank fluid-rich environment within the fluid tank.

Abstract: An optical zoom device for setting an imaging scale of an imaging device, which is configured for imaging an object on an image plane of an image recording device using a microscope objective, comprising an optical element arrangement is disclosed. The optical element arrangement includes an object-side zoom entrance for optical connection to an objective exit, in particular a collimated objective exit, of the microscope objective and includes an image-side zoom exit for optical connection to an image recording entrance of the image recording device.

Abstract: A switchable high and low magnification lightweight microscope lens structure has a first microscope unit, a second microscope unit and a hinge. The first microscope unit has a first microscope lens having a first adhesive piece adhesively attached to an inner side of the first microscope unit with a hole formed through the first adhesive piece. The second microscope unit has a second microscope lens with a magnification higher than that of the first microscope lens having a second adhesive piece adhesively attached to an inner side of the second microscope unit. The hinge has two fixed arms, a pivoting block and a pivoting pin. The fixed arms are formed on and protrude from one edge of the first microscope unit. The pivoting block are formed on and protrudes from one edge of the second microscope unit, and mounted between the fixed arms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for adjusting an optical magnification of a microscope, the device including: a magnification adjuster adapted to change the optical magnification of the microscope in accordance with the relative rotation position with respect to a tube unit; a membrane potentiometer positioned on the rotating passage of the magnification adjuster to output an electrical signal corresponding to the contacted position of the magnification adjuster therewith; and a controller adapted to receive the electrical signal outputted from the membrane potentiometer to output the optical magnification corresponding to the rotated position of the magnification adjuster.

Abstract: A desired observation timing is ensured, and simultaneity of observation among different observation positions is ensured.

Abstract: A microscope and method for high resolution scanning microscopy of a sample, having: an illumination device for the purpose of illuminating the sample, an imaging device for the purpose of scanning at least one point or linear spot across the sample and of imaging the point or linear spot into a diffraction-limited, static single image below a reproduction scale in a detection plane. A detector device for detecting the single image in the detection plane for various scan positions is also provided. An evaluation device for the purpose of evaluating a diffraction structure of the single image for the scan positions is provided. The detector device has a detector array which has pixels and which is larger than the single image.

Abstract: A microscope and method for high resolution scanning microscopy of a sample, having: an illumination device for the purpose of illuminating the sample, an imaging device for the purpose of scanning at least one point or linear spot over the sample and of imaging the point or linear spot into a diffraction-limited, static single image below an imaging scale in a detection plane. A detector device is used for the purpose of detecting the single image in the detection plane for various scan positions, with a location accuracy which, taking into account the imaging scale in at least one dimension/measurement, is at least twice as high as a full width at half maximum of the diffraction-limited single image. A non-imaging redistribution element is arranged in front of a detector array of the detector and which distributes the radiation from the detection plane onto the pixels of the detector array in a non-imaging manner, and the redistribution element comprises a bundle of optical fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for transmitted light illumination for light microscopes having changing effective entrance pupil of an objective. The apparatus has a light source for emitting an illuminating light beam, and a holding device for holding a sample to be examined, and at least one diaphragm edge for trimming the illuminating light beam bundle, wherein the diaphragm edge is arranged between the holding device and the light source and extends transversely to an optical axis, wherein a beam path of the illuminating light between the diaphragm edge and a sample held by the holding device is free from beam focussing components.

Abstract: Provided is an inverted microscope 1 comprising an objective optical system 2 that collects light from a specimen A; an image-forming optical system 3 that images the light from the specimen A that has been collected by the objective optical system 2 to form an intermediate image; a relay optical system 6 that relays the intermediate image B of the specimen A formed by the image-forming optical system 3; a binocular lens barrel 5 that splits the light from the relay optical system 6; a pair of ocular optical systems 4 that image, in a magnified manner, the intermediate images that have been split by the binocular lens barrel 5 on eyes E of an observer as virtual images; wherein the following conditional expressions are satisfied: K=(Fntl/Ftl)×?RL??(1), Fne=Fe×K??(2), and 0.3<K<0.9??(3).

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention are generally directed to systems and methods for imaging at high spatial and/or temporal resolutions. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to an optical microscopy system and related methods adapted for high spatial and temporal resolution of dynamic processes. The system may be used in conjunction with fluorescence imaging wherein the fluorescence may be mediated by voltage-indicating proteins. In some cases, time resolutions may be enhanced by fitting predefined temporal waveforms to signal values received from an image. The system may also contain a high numerical aperture objective lens and a zoom lens located in an imaging optical path to an object region. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to techniques of making or using such systems, kits involving such systems, manufactured storage devices able to implement such systems or methods, and the like.

Abstract: A microscope system and observation control method. An electric zoom consecutively changes a magnification for a sample. A revolver includes a plurality of objective lenses of different magnifications and switches the objective lens placed in an observation optical path to intermittently change the magnification for the sample. A control section calculates a total magnification at which the sample is observed based on a magnification provided by the electric zoom and the magnification of the objective lens currently placed in the observation optical path. The control section operates when the revolver switches the objective lens placed in the observation optical path, to determine a target magnification that is the magnification of the electric zoom required to keep the total magnification obtained after the switching of the objective lens equal to the total magnification obtained before the switching of the objective lens.