With Optical Switching Means Patents (Class 359/388)
-
Patent number: 8040597Abstract: An illuminating device adapted to be included in a microscope is provided. The illuminating device includes at least one lens that can change the numerical aperture of a light beam collected on a pupil plane of an objective lens.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2007Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Hiroshi Sasaki
-
Patent number: 8040598Abstract: A microscope for observing an object selectably using the bright-field transmitted light contrast procedure or the incident-light fluorescence contrast procedure. During the bright-field transmitted light contrast procedure, an illumination beam path is directed from a bright-field light source to the object and an imaging beam path is directed from the object through the microscope objective into the microscope tube, which includes a fluorescence unit that includes a fluorescence excitation light source, an illumination optical system, a filter set having at least one excitation filter and at least one emission filter, as well as a beamsplitter. The fluorescence unit is mounted movably, so that in a first end position of movement the beamsplitter and the emission filter are out of the imaging beam path of the microscope and in a second end position of movement they are in the imaging beam path between the microscope objective and the microscope tube.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Carl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbHInventors: Andreas Nolte, Thomas Bocher, Ingo Fahlbusch
-
Patent number: 8035086Abstract: To provide an aberration correction configuration that can realize both an aberration correction function for a long focus and an aberration correction function for a short focus. While having a conventional aberration correction apparatus configuration that has two rotationally symmetric lenses arranged between two multipole lenses, three rotationally symmetric lenses are disposed between an objective lens and a multipole lens instead of the conventional arrangement in which two rotationally symmetric lenses are disposed therebetween. When using the objective lens with a long focal length, aberrations are corrected using two rotationally symmetric lenses among three rotationally symmetric lenses disposed between the objective lens and the multipole lens. When using the objective lens with a short focal length, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2009Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Promotion CorporationInventors: Yoichi Hirayama, Takaho Yoshida
-
Patent number: 8027085Abstract: A microscope comprising a main objective having a lens assembly movable in the direction of the optical axis of the main objective for focal length change and comprising an illuminating unit with illumination deflector elements for deflecting an illuminating beam path for generating an illuminating beam path directed onto an object plane. The position of the illumination deflector elements is adjustable dependent on a focal length change of the main objective for centering the illumination, and the illumination deflector elements are designed as at least partly integrated into the movable lens assembly of the main objective. For this purpose, in particular a part of the lens surface of the movable lens assembly can be made reflective.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventor: Soon Haw Chong
-
Patent number: 8014065Abstract: A microscope apparatus has an illumination optical system illuminating a sample with laser light from laser light sources. A fluorescence detection optical system detects fluorescence from the sample. Fluorescence cubes are interchangeably provided in an optical path of the illumination optical system and lead the laser light to the sample. An objective lens is also provided. At least one of the fluorescence cubes includes an optical member that makes a principal ray of the laser light substantially parallel to an optical axis of the illumination optical system and concentrates the laser light on a given position that is on a pupil position of the objective lens and separated from the optical axis, thereby providing a microscope apparatus capable of changing from a confocal microscope to a total-internal-reflection fluorescence microscope by exchanging a fluorescence cube used in the fluorescence microscope.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Toshiaki Nihoshi
-
Patent number: 8009352Abstract: A microscope comprising a main objective having a variable focal length and comprising an illuminating unit including a light source and an illuminating optical system for generating an illuminating beam path directed onto the object plane and extending outside the main objective. A unit is provided for centering the illumination dependent on a variation of the focal length of the main objective. The illuminating optical system is mounted at least in part in a laterally shiftable manner for centering the illumination.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte. LtdInventor: Haw Chong Soon
-
Patent number: 8000004Abstract: A microscope comprising a main objective having a variable focal length and comprising an illuminating unit including a light source and an illuminating optical system for generating an illuminating beam path directed onto the object plane and extending outside the main objective. A unit is provided for centering the illumination dependent on a variation of the focal length of the main objective, and the illuminating optical system is mounted at least in part in a laterally shiftable manner for centering the illumination. In particular, the illuminating optical system has a diaphragm that is mounted in a laterally shiftable manner.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventor: Manfred Kuster
-
Patent number: 7982950Abstract: A measuring system is disclosed with enhanced resolution for periodic structures on a substrate for semiconductor manufacture. Aperture structures of varying geometries are provided in the illumination beam path. The aperture structures differ regarding the transmission characteristics of light, and which adjust the intensity distribution of the diffraction orders in the imaging pupil of the optical system.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Vistec Semiconductor Systems GmbHInventors: Hans-Artur Boesser, Walter Steinberg
-
Patent number: 7978404Abstract: A surgical microscope (100) has a viewing beam path for main viewing and a secondary beam path (106) for viewing by another person. The surgical microscope (100) has a microscope main objective (101) through which the viewing beam path for main viewing and the viewing beam path (106) for secondary viewing pass. The surgical microscope (100) includes an OCT-system (120) for examining an object region. The OCT-system (120) includes an OCT-scanning beam (123) which is guided through the microscope main objective (101). In the viewing beam path (106) for secondary viewing, an in-coupling element (150) is provided to couple the OCT-scanning beam (123) into the viewing beam path (106) for secondary viewing and to guide the same through the microscope main objective (101) to the object region (108).Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Carl Zeiss Surgical GmbHInventors: Peter Reimer, Christoph Hauger, Alfons Abele, Markus Seesselberg
-
Patent number: 7969653Abstract: It is possible to achieve a required field number and numerical aperture for microscope observation at a scanning speed equal to video-rate or higher and also to change the scanning speed with a simple configuration. The invention provides a laser microscope including a laser light source; a scanning unit configured to scan a specimen with laser light emitted from the laser light source; and an objective lens configured to focus the laser light scanned by the scanning unit on the specimen. The scanning unit is provided with an electro-optical deflecting element including an electro-optical crystal in which a refractive index gradient is induced by injecting electric current.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2007Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Akinori Araya, Tatsuo Nakata, Makio Ueno
-
Publication number: 20110134521Abstract: An apparatus for and method of performing light sheet microscopy (LISH) and light scanning microscopy (RAPS) in a single device are provided. The dual-mode imaging microscope allows for the use of both LISH and RAPS in a single instrument. This dual-mode device will allow researchers to have access to both types of microscopy, allowing access to the widest possible selection of samples. In addition, the device will reduce the high costs and space requirements associated with owning two different microscopes (LISH and RAPS).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Thai V. Truong, John M. Choi, Scott E. Fraser, Willy Supatto, David S. Koos
-
Publication number: 20110116165Abstract: Reacquisition of an image is avoided, thus improving working efficiency. Provided is a microscope device including a plurality of confocal observation units or image capturing units that are capable of acquiring images of the same sample S, a region specifying unit that specifies, on a reference image acquired by a confocal observation unit or image capturing unit, an ROI of an observation image to be acquired by another image capturing unit or confocal observation unit, and a field-of-view displaying unit that displays, superimposed on the reference image, a maximum-limit indication indicating a maximum field of view of the other image capturing unit or confocal observation unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2010Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventor: Shingo SUZUKI
-
Patent number: 7936503Abstract: A laser scanning microscope separates fluorescence signals of different fluorophores in accurate unmixing by eliminating positional pixels shifts between different fluorescence images obtained through irradiation of different-wavelength laser lights. The microscope includes a laser light source capable of emitting a wavelength-changeable laser light, a correction amount determination unit that determines a correction amount for correcting an optical axis shift of the laser light, an optical axis adjusting unit that adjusts an optical axis, a scanning unit that performs two-dimensional scanning, an objective lens that focuses the laser scanning light to a specimen and fluorescence emitted from the specimen, a light detector that detects the fluorescence, and a control unit that changes the wavelength of the laser light synchronously with the scanning by the scanning unit while controlling the optical axis adjusting unit based on the correction amount determined by correction amount determination unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2008Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Tetsuya Koike, Toshiyuki Hattori
-
Publication number: 20110069382Abstract: There is provided a method that includes projecting a collimated light beam from an optical system to a plane during a first mode of operation of the optical system, and projecting a convergent light beam from the optical system to the plane during a second mode of operation of the optical system. The method further includes, (a) during the first mode of operation, controlling a trajectory of a first light bundle in a first light path in the optical system, to steer the collimated light beam through the plane at a designated incidence angle, and (b) during the second mode of operation, controlling a trajectory of a second light bundle in a second light path of the optical system, to steer the convergent light beam to a target position in the plane. There is also provided an apparatus and a system that employs the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2009Publication date: March 24, 2011Inventors: Derek Kalev Toomre, Vladimir Ivanovich Polejaev, Robert Dixon Roorda
-
Publication number: 20110043907Abstract: A fluorescence microscope 100 includes an illumination optical system 120 that illuminates a sample with excitation light, fluorescence detection optical systems 130, 140 and 150 that detect fluorescence from the sample, optical members 8, 12, 13, 16, 17 and 20 that are disposed on an optical path of the illumination optical system and on an optical path of the fluorescence detection optical system, have different wavelength characteristics with each other, and are included in the illumination optical system and in the fluorescence detection optical system, a memory 23 that stores the wavelength characteristic of each of the optical members, and a display 23a that displays each of the wavelength characteristic read out from the memory on the same frame, and displays fluorescence detection wavelength range of a detectable fluorescent dye added to the sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Applicant: Nikon CorporationInventor: Yutaka Sasaki
-
Publication number: 20110032609Abstract: A microscope cube includes a housing including a first opening on a first wall of the housing and a second opening on a second wall of the housing, the first wall adjacent to the second wall; an excitation filter disposed within the first opening; an emission filter disposed within the second opening; and a dichroic mirror positioned within the housing. In one aspect, the dichroic mirror has a thickness greater than or equal to 1.5 mm.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2010Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: Chroma Technology CorporationInventor: Charles Michael Stanley
-
Publication number: 20110019272Abstract: The invention relates to an illuminating device for a microscope with an illumination magazine comprising a plurality of light emitting units. A mechanical illuminator changer can change the light emitting unit currently active in the operative position. A filter magazine having a plurality of filter units is present, wherein a mechanical filter changer for changing the filter unit currently in the active operative position is associated with the filter magazine. At least one mechanical coupling means is provided for cooperation with the filter changer and the illuminator and for uniquely assigning each filter unit to a specific light emitting unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2009Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventors: Leander Dietzsch, Christian Boeker, Andreas Nolte, Thomas Belkner, Michael Wagener
-
Publication number: 20110013275Abstract: The invention relates to an objective changer having incident-light illumination for light microscopes, comprising: at least two microscope objectives for the purpose of examining a specimen, a movable carrier, on which the microscope objectives are mounted, an immovable carrier, which is adapted for mounting on a base body of the microscope, wherein said movable carrier is adapted for defined positioning thereof relatively to said immovable carrier, and at least one illuminating means for illuminating the specimen.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2009Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventors: Detlef Hein, Berndt-Joachim Lau, Axel Laschke
-
Patent number: 7872799Abstract: Device for controlling light radiation, which is excited in a specimen and/or which is backscattered and/or reflected and which contains one or more wavelengths, at a plurality of light outlets, wherein a separation of the light radiation into differently polarized components is carried out; and the components of the excitation radiation and/or detection radiation are affected in their polarization by means of a preferably birefringent, preferably acousto-optic or electro-optic medium, which changes the ordinary and extraordinary refractive index.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Carl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbHInventor: Ralf Wolleschensky
-
Patent number: 7839566Abstract: A surgical microscopy system having an illumination system is provided. The illumination system comprises a xenon gas discharge lamp and a spectral filter which is optionally positionable into an illumination beam path of the surgical microscopy system and removable from the same. The spectral filter substantially exhibits, in a wavelength range between 400 nm and 700 nm, a transmission increasing from about 0.12 to 1 having a gradient between 0.025/nm and 0.0035/nm, in particular 0.00293/nm. Thus, the illumination system is enabled to provide light having two different spectral characteristics which is advantageous in particular for imaging structures in the human eye scattering to a different degree.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Carl Zeiss Surgical GmbHInventors: Delbert Peter Andrews, Peter Reimer
-
Publication number: 20100259656Abstract: An apparatus for fluorescence diagnosis comprises an illumination system for illuminating a target area. The observation system has an observation instrument and a camera. The illumination system can be switched between at least two illumination modes. The observation system has an optical arrangement having at least one optical element that selectively can be introduced into the observation beam path or can be removed therefrom in order to switch the optical properties of the observation system between at least two observation modes. The optical arrangement of the observation system has a motor drive for introducing the at least one optical element into the observation beam path and for removing said element therefrom, and there is a control unit which is connected to the illumination system and to the observation system and which controls the motor drive as a function of the set illumination mode of the illumination system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2010Publication date: October 14, 2010Inventors: Klaus-Martin Irion, Andre Ehrhardt, Peter Solleder
-
Patent number: 7808701Abstract: Diffracted light generated by a diffraction grating passes through a tube lens, reflected by a reflection mirror and forms illuminating light in a strip pattern on the surface of a sample. Thus, fluorescence generated by an objective lens from the sample passes through the objective lens, the reflection mirror and a tube lens, and forms an image of the sample on the diffraction grating. When the diffraction grating is removed from an optical system and a dichroic mirror is arranged, in instead of the reflection mirror, fluorescence from the sample passes through the dichroic mirror, and forms an image of the sample on an imaging surface of an imaging device by an imaging lens. Thus, a microscope which can be used by being switched from a normal fluorescent microscope and uses the diffracted light is provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2009Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Yumiko Ouchi
-
Patent number: 7808700Abstract: A confocal microscope system capable of observing a bright field image and a fluorescent image together with a confocal image can be achieved with a simple configuration. The confocal microscope system may include a confocal scanner unit having a microlens array disc and a pin hole array disc, for scanning a face of the observation sample by a plurality of beam spots, a relay lens connected to a camera for acquiring observed images; a microscope for holding the observation sample and illuminating an observation light for observing the bright field image and an excitation light for observing the fluorescent image on the observation sample, and having a port part for outputting the observation light acquired from the observation sample to the confocal scanner unit; and a detour light path unit selectively inserted between the port part of the microscope and the confocal scanner unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2008Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Yokogawa Electric CorporationInventors: Hideo Hirukawa, Mikiharu Kuwata
-
Patent number: 7799244Abstract: An inexpensive fluorescent object is provided which may be used, for example, as a test object for color adjustment of a fluorescent endoscope system. The fluorescent object generates fluorescence while minimizing the generation of ‘noise’ at undesired wavelengths, and is made using a plastic that substantially does not deteriorate upon exposure to U.V. and visible radiation. A method of producing the fluorescent object is disclosed, namely, a plastic powder (such as PTFE) and an inorganic fluorescent powder (such as Mn-doped ZnS) are blended so as to form a mixture of these components, and the mixture is then molded by applying pressure to the mixture. An important feature of the invention is that heat is not added during any phase in the production of the fluorescent object, thereby preventing the inorganic fluorescent powder from being denatured when producing the fluorescent object.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignees: Olympus Corporation, Olympus Medical Systems Corp.Inventors: Takeshi Suga, Tomonori Sato, Nobuyuki Suda, Yukichi Hanayama
-
Patent number: 7791795Abstract: A microscope for focusing by inserting a split prism at a focusing support time. The image of an iris stop is branched into such two images by the angle deflecting action of the split prism as are individually shifted and focused at symmetric positions across the optical axis of the microscope. These two branched images of the iris stop are further focused on an objective lens through a beam splitter by the focusing action of a lens. The operation unit of a vertical motion device is operated to move an optical system up and down so that the images of a focused pattern are viewed to move in opposite directions from each other in the field of view.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Yasuharu Nakajima
-
Patent number: 7755832Abstract: Apparatus and methods relating to microscopes having specific control of the light that contacts a sample and/or a light detector, such as the eye of the user, a charge couple device or a video camera. The improved control includes enhanced, selective control of the angle of illumination, quantity of light and location of light reaching the sample and/or detector. The microscopes comprise one or more spatial light modulators in the illumination and/or detection light path of the microscope at one or both of the conjugate image plane of the aperture diaphragm of the objective lens and the conjugate image plane of the sample.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Motic China Group Co., Ltd.Inventor: Calum E. MacAulay
-
Patent number: 7746552Abstract: A microscope with a light source that produces an illumination light beam for evanescently illuminating a sample includes an adjustment mechanism with which the polarization of the illumination light beam may be changed.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2009Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Leica Microsystems CMS GmbHInventors: Andreas Hecker, Werner Knebel, Kyra Moellmann, Heinrich Ulrich
-
Patent number: 7715078Abstract: It is an object to realize smooth switching between free scanning and high speed scanning in a light scanning apparatus and a light scanning microscope. To attain the object, a light scanning apparatus includes at least three mirror scanners disposed at predetermined positions of a light path for light scanning, and a light path switching unit switching the light path between a light path in which a highest-speed mirror scanner among the mirror scanners is valid and a light path in which the highest-speed mirror scanner is invalid. Therefore, the switching between a free scanning mode and a high speed scanning mode is performed by the driving of the light switching unit and involves no movement of galvanometer scanners. In addition, since the resonant galvanometer scanner is invalid during the free scanning mode, it is possible to make the resonant galvanometer scanner on standby.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2008Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Hisashi Okugawa
-
Publication number: 20100110538Abstract: Disclosed is a microscope system (1) for sequential observation of different fluorescent dyes that are accumulated in a tissue located in an object plane (22). An illumination system (70) of the microscope system (1) for illuminating the object plane (22) with illumination radiation has at least two operating states. In one of the at least two operating states, the illumination radiation has a spectrum which includes an excitation band (A1) of a first fluorescent dye and, at the same time, is partly free from an excitation band (A2) of another fluorescent dye. An observation system (2) of the microscope system (1) for providing a first observation optical path (33) for optically imaging the object plane (22) has two different operating states as well.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2007Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: Carl-Zeiss Surgical GMBHInventors: Joachim Steffen, Helge Jess, Christoph Hauger
-
Patent number: 7710642Abstract: An illumination system for a fluorescence microscope is provided. The illumination system includes a carriage removably receivable within the microscope and a plurality of filter cubes movably arranged on the carriage, wherein each filter cube is moveable between an active position and an inactive position. Each filter cube includes a housing having first and second openings and a solid state light source secured to the housing. The solid state light source emits light when the filter cube is moved into the active position. Each filter cube further comprises at least one optical filter disposed within the housing, wherein the optical filter corresponds to the solid state light source.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2009Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Westover Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Steven W. Lytle, Kevin G. Cassady
-
Patent number: 7706060Abstract: The invention relates to a microscopic cell observation and inspection system that uses a total internal reflection cell illuminator that is capable of freely changing an observation position without recourse to any special slide glass, makes sure high SN-ratio observation and facilitates sample manipulation, thereby making high-sensitivity, fast detection of a lot of cell reactions on the same slide glass. While, in response to a command from personal computer (80), step motors (53, 54) are driven to sequentially scan observation positions of cell sample (S) on slide glass (21), one of shutter units (71) and (72) is closed and the other is opened at high speed, whereby either one of illumination optical paths for a TIRF microscope and a drop fluorescence microscope is selected to illuminate cell sample (S) on that observation position.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignees: National University Corporation Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Keio UniversityInventors: Hideo Mogami, Yohei Sato, Yutaka Kazoe
-
Patent number: 7692857Abstract: The present invention serves to vary and adjust the transmitted light illumination in microscopes, particularly with respect to the numerous, different illumination situations. The device, according to the invention comprises modules for darkfield illumination, brightfield illumination, and/or diffuse illumination and/or for adapting the object field in which an illumination unit can be selectively coupled to different modules and in which actuators are provided for implementing the adjustments within the modules and for producing the desired connections, these actuators being operated by means of operating elements of a control unit. The adjustments within the modules and the implemented connections are detected and are stored in the control unit so as to be reproducible. The proposed solution makes possible a broad application by means of an ergonomic arrangement of the operating elements and adjusting and/or changing the illumination situations in a simple and reproducible manner.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Carl Zeiss Microimaging GmbHInventors: Johannes Knoblich, Tobias Kaufhold, Detlef Hein
-
Publication number: 20100079857Abstract: Observation is performed using bright, clear multiphoton fluorescence images produced by efficiently generating a multiphoton excitation effect, without the need for a complex interference film structure. The invention employs a laser microscope apparatus including a first dichroic mirror that reflects visible laser light guided via a first light path and that transmits IR pulsed laser light guided via a second light path to combine the first light path and the second light path; an XY galvanometer mirror that scans the laser light from the first dichroic mirror on a specimen; an objective lens that irradiates the specimen with the scanned laser light and that collects fluorescence produced in the specimen; a second dichroic mirror that reflects the visible laser light and transmits the fluorescence from the specimen; and a detection unit that detects the fluorescence transmitted through the second dichroic mirror.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Applicant: Olympus CorporationInventors: Hiroshi SASAKI, Hirokazu Kubo
-
Publication number: 20100073757Abstract: An optical arrangement and a related method for operating this optical arrangement are suggested, particularly in microscopes, for use as at least one of a main beam splitter and a beam combiner. One or more light beams can be coupled into the arrangement and at least one of the light beams that were coupled in can be coupled out again after having passed through the optical arrangement. In the path of the coupled in light beams at least one controllable microstructured element is provided, allowing to switch beam paths within the optical arrangement. This allows controlling or influencing the one or more light beams that are coupled out.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2007Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicant: LEICA MICROSYSTEMS CMS GMBHInventors: Holger Birk, Volker Seyfried
-
Patent number: 7675019Abstract: A device (70) is disclosed for adjusting a light beam (1) in an optical system (100), whereby the optical system (100) defines an optical axis (60). The device (70) for adjusting comprises means for coupling-in (3) of the light beam into a housing part (80) of the device (70). The means for coupling-in (3) determines a coupling-in point (3a) and a coupled in light beam (9). At least a first and a second photo detector (10, 22) are arranged in different in distances to the coupling-in point. (3a). In the coupled in light beam (9) at least one beam splitter (36) is provided, which directs the coupled in light beam (9) on at least one of the photo detectors (10, 22).Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Leica Microsystems CMS GmbHInventors: Holger Birk, Johan Engelhardt
-
Publication number: 20100053744Abstract: A microscope includes a main body, a transmitted light source, and a transmitted-light illumination optical system. The main body has a substantially C-shape when viewed from side, and is composed of a lower horizontal portion, an upper horizontal portion, and a brace portion. The brace portion connects between the lower horizontal portion and the upper horizontal portion on their rear side. The transmitted-light illumination optical system brings an illumination light from the transmitted light source to a specimen supported by the main body, and illuminates the specimen with the illumination light transmitted therethrough. The transmitted-light illumination optical system and the transmitted light source are removably attached to the lower horizontal portion of the main body.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Atsuhiro TSUCHIYA, Keisuke Tamura
-
Publication number: 20100014158Abstract: A microscope apparatus 1 comprises: an illumination optical system illuminating a sample with laser light from laser light sources 32, 42; a fluorescence detection optical system that detects fluorescence from the sample; a plurality of fluorescence cubes 61 that are provided on an optical path of the illumination optical system and leads the laser light to the sample; and an objective lens 16. At least one of the fluorescence cube includes an optical member 60 that makes a principal ray of the laser light substantially parallel to an optical axis of the illumination optical system and concentrates the laser light on a given position that is on a pupil position P of the objective lens and separates from the optical axis, thereby providing a microscope apparatus capable of changing from a confocal microscope to a total-internal-reflection fluorescence microscope by exchanging a fluorescence cube used in the fluorescence microscope.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2009Publication date: January 21, 2010Inventor: Toshiaki Nihoshi
-
Patent number: 7649684Abstract: An optical apparatus minimizes autofluorescence and stray light as well as leakage of excitation light and efficiently utilizes illuminating light from a fluorescence illumination optical system to allow observation of a bright fluorescence image. An observation apparatus has an objective, an observation optical system unit including a variable magnification optical system, and an imaging optical system unit including an imaging lens and an eyepiece. A fluorescence illumination apparatus, which is provided separately, is removably attached to the observation apparatus. The fluorescence illumination apparatus has a light source, a collector lens unit, and a reflecting member placed between the objective and the observation optical system unit at a position displaced from the optical axis of the objective to make light from the light source incident on the objective. An excitation filter is provided between the light source and the reflecting member.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Kenji Kawasaki, Daisuke Nishiwaki, Keiji Shimizu
-
Publication number: 20100002292Abstract: A switching filter is provided in a light source device according to the present invention. The switching filter has a first dichroic filter which transmits illumination light in a first wavelength band from a lamp and a fluorescence observation filter which transmits at least illumination light in a second wavelength band and is rotatably provided such that the first dichroic filter and the fluorescence observation filter pass through an illumination light optical axis. An LED portion has a blue LED which emits illumination light in the first wavelength band toward the switching filter. A second dichroic filter capable of transmitting illumination light from the lamp and reflecting illumination light from the LED portion to a condenser lens is also arranged at the switching filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2009Publication date: January 7, 2010Applicant: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP.Inventors: Yusuke YABE, Koji OMORI, Shinji YAMASHITA, Yoshimine KOBAYASHI, Masato TODA
-
Publication number: 20090213457Abstract: An illumination device for a microscope has a variable working distance (d, d?), at which an object is illuminated obliquely from two different directions. Light from a light source is split into at least two illumination beam paths. In order to adapt to the different working distances, the light is subjected to an angle change before splitting or, if after splitting, then respectively by the same amount in both beam paths. A deviating element with at least two reflective surfaces is arranged in one of the illumination beam paths to induce a change in an angle at which one of the illumination beam paths strikes the object, in the same sense as another illumination beam path. The reflective surfaces may be arranged so that the illumination beam paths strike essentially the same region of the optical axis even with different working distances.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: Leica Microsystems (Schweiz) AGInventors: Haw Chong Soon, Manfred Kuster
-
Patent number: 7576911Abstract: A microscope illuminator system suitable for both critical source illumination and Köhler-type illumination without substantially altering the elements within the optical path. The system preferably provides a continuous range of adjustment from critical type illumination to Köhler-type illumination, and beyond. Further, the microscope illuminator system preferably employs a fiber optic illuminator providing both incandescent continuous illumination and stroboscopic illumination.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2007Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Inventor: Roy Larimer
-
Patent number: 7573635Abstract: There is provided a method for a microscope device for optionally examining a sample by at least a first light beam bundle from a first direction or a second light beam bundle from a second direction different to the first direction, having a microscope objective and a beam deflection element, wherein the beam deflection element is operable by a drive in order to optionally couple the first light beam bundle or the second light beam bundle into the microscope objective, and wherein the beam deflection element is rotatable by the drive in order to optionally change at least an exit direction of the first light beam bundle from the beam deflection element if the first light beam bundle is coupled into the microscope objective.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: TILL I.D. GmbHInventor: Rainer Uhl
-
Publication number: 20090185268Abstract: A box-type microscope apparatus includes a stage, a microscope, and a housing, which has a fixed housing and a moving housing provided to be openable, closable, and movable with respect to the fixed housing. The box-type microscope apparatus further includes a specimen vessel positioning device for fixing the specimen vessel placed on the stage at a constant position. of the stage and a positioning release device for actuating the specimen vessel positioning means when the moving housing is moved toward a position of a closed state to release a positioning of the specimen vessel performed by the specimen vessel positioning device with respect to the stage when the moving housing is opened.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2008Publication date: July 23, 2009Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Mitsuo HARADA, Yoshihiro SHIMADA
-
Patent number: 7564624Abstract: The invention relates to a microscope comprising at least one first and second light sources, a first light-guiding fiber connected to the first light source and a second light-guiding fiber connected to the second light source, wherein the light emitted by corresponding light source is injectable into the connected light-guiding fiber. The inventive microscope also comprises an objective lens disposed in the illumination beam path and is characterized in that a fiber multiplexer connected to the first and second light-guiding fibers, receiving the light from the light source and selectively allowing the light from the first or second light source to pass is disposed in the illumination beam path.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2005Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Leica Microsystems CMS GmbHInventors: Volker Leimbach, Heinrich Ulrich
-
Patent number: 7564622Abstract: A microscope is provided that enables a phase object or surface pits and projections to be observed at a relatively low image-formation magnification of 4 or lower over a wide viewing range yet in a relatively narrow spatial frequency distribution range. The microscope comprises a light source, an illumination optical system, a partial aperture located at the pupil position of the illumination optical system, an image-formation optical system, and an eyepiece optical system or an image pickup optical system, wherein the diameter of the image of a partial aperture at the pupil position of the image-formation optical system is set smaller than the pupil diameter of the image-formation optical system, and at the pupil position of the image-formation optical system there is located an element for introducing in the pupil position of the image-formation optical system a wavefront varying in size with the pupil diameter.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2004Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Hiroshi Ishiwata
-
Publication number: 20090174938Abstract: A microscope includes a condenser lens that is provided in an illumination light path and in which at least one optical device is insertable into and removable from an illumination light axis for switching observation method. The microscope also includes a first polarizing plate that is provided in the same light axis as the optical device and is insertable into and removable from the illumination light axis integrally with the optical device; and a second polarizing plate that is provided in the illumination light axis independently from insertion and removal of the optical device into and from the illumination light axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2009Publication date: July 9, 2009Applicant: Olympus CorporationInventor: Atsuhiro TSUCHIYA
-
Patent number: 7551351Abstract: A microscope with evanescent sample illumination comprises a device for optically manipulating a sample.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2006Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Leica Microsystems CMS GmbHInventors: Heinrich Ulrich, Werner Knebel, Kyra Moellmann, Peter Euteneuer
-
Publication number: 20090122398Abstract: A surgical microscope apparatus 1 comprises an illumination optical system 20, an observation optical system 30, and a controller 60. The illumination optical system 20 has an illumination light source configured to emit an illumination light, and an emission diaphragm and illumination diaphragm 24 both configured to change the angle of the illumination light (illumination angle) with respect to the optical axis of the observation optical system 30. When the illumination angle is changed, the controller 60 determines the intensity of the illumination light based on the illumination angle after the change and illumination-intensity information 62a. Further, the controller 60 controls the illumination light source 21 so as to output an illumination light with the determined intensity. According to the surgical microscope apparatus 1, when the angle of an illumination light that illuminates an eye is changed, an observation image with favorable brightness can be easily obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2008Publication date: May 14, 2009Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha TopconInventors: Kazutoshi Machida, Hiroshi Akiyama
-
Publication number: 20090116103Abstract: Providing a microscope apparatus including an optical mount member capable of supporting various optical devices even without a large amount of space. A base body 10 arranged on a mount surface 9a of a vibration isolation table 9 is provided substantially perpendicularly to the mount surface 9a. A plurality of rails 32 through 36 are provided on the base body 31 vertically to the mount surface 9a so as to provide a plurality of extension optical devices such as a Galvanic scanner 64 to be combined with the microscope main body 10.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2008Publication date: May 7, 2009Inventor: Takashi KAWAHITO
-
Patent number: 7525727Abstract: The present invention relates to a microscope (100) having an illumination unit (4) for generating an illumination beam path (4b, 4a), the microscope (100) comprising a main objective (2) that defines an observation beam path (17a) and comprising at least one deflection element (5, 6, 7) for deflecting the observation beam path (17a), at least one of the deflection elements (5, 6, 7) being embodied as a micromirror array (5?) having individually controllable and adjustable micromirrors (50), the micromirrors of the micromirror array (5?) being adjustable in such a way that in addition to the observation beam path (17a, 17b), the illumination beam path (4a, 4b) also proceeds via this micromirror array (5?).Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2007Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Leica Microsystems (Schweiz) AGInventor: Ulrich Sander