Abstract: A sample preparation method includes: irradiating a first region of a sample with light at a time t1; irradiating a second region different from the first region with the light at a time t2 after the time t1; and fixing the sample at a time t3 after the time t2. A sample preparing apparatus includes: a light radiating unit that irradiates a first region of a sample with light at time t1 and irradiates a second region different from the first region with the light at a time t2 after the time t1; and a fixing unit that fixes the sample at a time t3 after the time t2.

Abstract: A system and method for optical sectioning in bright field microscopy (OSBM). The system includes a bright field optical microscope having automated change of focus, a substage condenser fitted with an adjustable aperture iris diaphragm, a digital camera that records the microscope image of samples, and one or more digital computers to perform digital image processing. The OSBM method comprises operating the microscope to Kohler illumination, using the iris diaphragm of the condenser to generate contrast in images, acquiring a Z-stack of images of the unstained sample, and applying a sequence of digital image processing filters to the Z-stack, resulting in optical sections from where the final three-dimensional (3D) image of the sample can be reconstructed by computational device. The final 3D images produced by this invention present quality comparable to that of available optical sectioning techniques that require sample labeling, such as light sheet fluorescence microscopy.

Abstract: Introduced here are retinal cameras having optical stops whose size and/or position can be modified to increase the size of the space in which an eye can move while being imaged. In some embodiments, an optical stop is mechanically moved to recover retinal image quality as the subject shifts their eye. In some embodiments, an optical stop is digitally created using a pixelated liquid crystal display (LCD) layer having multiple pixels that are individually controllably. In some embodiments, multiple non-pixelated LCD layers are connected to one another to form a variable transmission stack, and each LCD layer within the variable transmission stack may be offset from the other LCD layers. In such embodiments, the optical stop can be moved by changing which LCD layer is active at a given point in time.

Abstract: A sample observation device includes: an emission optical system that emits planar light to a sample; a scanning unit that scans the sample in one direction so as to pass through an emission surface of the planar light; an imaging optical system that has an observation axis inclined with respect to the emission surface and forms an image of observation light generated in the sample by emission of the planar light; an image acquisition unit that acquires image data corresponding to an optical image of the observation light formed by the imaging optical system; and an image generation unit that generates observation image data of the sample based on the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit. The imaging optical system has a non-axisymmetric optical element that bends a light beam on one axis of the observation light but does not bend a light beam on the other axis perpendicular to the one axis.

Abstract: A quality check module for characterizing a specimen and/or a specimen container. The quality check module includes an imaging location within the quality check module configured to receive a specimen container containing a specimen, one or more cameras located at one or more viewpoints adjacent to the imaging location, and one or more spectrally-switchable light source including a light panel assembly located adjacent the imaging location and configured to provide lighting for the one or more cameras, the spectrally-switchable light source configured to be operatively switchable between multiple different spectra. Methods of imaging a specimen and/or specimen container and specimen, and specimen testing apparatus including a quality check module adapted to carry out the method are described herein, as are other aspects.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for multi-color imaging using a microscope system. The microscope system can have a relatively small size compared to an average microscope system. The microscope system can comprise various components configured to reduce or eliminate image artifacts such as chromatic aberrations and/or noise from stray light that can occur during multi-color imaging. The components can be configured to reduce or eliminate the image artifacts, and/or noise without substantially changing the size of the microscope system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser stimulated lock-in thermography (LLT) crack detection are provided. The system includes a spatial light modulator and a controller. The spatial light modulator reflects a laser beam to focus the laser beam onto a sample for detection of a crack, hole or scratch. The controller is coupled to the spatial light modulator and controls operation of the spatial light modulator to switch focus of the laser beam onto the sample between a plurality of LLT focus configurations for detection of the crack, hole or scratch on the sample. The method includes using a first one of the plurality of LLT configurations for coarse scanning of the sample to detect a crack, hole or scratch on the sample and, when a crack, hole or scratch is detected on the sample, switching to a second one of the plurality of LLT configurations for fine scanning of the crack, hole or scratch on the sample to determine one or more parameters of the crack, hole or scratch on the sample.

Abstract: A fluorescence microscopy inspection system includes light sources able to emit light that causes a specimen to fluoresce and light that does not cause a specimen to fluoresce. The emitted light is directed through one or more filters and objective channels towards a specimen. A ring of lights projects light at the specimen at an oblique angle through a darkfield channel. One of the filters may modify the light to match a predetermined bandgap energy associated with the specimen and another filter may filter wavelengths of light reflected from the specimen and to a camera. The camera may produce an image from the received light and specimen classification and feature analysis may be performed on the image.

Abstract: A fluorescence microscope (10) includes a sample illumination beam path including a source (9) for illumination light, a first wave front modulator (24) for providing the focused illumination light (8) with a central intensity minimum, a beam splitter (26) and a second adjustable wave front modulator (34) arranged in a pupil plane (30) of an objective (20). A first detection beam path section including the second wave front modulator (34) and a telescope (11) and ending at the beam splitter (26) coincides with the sample illumination beam path. A separate second detection beam path section includes a detector (38) for luminescence light from a sample. The telescope (11) images a first pupil (31) formed in the pupil plane (30) in a smaller second pupil (32), and transfers a beam of the illumination light (8) collimated in the second pupil (32) into an expanded beam collimated in the first pupil (31).

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for sample image capture using integrated control. A digital microscope or other imaging device can be associated with a sample chamber containing cell, tissue, or other sample material. The chamber can be configured to operate using a variety of environmental variables, including gas concentration, temperature, humidity, and others. The imaging device can be configured to operate using a variety of imaging variables, including magnification, focal length, illumination, and others. A central system control module can be used to configure the settings of those hardware elements, as well as others, to set up and carry out an image capture event. The system control module can be operated to control the physical, optical, chemical, and/or other parameters of the overall imaging environment from one central control point. The variables used to produce the image capture can be configured to dynamically variable during the media capture event.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a focus of an optical system includes focusing measurement light in a sample space using an optical arrangement. The measurement light is transmitted on a sample side of the optical arrangement through at least one optical medium. The measurement light reflected by a reflector and transmitted through a further optical arrangement is detected using a detector arrangement. A working distance between the optical arrangement and the reflector is ascertained based on the measurement light detected by the detector, wherein a focus of the measurement light lies on the reflector for the working distance.

Abstract: According to the present disclosure, an optical signal emitted from a single molecule is received to measure a central location of the single molecule while changing a phase of a structured illumination having a periodic pattern to measure a phase of a pattern in which a fluorescence intensity is periodically changed in accordance with a distance between the pattern and the single molecule while displacing the periodic pattern by a specific interval to measure the central location of the single molecule, thereby improving an accuracy of the central location of the single molecule with low photons and as a result, the resolution of the image may be enhanced.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) microscope includes various insertable components that facilitate multiple imaging and measurement capabilities. These capabilities include Nomarski imaging, polarized light imaging, quantitative differential interference contrast (q-DIC) imaging, motorized polarized light imaging, phase-shifting interferometry (PSI), and vertical-scanning interferometry (VSI).

Abstract: An imaging system includes an imaging device configured to image an imaging subject on an imaging optical axis, and a calculation unit configured to acquire data relating to a position and/or a size of the imaging subject based on image information acquired by the imaging device through the imaging. The calculation unit acquires change information relating to condition change in the imaging and/or change in the imaging subject on the image. The change is caused by interposition of a light transmitting member when the light transmitting member is interposed on the imaging optical axis during the imaging, and the calculation unit corrects the data based on the change information.

Abstract: An automatic focus system for an optical microscope that facilitates faster focusing by using at least two offset focusing cameras. Each offset focusing camera can be positioned on a different side of an image forming conjugate plane so that their sharpness curves intersect at the image forming conjugate plane. Focus of a specimen can be adjusted by using sharpness values determined from images taken by the offset focusing cameras.

Abstract: The observation device includes an imaging optical system that includes an imaging lens forming an image of an observation target in a cultivation container, an operating section that performs at least one of a first operation of changing a focal length of the imaging optical system, a second operation of moving the imaging lens in an optical axis direction, or a fourth operation of moving the container in the optical axis direction, a detection section that detects a vertical position of the cultivation container, and an operation controller that controls the operating section based on the vertical position of the cultivation container.

Abstract: A two-speed focusing mechanism includes a base having an inner guide, a carrier disposed within the inner guide, a first drive, an outer guide and a second drive. A first and second bearing are disposed in a respective inner dimple of the carrier and a second bearing is disposed within a first dimple of the first drive. The first and second bearings are held within a respective inner slot and outer slot and a first guide and second guide, wherein a rotation of the second drive is translated into an axial movement of the carrier at different speeds.

Abstract: There are provided a microscopic mirror imaging device, a system and a method for calibrating a posture of a microneedle. The microscopic mirror imaging device includes a motion actuator, a mirror image former support and a mirror image former. The motion actuator is fixedly mounted on a microscope stage. One end of the mirror image former support is connected to the motion actuator. The mirror image former includes a plane mirror mounted on the other end of the mirror image former support. An angle formed between a mirror surface of the plane mirror and a horizontal plane of the microscope stage is equal to 45°, and an angle formed between the mirror surface of the plane mirror and a coronal plane of the microscope stage is equal to 45°.

Abstract: One variation of an optical inspection kit includes: an enclosure defining an imaging volume; an optical sensor adjacent the imaging volume and defining a field of view directed toward the imaging volume; a nest module defining a receptacle configured to locate a surface of interest on a first unit of a first part within the imaging volume at an image plane of the optical sensor; a dark-field lighting module adjacent and perpendicular to the nest module and including a dark-field light source configured to output light across a light plane and a directional light filter configured to pass light output by the dark-field light source normal to the light plane and to reject light output by the dark-field light source substantially nonparallel to the light plane; and a bright-field light source proximal the optical sensor and configured to output light toward the surface of interest.

Abstract: A fluorescence microscopy inspection system includes light sources able to emit light that causes a specimen to fluoresce and light that does not cause a specimen to fluoresce. The emitted light is directed through one or more filters and objective channels towards a specimen. A ring of lights projects light at the specimen at an oblique angle through a darkfield channel. One of the filters may modify the light to match a predetermined bandgap energy associated with the specimen and another filter may filter wavelengths of light reflected from the specimen and to a camera. The camera may produce an image from the received light and specimen classification and feature analysis may be performed on the image.

Abstract: A compact microscope including an enclosure, a support element, a primary optical support element located within the enclosure and supported by the support element, at least one vibration isolating mount between the support element and the primary optical support element, an illumination section, an objective lens system, a sample stage mounted on the primary optical support element, an illumination optical system to direct an illumination light beam from the illumination section to the sample stage, and a return optical system to receive returned light from sample stage and transmit returned light to a detection apparatus, wherein the illumination optical system and return optical system are mounted on the primary optical support element.

Abstract: An observation device includes a stage, an imaging optical system that includes an objective lens, a detection section that includes displacement sensors that detect a vertical position of a cultivation container, an imaging optical system controller that controls the imaging optical system driving section to move the objective lens in an optical axis direction on the basis of the vertical position of the cultivation container, and a horizontal driving section that moves the stage in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction and reciprocates the stage in the main scanning direction, in which the detection section detects the vertical position of the cultivation container at a forward position in a movement direction of the observation region with reference to the position of the observation region of the imaging optical system with respect to the cultivation container.

Abstract: The application provides a diamond testing device. The testing device includes a casing, a movable specimen holder, an illumination unit, a light sensor unit, and a computing processor. In a closed position, the casing encloses the specimen holder, the illumination unit, and the light sensor unit.

Abstract: A sample observation apparatus includes a light source unit, an illumination optical system, a detection optical system, a light detection element, and an image processing apparatus. The scanning unit relatively moves the light spot and the sample. An optical member is disposed. The illumination optical system and the detection optical system are disposed such that an image of a pupil of the illumination optical system is formed at a pupil position of the detection optical system. The image of the pupil of the illumination optical system is decentered relative to a pupil of the detection optical system due to refraction caused by the sample. The illumination optical system, the detection optical system, and the optical member are configured such that quantity of light passing through the pupil of the detection optical system changes by decentering.

Abstract: Provided is a stage apparatus that reduces thermal deformation and temperature rise in an upper table on which a sample is mounted and a charged particle beam apparatus including the stage apparatus. The stage apparatus includes: an upper stage that moves an upper table on which a sample is mounted in a first direction; a middle stage that moves a middle table on which the upper stage is mounted in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; and a lower stage that moves a lower table on which the middle stage is mounted in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction. The upper table and the middle table use a material having a smaller thermal expansion coefficient than in a material of the lower table, and the lower table uses a material having higher thermal conductivity than in the material of the upper table and the middle table.

Abstract: One variation of an optical inspection kit includes: an enclosure defining an imaging volume; an optical sensor adjacent the imaging volume and defining a field of view directed toward the imaging volume; a nest module defining a receptacle configured to locate a surface of interest on a first unit of a first part within the imaging volume at an image plane of the optical sensor; a dark-field lighting module adjacent and perpendicular to the nest module and including a dark-field light source configured to output light across a light plane and a directional light filter configured to pass light output by the dark-field light source normal to the light plane and to reject light output by the dark-field light source substantially nonparallel to the light plane; and a bright-field light source proximal the optical sensor and configured to output light toward the surface of interest.

Abstract: A light sheet microscope includes an objective, an illumination optical system, a first adjustor, a second adjustor and a controller. The illumination optical system irradiates sample with a light sheet from a direction that is different from an optical axis direction of the objective. The first adjustor adjusts a relative position between a light sheet plane on which the light sheet is formed and the objective in an optical axis direction of the objective. The second adjustor adjusts a relative position between the light sheet plane and the sample in an optical axis direction of the objective. The controller controls the first adjustor on the basis of light that is from the light sheet plane and that is detected via the objective when a relative position between the light sheet plane and the sample is changed by the second adjustor.

Abstract: There is provided a biological substance quantitation method of quantitating a biological substance in a sample stained with a staining reagent including a fluorescent particle encapsulating a fluorescent substance, based on a fluorescence of the fluorescent substance. The method includes inputting a fluorescent image representing expression of the biological substance in the sample by a fluorescent bright spot; and quantitating an expression amount of the biological substance based on a fluorescence of the fluorescent bright spot. The biological substance is a nucleoprotein expressed at a cell nucleus. The fluorescent particle binds to the biological substance through a primary antibody which is directed against the biological substance as an antigen.

Abstract: An electronic component includes a capacitor array including a plurality of multilayer capacitors; and first and second metal frames disposed on a side surface and another side surface of the capacitor array and electrically connected to first and second external electrodes, respectively, wherein the first metal frame includes a first support portion; a first mounting portion; and a first connection portion, the second metal frame includes a second support portion; a second mounting portion; and a second connection portion, and lengths of the first and second mounting portions in the first direction are smaller than a length of the capacitor array in the first direction.

Abstract: An electronic component includes a capacitor array including a plurality of multilayer capacitors; and first and second metal frames disposed on a side surface and another side surface of the capacitor array and electrically connected to first and second external electrodes, respectively, wherein the first metal frame includes a first support portion; a first mounting portion; and a first connection portion, the second metal frame includes a second support portion; a second mounting portion; and a second connection portion, and lengths of the first and second mounting portions in the first direction are smaller than a length of the capacitor array in the first direction.

Abstract: A high content imaging system and a method of operating the high content imaging system are disclosed. A microscope has a first objective lens and a second objective lens, and an objective lens database has first and second transformation values associated with the first and the second objective lenses, respectively. A microscope controller operates the microscope with the first objective lens to develop first values of acquisition parameters. A configuration module automatically determines second values of the acquisition parameters using the first values of the acquisition parameters, first transformation values associated with the first objective lens, and second transformation values associated with the second objective lens. The microscope controller operates the microscope using the second objective lens and the second values of the acquisition parameters.

Abstract: An analysis system according to the present technique includes a feature amount calculation section and a reference position calculation section. The feature amount calculation section calculates a feature amount in each of a plurality of moving images of a sample including an observation object, that have been captured at different focal positions, the plurality of moving images having the same phase of movements. The reference position calculation section calculates a reference position of the observation object in a focus direction based on the feature amount.

Abstract: An image processing device (2A) comprises: an input means for inputting a brightfield image representing cell morphology in a tissue section, and a fluorescence image representing, by fluorescent bright spots, the expression of a specific protein in the same range of the tissue section; a first generation means for generating a cell image obtained by extracting a specific site of a cell from the brightfield image; a second generation means for generating an image obtained by extracting bright spot regions from the fluorescence image, creating a brightness profile for each bright spot region, and generating a fluorescent particle image obtained by extracting the fluorescent particles in the bright spot regions on the basis of the fluorescence profile for one fluorescent particle, which serves as a fluorescence bright spot source; and a calculation means for superimposing the cell image and the fluorescent particle image on one another.

Abstract: To provide a shape measuring device capable of quickly and accurately acquiring a measurement value of a desired part of a measuring object. A specifying section 32 sets, on the basis of a relative positional relation between the first region in the measurement luminance image and a second region in the reference luminance image, a measurement target region corresponding to the reference target region in the measurement height image. A calculating section 33 calculates, on the basis of measurement height image data, a measurement value concerning height of the measuring object in the measurement target region.

Abstract: A liquid surface in a culture vessel is irradiated with liquid-surface-measurement illumination light, and transmitted light that has passed through the liquid is detected by an imaging unit. A relative positional relationship between a focal plane of an image forming optical system and the culture vessel is changed, a detection signal for each position of the focal plane is obtained, and a liquid surface shape is estimated on the basis of the detection signal for each position of the focal plane. Then, on the basis of the estimated liquid surface shape, adjustment information for adjusting the optical characteristics of an adjustment optical system for adjusting refraction of light due to the liquid surface shape is acquired. After the optical characteristics of the adjustment optical system have been adjusted on the basis of the adjustment information, an image of a specimen is captured by irradiating the culture vessel with phase-contrast-measurement illumination light.

Abstract: There is provided a cell image acquisition device, method, and a non-transitory computer readable recording medium recorded with a program to reduce the amount of data to be processed and stored by limiting a target region in a colony region when imaging a cell colony. There are included: a maturity information acquisition unit 22 that acquires information regarding the maturity of cells being cultured; a colony region specifying unit 21 that acquires a cell image by imaging the cells at a first magnification and specifies a colony region of the cells in the cell image; a target region determination unit 23 that determines a target region in the colony region of the cells based on the information regarding the maturity; and a high magnification image acquisition unit 24 that acquires a high magnification image by imaging the target region at a second magnification that is higher than the first magnification.

Abstract: A biological substance quantitation method includes the following. A fluorescent image is input, which represents an expression of a specific biological substance in a sample stained with a fluorescent substance by a florescent bright spot. A quantitative evaluation value of the florescent bright spot is calculated. A standard fluorescent image of a standard sample stained under a same condition as the sample and representing an expression of the biological substance in a standard sample, is input under a same condition as the fluorescent image. A quantitative evaluation value in the standard fluorescent image is calculated under a same condition as the fluorescent image. Based on a correlation between an expression amount of the biological substance in a standard sample measured in advance and the evaluation value in the standard fluorescent image, the evaluation value in the fluorescent image is converted to an expression amount of the biological substance in the sample.

Abstract: A telescoping sight having a sight housing, a moveable lens within the sight housing, a course focus adjustment control being operable to move the moveable lens via a spiral track, and a fine focus adjustment control, the fine focus adjustment control being interoperable with the spiral track.

Abstract: A biological substance quantitation method includes the following. A fluorescent image is input, which represents an expression of a specific biological substance in a sample stained with a fluorescent substance by a fluorescent bright spot. A quantitative evaluation value of the fluorescent bright spot is calculated. A standard fluorescent image of a standard sample stained under a same condition as the sample and representing an expression of the biological substance in a standard sample, is input under a same condition as the fluorescent image. A quantitative evaluation value in the standard fluorescent image is calculated under a same condition as the fluorescent image. Based on a correlation between an expression amount of the biological substance in a standard sample measured in advance and the evaluation value in the standard fluorescent image, the evaluation value in the fluorescent image is converted to an expression amount of the biological substance in the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is a zoom objective lens (16) of an operating microscope (10), wherein the zoom objective lens (16) and a lens cone of the operating microscope (10) are provided along a same axis (24). The zoom objective lens (16) comprises a positive lens group (11) and a negative lens group (12) provided along a same axis (24). The positive lens group (11) is provided on an objective lens holder (14), and the negative lens group (12) is provided on a negative lens group holder (15) and directly faces the object under observation (G). The zoom objective lens (16) is changeably connected to a body (20) of the operating microscope through the objective lens holder (14) or a coupling holder, the negative lens group holder (15) is capable of moving in the optical axis (24) direction relative to the objective lens holder (14), and the position of the objective lens holder (14) relative to an illumination system (21) and an observation system (22) remains unchanged.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) microscope for patterned substrate measurement can include an objective lens, a reflected illuminator, a transmitted illuminator, a focusing adjustment device, an optical sensor, and a processor. The focusing adjustment device can automatically adjust the objective lens focus at a plurality of Z steps. The optical sensor can be capable of acquiring images at each of these Z steps. The processor can control the reflected illuminator, the transmitted illuminator, the focusing adjustment device, and the optical sensor. The processor can be configured to capture first and second images at multiple Z steps, the first image with the pattern using the reflected illuminator and the second image without the pattern using one of the reflected illuminator and the transmitted illuminator.

Abstract: An image processing device (2A) comprises: an input means for inputting a brightfield image representing cell morphology in a tissue section, and a fluorescence image representing, by fluorescent bright spots, the expression of a specific protein in the same range of the tissue section; a first generation means for generating a cell image obtained by extracting a specific site of a cell from the brightfield image; a second generation means for generating an image obtained by extracting bright spot regions from the fluorescence image, creating a brightness profile for each bright spot region, and generating a fluorescent particle image obtained by extracting the fluorescent particles in the bright spot regions on the basis of the fluorescence profile for one fluorescent particle, which serves as a fluorescence bright spot source; and a calculation means for superimposing the cell image and the fluorescent particle image on one another.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: a stage; an imaging unit having an imaging surface for receiving observation light from an object on the stage; a first moving mechanism for performing a relative movement between the stage and the imaging unit along at least one direction within a placement plane for placing the object; a second moving mechanism for performing a relative movement between the stage and the imaging unit along a direction orthogonal to the placement plane; a computation unit that causes the imaging unit to image a first region of the object while operating the first moving mechanism to acquire information on the first region, and calculates a focus tendency of the object; and a control unit that controls the second moving mechanism based on the focus tendency, and adjusts an imaging characteristic of the observation light when the imaging unit images a second region of the object.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to autofocus subsystems within optical instruments that continuously monitor the focus of the optical instruments and adjust distances within the optical instrument along the optical axis in order to maintain a precise and stable optical-instrument focus at a particular point or surface on, within, or near a sample. Certain embodiments of the present invention operate asynchronously with respect to operation of other components and subsystems of the optical instrument in which they are embedded. In one embodiment the autofocus detector comprises a beam splitter arranged to split the autofocus light beam into a plurality (n) of down-stream light beams and a photodetector arrangement for registering the intensity of each one of the down-stream light beams.

Abstract: In order to allow precise observation of a specimen at an observation point with a desired depth without changing the working distance of an objective optical system while employing a simple configuration, a laser scanning microscope according to the present invention includes an objective lens having a plurality of optical elements that are disposed with gaps therebetween in an optical-axis direction and that condense laser light emitted from a light source onto a specimen and also having an adjustment ring that allows changing of the focal point by moving the optical elements in the optical-axis direction; a scanner that has a galvanometer mirror capable of oscillating about a predetermined oscillation axis and that scans the laser light condensed onto the specimen by the objective lens in accordance with an oscillation angle of the galvanometer mirror; a light detecting unit that obtains image information of the specimen on the basis of return light returned from the specimen scanned with the laser light;

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) microscope for patterned substrate measurement can include an objective lens, a reflected illuminator, a transmitted illuminator, a focusing adjustment device, an optical sensor, and a processor. The focusing adjustment device can automatically adjust the objective lens focus at a plurality of Z steps. The optical sensor can be capable of acquiring images at each of these Z steps. The processor can control the reflected illuminator, the transmitted illuminator, the focusing adjustment device, and the optical sensor. The processor can be configured to capture first and second images at multiple Z steps, the first image with the pattern using the reflected illuminator and the second image without the pattern using one of the reflected illuminator and the transmitted illuminator.

Abstract: A thickness measurement apparatus includes a light source emitting light; an optical system focusing the light emitted from the light source onto an optical axis; a reflector reflecting light focused by the optical system; a detector detecting intensity of the reflected light according to a position on the optical axis where the light passing through the optical system is in focus; and a calculator calculating thickness of a measured object using a refractive index of the measured object and an amount of displacement between a first focus position and a second focus position.

Abstract: An image sensor includes an effective pixel region formed of a pixel group which is irradiated with light, and an optical black region formed of a pixel group which is shielded from light. In the image sensor, when the image sensor is used for a light quantity measurement, the effective pixel region is sectioned into a measurement region used for the light quantity measurement and a light shielding region which is used for a calculation of a value of one of an offset component and a noise component and is shielded from light.

Abstract: A microscope system includes a microscope body having a base portion forming a foundation, an arm portion extending substantially parallel to a bottom surface of the base portion, and a frame portion connecting ends of the base portion and the arm portion, having substantially a C shape in side view and holding an illumination optical system ejecting illumination light from a light source to a specimen. A light source unit is connected with the microscope body and radiates illumination light to the illumination optical system. A focusing unit supports a stage for placing the specimen and at least holding an objective lens focusing the specimen by collecting observation light from the specimen on the stage. The microscope body and the focusing unit do not contact each other in a state where an optical axis of the objective lens coincides with an optical axis of the illumination light.

Abstract: A device for focusing a microscope objective on a sample accurately with a high spatial resolution. The device has a positioning unit having a main body, an objective holder movably supported on the main body and adapted to hold the microscope objective, and an actuator for moving the objective holder along the optical axis of the microscope objective. The objective holder holds the microscope objective only at a front portion of the microscope objective facing the sample. The positioning unit includes one or more lever arms, each of which coupled at its one end via a first flexure bearing to the main body and at its other end via a second flexure bearing to the objective holder. The main body of the positioning unit is attached to a stage that carries the sample.