Abstract: In an embodiment, a system includes a profiler configured to detect variations along a surface of a semiconductor stage; and a jig configured to move the profiler along an axis over the semiconductor stage.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus for measuring a laser focus spot size, which includes a two-dimensional image detector and an imaging system which forms a magnified image of a focus spot located an object plane onto the image detector. The imaging system includes at least an objective lens. A sealed liquid container is secured over a part of the objective lens such as the optical surface of the objective lens is immersed in the liquid (e.g. water) within the container. The liquid container has a window through which the laser beam enters. An image processing method is also disclosed which processes the image obtained by the image detector to obtain the focus spot size while implementing an algorithm that corrects for the effect of ambient vibration.

Abstract: A microscope system includes: an microscope provided with electronic units; a display configured to display operation information; a touch panel configured to detect a position of contact of an object from outside; a setting unit configured to set areas corresponding respectively to multiple operation functions in a detection area of the touch panel; a pressure detector configured to detect a value of a pressure applied in the position of contact; and a drive controller configured to generate, based on the position of contact that is detected by the touch panel, the number of positions of contact, a change of the position of contact over time, and the value of the pressure detected by the pressure detector, an instruction signal of an instruction to change an observation status in which the specimen is observed with the electronic unit corresponding to operation function that is set by the setting unit.

Abstract: An ocular optical system includes a first lens element and a second lens element from an eye-side to a display-side in order along an optical axis. The first lens element and the second lens element each include an eye-side surface and a display-side surface. The eye-side surface of the first lens element has a convex portion in a vicinity of the optical axis. The second lens element has negative refracting power. The ocular optical system satisfies 1.5?|f2/f1| and 250 millimeters/EFL?10, wherein f2 is the focal length of the second lens element, f1 is the focal length of the first lens element, and EFL is the effective focal length of the ocular optical system.

Abstract: This inverted microscope comprises the following elements: an immersion objective lens, a medium container which is disposed above the immersion objective lens with a gap, and which has a bottom surface having a transparent portion and being capable of retaining a first immersion medium between the transparent portion and the immersion objective lens, and also which is capable of storing inside thereof a second immersion medium having a refractive index which is the same as or similar to that of the first immersion medium; and a movable stage to support a sample container, which accommodates a specimen, in a horizontally movable manner inside the medium container and which has a transparent portion in at least a part of a bottom surface thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device and to a method for controlling a motorized digital microscope. The control device comprises at least one first module (01) for controlling the hardware, the software and the work flow of the digital microscope during the examination of a specimen. According to the invention, the first module (01) comprises a first input means (02, 16) having force feedback for controlling functions of the digital microscope. In a method according to the invention, data input takes place via a first input means, wherein force feedback is generated via the success or progression of the input.

Abstract: In the microscope observation container according to the present invention, an observed sample is accommodated by an objective lens barrel provided with a housing extending along the radiation direction of excitation light and an objective lens fixed to an inside surface of the housing. The microscope observation container is provided with a structure for collecting a liquid immersion medium added by dispensation, the structure having a portion contacted by the objective lens barrel during observation. During observation the aforementioned portion is contacted by the objective lens barrel, and the liquid immersion medium is thereby sealed by the objective lens barrel and the structure. The aforementioned portion also has an elastic force, and is deformed so as to conform to the housing of the objective lens by the contact.

Abstract: A microscope module includes a light source assembly, a sampling assembly and a diffusing element. The light source assembly includes a light source and a light guide element. The light source is disposed close to the light incidence end of the light guide element. The sampling assembly includes a cover and a base. The cover and the base are combined to define a sample accommodating space, which is located at the light exit end of the light guide element. The diffusing element is disposed between the light source and the sample accommodating space. The light emitted from the light source passes through the diffusing element and then enters the sample accommodating space. A microscope device containing the microscope module is also disclosed.

Abstract: Approaches are disclosed for calibrating a plurality of imaging devices, such as microscopes. In certain implementations, a calibration plate is employed that include a variety of calibration features. Imaging devices calibrated in accordance with the present approaches may be used to generate images having consistent attributes, such as brightness, regardless of which imaging device is employed.

Abstract: A laser material processing system comprises: a housing defining an engraving chamber, an xy laser beam steering system, a non-telescoping focus mechanism, and a camera system that facilitates production of engravings that exceed the xy dimensions of the engraving chamber. The housing includes a removable bottom panel that allows processing of workpieces that exceed dimensions of the engraving chamber. The focus mechanism includes a carriage mirror subassembly, a sliding member moveably attached to the carriage mirror subassembly, and a focusing lens subassembly attached perpendicularly to a lower portion of the sliding member. The carriage mirror subassembly and focusing lens subassembly are configured to receive and focus a laser beam to a focal point. The focusing lens subassembly is adjusted along a z-axis by disengaging the locking component and vertically sliding the sliding member and is locked into a position by engaging the locking component with the sliding member.

Abstract: An immersion liquid retainer is an immersion liquid retainer used for an observation made with a microscope including an immersion objective. The immersion liquid retainer includes a fixing part in which a first penetration hole for viewing an observed portion of a specimen is formed and which is fixed to the specimen, and an immersion liquid retaining part where a concave part that has a bottom surface configured with a transparent flat plate and is intended to retain an immersion liquid is formed. The immersion liquid retaining part is joined to the fixing part or formed integrally with the fixing part so that the transparent flat plate covers the first penetration hole.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus, comprising a holder that holds a specimen container carrying a biological specimen, an imager that images the specimen in the specimen container, a sterilizer that supplies a drug or electromagnetic waves having a sterilization effect to the holder, and a controller that performs a sterilization process of supplying the drug or the electromagnetic waves to the holder by controlling the sterilizer at least either before or after imaging the specimen by the imager.

Abstract: A microscope system includes a stage on which a specimen is placed; an objective lens configured to condense at least observation light from the specimen on the stage; a transmitted illumination optical system configured to irradiate the specimen with transmitted illumination light ejected from a light source, which is illumination light transmitting the specimen; and a microscope body part including a base unit holding the transmitted illumination optical system, a supporting column standing upright from the base unit, and an incident-light illumination optical system provided on the end of a side different from the base unit side of the supporting column and irradiating the specimen with incident-light illumination light which is illumination light ejected from a light source to be reflected on the specimen, wherein the stage and the transmitted illumination optical system are attachable to/detachable from the microscope body part.

Abstract: A sample retainer for a microscope is described, comprising a sample stage (32), a holder (34) arranged on the sample stage (32), a sample carrier (36), couplable to the holder (34), to which a sample is attachable, and an adjusting apparatus (44), engaging on the holder (34), with which with the sample carrier (36), together with the holder (34) to which the sample carrier (36) is coupled, is displaceable on the sample stage (32), relative to the objective (46), into a target position. A decoupling apparatus that decouples the sample carrier (36), arranged in the target position, from the holder (34) upon imaging of the sample through the objective (46) is provided.

Abstract: A portable terminal adaptor for a microscope may be provided in a microscope to capture an image observed under the microscope by means of a camera of a portable terminal. The portable terminal adaptor may include a lens-barrel attachment fixed to a lens-barrel of the microscope, a portable-terminal placing base having a first imaging hole through which the image observed under the microscope passes, the portable terminal being placed on the portable-terminal placing base, and a portable-terminal holder holding the portable terminal placed on the portable-terminal placing base.

Abstract: The focus control culture observation apparatus enable simple and reliable detection of a focusing position of an objective lens on a subject and with certainty. When a focusing position is detected, an area, which includes an edge portion of the culture medium drop is selected as an AF area which is to be a target of detecting the focusing position of the objective lens on the culture medium drop. The apparatus detects the focusing position on the culture medium drop based on an observation image of the AF area. By detecting the focusing position as a targeting area that is different from an area which is near the edge of the culture container and where illumination unevenness is generated, the detection accuracy can be improved.

Abstract: An optical device, such as a microscope, is disclosed that can be assembled from flat materials. The optical device can be assembled via a series of folds of a flat material. The optical microscope can include a stage for supporting a sample, an optic stage, and a light source. The optic stage can include one or more lenses. The optical microscope can be capable of obtaining simultaneous images from different forms of microscopy. The optical microscope may have bright field and filter field viewing capabilities wherein a user shifts from bright field to filter field by lateral movement of the stage containing a lens and a light source that cooperate to provide either the bright field or the filter field.

Abstract: A device for detecting at least one analyte in a liquid sample generally comprises (i) a support having a chamber for receiving a biological fluid (e.g., milk) therein, wherein said chamber is an elongate chamber having a length axis; (ii) a (stationary or movable) carrier (in some embodiments in the form of an end cap, or connected to an end cap; in other embodiments in the form of an agitator in said elongate chamber).

Abstract: An optical system for a head-mounted display in which image rays provided from a display device are divergent to form and provide an enlarged image is configured so that first and second lenses are sequentially disposed from an object along an optical axis and provide the enlarged image on an image plane, and angles of principal rays are gradually increased from the optical axis toward the edge of the image plane. Thus, as the angles of principal rays are increased, an angle of view is improved to provide a large screen so that it is possible to appreciate a vivid image due to an increase in the sense of presence and the degree of involvement. The entire size of the optical system can be reduced. The head-mounted display can be made compact and lightweight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a slider for introduction into an optical path of a light microscope. Such a slider has a housing for arrangement on the light microscope, a holder which can be displaced in the housing in a displacement direction over a displacement length, an optical element which is held by the holder oriented with respect to an optical axis extending perpendicular to the displacement direction, and movement means for displacing the holder. The slider is characterised according to the invention in that at least the portion of the movement means which lies in the displacement direction within the displacement length lies, in a direction perpendicular to a plane fixed by the optical axis and the displacement direction, completely within a coverage area which is covered by the holder upon displacement thereof, wherein the coverage area is fixed by the optical axis as normal.

Abstract: A microscope controller improves the operability in moving a stage when a stage moving operation is performed on a touch panel. The microscope controller for control of the operation of each electric unit configuring the microscope system solves problems by including: a touch panel unit having a display function and receiving an input by an external physical contact; a control unit for setting a display region as a function area by assigning an image for operation of the electric unit to a specified display region of the touch panel unit, and, when an input to the function area is detected, generating a control instruction signal for control of the electric unit depending on the contact operation to the electric unit corresponding to the function area, and a communication control unit for transmitting the control instruction signal to an external device for controlling the operation of the electric unit.

Abstract: A stage assembly, an imaging system that uses the stage assembly, and methods for using the stage assembly in a high content screening system. The stage assembly includes a stage having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface and an opening extending between the top and bottom surfaces to receive a specimen plate. The stage assembly also includes a calibration sample bay formed in the stage. A calibration sample can also be secured within the calibration sample bay.

Abstract: An automated microscope apparatus comprises an outer housing having an external wall; optionally but preferably an internal wall in the housing configured to form a first compartment and a separate second compartment in the outer housing; a microscope assembly in the housing (preferably in the first compartment); a microprocessor in the housing (preferably in the second compartment), and (optionally but preferably) a heat sink mounted on the housing external wall, preferably adjacent the second compartment, with the microprocessor thermally coupled to said heat sink and operatively associated with the microscope assembly. Systems and methods employing the same are also described, along with component parts thereof.

Abstract: An adjustable stage mount includes a housing having a base defining a hole and an adjustable stage including a ball joint extension that rotatably engages the hole and is rotatably securable about the x-, y-, and z-axes. An adjustable indenter mount includes a housing defining a hole and an adjustable indenter including a ball joint extension that rotatably engages the hole and is rotatably securable about the x-, y-, and z-axes. A collision protection switch includes a first plate having three pairs of electrically conductive spaced apart pins wired to a voltage source in an open circuit, and a second plate having three electrically conductive balls. A spring pulls the first and second plates together causing the three balls to complete the circuit. A sufficient force against the second plate causes a ball to disengage and open the circuit. A two-objective microscope includes two parallel objectives, upper and lower light sources, three half-mirrors, and a camera.

Abstract: The image pickup apparatus includes an image sensor unit including an optical system forming an optical image of an object placed on a stage part and plural image sensors each of which captures part of the optical image, a drive mechanism relatively moving the stage part and the image sensor unit, and a processing part causing the image sensor unit to perform plural image capturing operations with causing the drive mechanism to relatively move the stage part and the image sensor unit after each image capturing operation, and combining the plural captured images to produce a whole image covering the whole image capturing area. The plural image sensors are arranged such that an effective diameter of the optical system necessary to introduce light from the stage part to all the plural image sensors is smaller than a diameter of a circle circumscribed to the whole image capturing area.

Abstract: A microscope system stores, for each objective, the movement control information including a type flag indicating the type of an objective depending on the presence/absence of a soak or a type of the soak and a save distance for saving the stage or the objective switch unit by a predetermined distance. When a switch direction of objectives is input, and when there is a change in the type of the objective after the switch, the system stops an operation after the stage or the objective switch unit is moved according to the save distance, and recovers the stage or the objective switch unit to an original position after the operation direction input unit inputs an operation direction for the stage and the objective switch unit.

Abstract: An automated microscope apparatus, comprises an outer housing having an external wall; optionally but preferably an internal wall in said housing, and configured to form a first compartment and a separate second compartment in said outer housing; a microscope assembly in said housing, preferably in said first compartment; and a microprocessor in said housing, preferably in said second compartment; and optionally but preferably a heat sink mounted on said housing external wall, preferably adjacent said second compartment, with said microprocessor thermally coupled to said heat sink and operatively associated with said microscope assembly.

Abstract: A slide transfer mechanism for a laser scanner device for imaging and measuring fluorescent samples is located in a sample plane on sample slides. The device includes a first optical system for providing laser beams and at least one detector for detecting an emission beam bundle coming from the sample, and a second optical system for forwarding the emission beam bundle to the at least one detector. The slide transfer mechanism has a motorized transport device for transferring a sample slide to the sample table and back. The storage unit of the laser scanner device includes a positioning plate for mounting a sample part magazine that has an open insertion side for storing sample slides in specific depositories. At a corner opposite to the insertion side, the sample part magazine includes a check opening for monitoring the presence or absence of a sample slide in a specific depository.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a microscope stage. The microscope stage of the apparatus defines a plane on which an object to be examined can be placed. The apparatus further includes a first shaft and a second shaft rotationally coupled to the first shaft. The microscope stage is guided between the first and second shafts such that a rotational movement of at least one of the first and second shafts has a direct effect on the microscope stage.

Abstract: An inverted microscope includes: a microscope main body; a stage that is supported by the microscope main body; and an observation optical system that allows observing a sample placed on the stage from underneath, the microscope main body, in which an optical device can be attached between an objective lens and a tube lens which constitute the observation optical system including a plurality of stage supporting parts that support the stage; and a beam part that connects, in a manner of locating between the tube lens and the objective lens, at least a pair of stage supporting parts at front and back sides together among the plurality of stage supporting parts.

Abstract: A microscope controller improves the operability in moving a stage when a stage moving operation is performed on a touch panel. The microscope controller for control of the operation of each electric unit configuring the microscope system solves problems by including: a touch panel unit having a display function and receiving an input by an external physical contact; a control unit for setting a display region as a function area by assigning an image for operation of the electric unit to a specified display region of the touch panel unit, and, when an input to the function area is detected, generating a control instruction signal for control of the electric unit depending on the contact operation to the electric unit corresponding to the function area, and a communication control unit for transmitting the control instruction signal to an external device for controlling the operation of the electric unit.

Abstract: A sample retainer for a microscope is described, comprising a sample stage (32), a holder (34) arranged on the sample stage (32), a sample carrier (36), couplable to the holder (34), to which a sample is attachable, and an adjusting apparatus (44), engaging on the holder (34), with which with the sample carrier (36), together with the holder (34) to which the sample carrier (36) is coupled, is displaceable on the sample stage (32), relative to the objective (46), into a target position. A decoupling apparatus that decouples the sample carrier (36), arranged in the target position, from the holder (34) upon imaging of the sample through the objective (46) is provided.

Abstract: A microscope system improves the operability of a user in performing a microscope observation. The microscope system attains the improvement by including: a microscope apparatus including a plurality of drive units; a display unit for displaying an operation screen for operation of the microscope apparatus; a pointing device for inputting by a pointer an operation instruction to the microscope apparatus on the operation screen; and a control unit for switching the drive units depending on the position of the pointer on the operation screen, and controlling the operation of the switched drive units depending on the operation of the pointing device.

Abstract: A stage assembly, an imaging system that uses the stage assembly, and methods for using the stage assembly in a high content screening system. The stage assembly includes a stage having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface and an opening extending between the top and bottom surfaces to receive a specimen plate. The stage assembly also includes a calibration sample bay formed in the stage. A calibration sample can also be secured within the calibration sample bay.

Abstract: A focus detection apparatus is provided with a light source 16 that emanates light with a given wavelength range; a reflection member 15 that reflects light emanated from the light source 16 to lead to an object 6a, reflects light from the light source 16 reflected from the object 6a, and transmits light from the object 6a with at least two different wavelength ranges except the light reflected from the object 6a; a photodetector 21 detecting the light from the light source 16 reflected from the object 6a; and a controller 22 detecting a focus shift between the objective lens 8 and the object 6a in the microscope 2 based on a signal detected by the photodetector 21, thereby providing a focus detection apparatus capable of limiting wavelength range of light for focus detection thereby able to use wider wavelength range for the microscope observation, and a microscope equipped therewith.

Abstract: A microscope stage (14) comprising a platform (16) and a holder (42) for a microscope objective (38), which holder is mounted on the platform (16) pivotally about a bearing axis (46) and movably along the bearing axis (46) and holds the objective (38), an operating element (50) which is coupled to the holder (42) and with which the holder (42) is pivotable about the bearing axis (46) and is movable along the bearing axis (46) for its positioning in an operating position, and a locking mechanism (60) which is actuatable by the operating element (50) and with which the holder (42) positioned in the operating position can be fixed to the platform (16).

Abstract: A laser scanner device (1) for imaging and/or measuring fluorescent samples located on slides and treated using fluorescent pigments includes a sample table (2) defining a sample plane (49) and a motorized transport device (3) for moving a slide from a storage unit (4) to the sample table (2) and back. The storage unit (4) includes one sample part (7) for sample slides (8) and one test part (9) for test slides (10), each having at least one depository (6) and being accessible during the operation of the laser scanner device (1) for the transport device (3). The test part (9) is implemented separately from the sample part (7) and as a test part magazine (9?) that is permanently connected to the laser scanner device (1) for one or more test slides (10).

Abstract: Compositions, devices, systems and methods for reducing and/or preventing photodamage of one or more reactants in illuminated analytical reactions by one or more of incorporating photodamage mitigating agents within the reaction mixture and/or interrogating different observation regions of the reaction mixture for a period that is less than a photodamage threshold period.

Abstract: In a microscope controller by which is performed an operation for controlling an operation of each of a plurality of electric units included in a microscope system, the control unit establishes a plurality of functional areas in the display region of the touch panel as regions for making operable the plurality of electric units. When an input to any of the functional areas is detected, the control unit generates a control instruction signal for controlling an electric unit corresponding to this functional area. The communication control unit transmits the control instruction signal to an external device controlling an operation of a corresponding electric unit. When an input to a predetermined functional area is detected, the control unit then reestablishes a plurality of functional areas within the display region of the touch panel so as to enlarge this functional area or a plurality of specific functional areas including this functional area.

Abstract: One embodiment of techniques for confocal microscopy includes illuminating a spot on a surface of a biological sample. A first emission intensity from the spot is detected in a first range of optical properties; and a second emission intensity in a second range. A pixel that corresponds to the spot is colored using a linear combination of the first and second emission intensities. Sometimes, the pixel is colored to approximate a color produced by histology. In some embodiments, a surface of a sample is contacted with a solution of acridine orange. Then, a spot is illuminated with a laser beam of wavelength about 488 nanometers (nm). Fluorescence emission intensity is detected above about 500 nm. Sometimes, a certain illumination correction is applied. In some embodiments, a sample holder that compresses a sample is removable from a stage that is fixed with respect to a focal plane of the microscope.

Abstract: A microscope including an imaging optical unit, a sample stage for supporting a sample to be examined, a movement unit, by which the distance between sample stage and imaging optical unit can be altered, a focus measuring unit, which measures the present focus position and outputs a focus measurement signal, a control unit for maintaining a predetermined focus position for examinations of the sample that are separated from one another in time. The control unit receives the focus measurement signal and derives a deviation of the present focus position from the predetermined focus position. Dependent on the deviation derived the movement unit, changes the distance between sample stage and imaging optical unit so that the predetermined focus position is maintained. The control unit drives the movement unit (9) for maintaining the predetermined focus position only before and/or after at least one of the examinations, but never during the examinations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for modifying the distance between a microscope table and a microscope objective. The vertical adjusting mechanism of the microscope table encompasses a eccentric member which is rotatable about a shaft. At least one actuating button is mounted on the shaft. The eccentric member is embodied such that the microscope table can be subjected to a fine or rough vertical adjustment using of the eccentric member and a monolithic actuating button.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A sheet glass for microscopy includes a base plate and a metal pattern configured on the base plate. The structure of the sheet glass increases the throughput, reduces the cost and shortens the distance between grids and targets for keeping grids and targets within the depth of field of the microscope. A manufacturing method of sheet glass for microscopy is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microscope plate indexing apparatus includes a base platform and an indexing platform. The indexing platform has a slideway to slidingly receive a crystallography or other microscope plate. The indexing platform includes two projecting pins, one of which is a guide pin received in a guide groove in the base platform and the other of which is an indexing pin received in one of a plurality of indexing holes in the base platform. The indexing holes are preferably located in an indexing groove. The guide groove keeps the indexing platform aligned with the base platform during movement of the indexing pin from one indexing hole to the other and maintains the indexing platform in substantially fixed position in relation to the base platform when the indexing pin is in a selected indexing hole to insure correct alignment of the two platforms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for the imaging of single molecules.

Abstract: An improved Raman microspectrometer system extends the optical reach and analysis range of an existing Raman microspectrometer to allow analysis and/or repair of an oversized sample. The improved Raman microspectrometer system includes an extender for extending the optical reach of the existing microspectrometer and a supplemental stage which extends the analysis range of the existing microspectrometer by providing travel capabilities for non-destructive analysis of an entire oversized sample. Such an arrangement decreases manufacturing costs associated with testing oversized samples such as mammography panels, enabling analysis and/or repair to be performed without destruction.

Abstract: There is disclosed a platform suited for use in dual camera, stereoscopic digital cinema. The fixture may have a base, a first convergence plate and a second convergence plate. The base may be mounted to a tripod, steadicam, crane, boom or other device for supporting a platform used in stereoscopic cinematography. The base may have two platforms attached to each other via a linear slide. The convergence plates may be attached to the respective platforms via an XY slide.

Abstract: A scanning boom microscope comprises an optical axis that can be varied into any axis or direction relative to a circular displacement about an optical boom that supports the scanning boom microscope's objective in free space. Accordingly, scanning boom microscope can be positioned to observe free standing samples away from the microscope base.

Abstract: A movable part to which a specimen or optical component is fixed is effectively damped in a short period of time at low cost, while saving space and energy and avoiding heat generation, thus allowing high-precision observation of a specimen to be carried out quickly after stopping at a certain position. The invention provides a microscope system including a driving mechanism for driving a movable part to which a specimen or optical component is fixed and stopping the movable part at a certain position; and a vibration damping mechanism for damping vibrations generated when stopping the movable part with the driving mechanism. The vibration damping mechanism includes an inertial member having a prescribed mass and a viscoelastic member sandwiched between the inertial member and the movable part. Dimensions in a plurality of directions of the viscoelastic member are set on the basis of resonance frequencies of vibrations generated in multiple directions when stopping the movable part.