Abstract: A phase difference observation apparatus includes a light source; an illumination guide to guide illumination light from the light source to an observation target object in a cell culture vessel; an optical imager to form an optical image of the observation target object on an image sensor; and a controller. The illumination guide includes a spatial modulator to change an intensity distribution of the illumination light; the controller contains intensity distribution correction information associating a position of the imaging guide with respect to the cell culture vessel with an intensity distribution of illumination light at the position of the optical imager; the controller acquires imaging system position information, which is the position of the optical imager; and the controller changes an intensity distribution of illumination light in the spatial modulator on the basis of the imaging system position information and the intensity distribution correction information.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a heated stage assembly that can achieve high temperatures (i.e., 40 degrees Celsius and higher and more specifically, 55 degrees Celsius and higher) for use in microscopy including fluorescence microscopy. The microscope stage heater assembly includes a mounting adapter element, a sample holder element mounted within the mounting adapter element, one or more heating elements attached to the sample holder element, and an optical window holder element disposed on a surface of the sample holder element that encloses an optical window element. The optical window element may be in contact with a microscope sample such that the optical window element is heated by the sample holder element to uniformly distribute heat to the specimen.

Abstract: An incubation apparatus, including a temperature-controlled room adjusted to be a predetermined environment condition, and incubating a sample of an incubation container inside the temperature-controlled room, includes a carrying apparatus, an imaging section, and an image analyzing section. The carrying apparatus carries the incubation container in the temperature-controlled room. The imaging section photographs a whole of the incubation container inside the temperature-controlled room. The image analyzing section analyses an operation state of the incubation apparatus or an incubating environment state of the sample based on a total observing image of the incubation container photographed at the imaging section, and outputs an error signal notifying an abnormality of the operation state or the incubating environment state in accordance with the analysis result.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging a feature within a specimen is provided. According to one implementation the apparatus includes a substrate that is configured to support a specimen on an upper surface of the substrate so that the specimen resides over a hole that extends through the substrate. A heater is located vertically above the upper surface of the substrate. The heater is configured to heat the specimen when the specimen is supported on the substrate. An imaging device is located vertically below the lower surface of the substrate. The imaging device has an unobstructed line of sight to and through the hole in the substrate. The lower surface of the substrate is supported on a heat insulating platform in a manner that permits air to flow between the heat insulating platform and the lower surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a luminescence measuring device that includes a holder that holds a container for containing a sample, a plate member that holds the holder, a light detector that detects luminescence in the sample, and has a light receiving surface facing a bottom surface of the container, a first temperature control unit that performs control of a temperature of the light detector, and a ventilator that sends air to the light receiving surface of the light detector. The first temperature control unit may be provided on a side face of the light detector, and provided with a flow path therein. The air sending may be performed via the flow path in the first temperature control unit, so that the air having the same temperature as that of the light detector is sent to the light receiving surface.

Abstract: A piezoelectric element, which is capable of being driven with a relatively low voltage and obtaining a large displacement amount at a central portion thereof and is not degraded in characteristics over time and is easily mountable on or in a piezoelectric device, includes a piezoelectric body including a plurality of laminated piezoelectric layers, ground electrodes, central electrodes, and peripheral electrodes. A surface of the piezoelectric body includes first to fifth terminals. The extraction of the ground terminals, the central electrodes, and the peripheral electrodes to the first to fifth terminals is configured to connect one terminal of an alternating-current power supply to the third terminal and connect the other terminal of the alternating-current power supply to the first terminal and the second terminal.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a system for mounting a specimen on a slide, the system having an immersion chamber, a stage, and a pump. The immersion chamber is configured to hold a liquid and comprises at least one wall, a closed bottom, and an open top. The stage is configured to support the slide, and the stage is arranged within the immersion chamber such that the specimen may be supported substantially above the stage by the liquid. The pump is configured to draw the liquid from the immersion chamber such that the level of liquid in the immersion chamber decreases and the specimen is dispensed onto the slide.

Abstract: A temperature controlled tissue dissection and observation stage comprises a central working area and a first temperature controlled station positioned within the central working area. The first temperature controlled station comprises a first temperature controlling element configured to adjust the temperature of the first temperature controlled station. The stage further comprises a user input device in communication with the first temperature controlling element. In one embodiment, the stage comprises four temperature controlled stations. Three of these stations are designed to house petri dishes filled with solutions required for tissue restoration and reconstruction surgeries, and the fourth station is configured to function as a flat cutting surface for the user. In one embodiment, thermostatic control over the system is achieved through the integration of thermoelectric coolers, a microcontroller, and feedback temperature sensors.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for holding cells. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for incubating cells having a dynamically controlled environment in which the cells are grown, which are maintained in a desired condition and in which cells can be examined while the environment is dynamically controlled and maintained in the desired condition. The apparatus also comprises a mechanism for determining the state of the cells. The determining mechanism is in communication with the incubating mechanism. The present invention pertains to a method for holding cells. The method comprises the steps of incubating the cells in a dynamically controlled environment which is maintained in a desired condition and in which the cells can be examined while the environment is dynamically controlled and maintained in the desired condition. Additionally, there is the step of determining the state of the cells.

Abstract: A culture apparatus for microscopic viewing enables effective microscopic viewing at high magnification of samples such as cells suspended in a culture solution while the samples are maintained at a uniform temperature. The apparatus is used to microscopically view a sample placed on a microscope stage, and is provided with a housing unit that houses the vessel containing a culture solution and the sample; a lid that closes the aperture on the upper surface side of the housing unit; a transparent sheet top heater provided in the portion of the lid that corresponds to the viewing area; and a temperature detecting means where a thin wire detection unit penetrates into the interiors of the housing unit and a well plate to directly measure the temperature of the culture solution. Based on the temperature information, a controller controls the temperature of the transparent sheet top heater using a feedback method.

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: The observation unit according to the present invention comprises an observation device observing a sample, a placing table on which the sample is placed, a drive device moving the placing table to an observation position where the sample is observed by the observation device, and a casing sealing a first space extending in a vertical direction. The first space and the placing table are arranged so as to be displaced from each other in a horizontal direction, and the drive device is arranged in the first space.

Abstract: A pressure controllable incubation system is provided for constantly maintaining a concentration of carbon dioxide while keeping a pressure chamber, in which living organisms to be cultured are placed, at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. The pressure controllable incubation system comprise a cylinder that stores air containing high-concentration carbon dioxide to be injected into a pressure chamber and supplies the air into the pressure chamber, and a heat controller that constantly maintains temperature in the pressure chamber. The pressure controllable incubation system constantly maintains culture conditions such as pressure, temperature, and concentration of carbon dioxide which the user wants for a long time, so that it can be effectively applied to the culture of various living organisms.

Abstract: The invention comprises a slide preparation apparatus and method of operation therefor for aiding in microscope slide preparation. The slide preparation apparatus includes an inclined plane surface configured to support a microscope slide assembly at an angle that ergonomically facilitates delivery of a fluid sample to an upper edge of a cover slip of the microscope slide assembly, which allows gravity to aid fluid delivery a microscope slide. Preferably, the slide preparation apparatus is heated and/or temperature controlled to reduce viscosity of the sampled fluid, which enables the fluid to flow between the microscope slide and the cover slip.

Abstract: A microscope configuration according to an exemplary embodiment includes a microscope system with at least one addressable component and also a control system with a plurality of control modules for influencing a plurality of test-environment parameters in a test chamber of the microscope system. The control modules are configured to be combined in modular manner and to be coupled through an interface unit with a unified bus, through which they are controlled. A control module influencing a test-environment parameter of an incubation system has a control command interface unit configured to receive at least one control command. The control command interface unit couples with a bus. A control device is coupled with the control command interface unit and influences the test-environment parameter based upon the control command. A further interface unit is coupled to the control command interface unit and outputs, again, the received control command.

Abstract: A culture microscope apparatus has an illumination unit to apply excitation light to the specimen, a specimen observing portion to observe light generated from the specimen due to the excitation light, and a dimmer unit to dim the excitation light that has penetrated the specimen.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a system for mounting a specimen on a slide, the system having an immersion chamber, a stage, and a pump. The immersion chamber is configured to hold a liquid and comprises at least one wall, a closed bottom, and an open top. The stage is configured to support the slide, and the stage is arranged within the immersion chamber such that the specimen may be supported substantially above the stage by the liquid. The pump is configured to draw the liquid from the immersion chamber such that the level of liquid in the immersion chamber decreases and the specimen is dispensed onto the slide.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a system for mounting a specimen on a slide, the system having an immersion chamber, a stage, a transducer, and a pump. The immersion chamber is configured to hold a liquid and comprises at least one wall, a closed bottom, and an open top. The stage is configured to support the slide, and the stage is arranged within the immersion chamber such that the specimen may be supported substantially above the stage by the liquid. The transducer is configured to induce a wave in the liquid in the immersion chamber such that the wave alters the motion of the specimen. The pump is configured to draw the liquid from the immersion chamber such that the level of liquid in the immersion chamber decreases and the specimen is dispensed onto the slide.

Abstract: A culture observation apparatus, which is used for observing a cultured cell while culturing the cell, includes a culture device that cultures the cultured cell, and a microscope used for observing the cultured cell. The culture device includes a first space that is controlled to an environment suitable for culture of the cell, and a second space that is controlled to a lower humidity condition in comparison with the first space. The microscope includes an objective optical unit including an objective lens; the objective optical unit having at least one portion located in the second space, and another portion extending into the first space through an opening formed in a partition wall that separates the first space and the second space, with a gap between the objective optical unit and the partition wall being sealed by a sealing member, and the objective lens includes a plurality of lens groups, with mutual spaces among the lens groups vented to the second space.

Abstract: Devices, mounts, stages, interfaces and systems to be developed that allow for in situ manipulation, experimentation and analysis of specimens directly within an electron microscope.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging cells including a culture chamber, in which a cultivation sub-structure is placed, imaging optics, and actuators for providing the relative movement of the cultivation substructure and the imaging optics in such a way that the imaging optics is used to image different sites in the substructure. The cultivation substructure is isolated as a subchamber of its own that is separate from the culture chamber, and imaging is carried out by moving the imaging optics and the subchamber in relation to each other.

Abstract: A cryogenic immersion microscope whose objective lens is at least partially in contact with a liquid reservoir of a cryogenic liquid, in which reservoir a sample of interest is immersed is disclosed. When the cryogenic liquid has an index of refraction that reduces refraction at interfaces between the lens and the sample, overall resolution and image quality are improved. A combination of an immersion microscope and x-ray microscope, suitable for imaging at cryogenic temperatures is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microscope stage capable of always heating the entire culture vessel even when the culture vessel is moved in two-dimensional directions, and allowing an object lens and a condenser even in a high-power microscope to approach an object of observation such as a cell until they come into focus. A heating unit (58) faces a well plate (37) on a drive base (49) even when the drive base (49) is driven to any position in two-dimensional directions. Therefore, all the cells A in the small compartments (45) of the well plate (37) are always heated. Since the microscope stage (25) is constituted such that a lower-side base (71) houses an upper-side base (73) and a fixed base (47) in recessed portions, its thickness is considerably small. Accordingly, an object lens (5) and a condenser (3) can approach close to the cells A. Therefore, it is possible for high-power object lens (5) and condenser (3) to focus on the cells A.

Abstract: The present invention is a sample holder for confocal microscopy of CMP pad samples cut or otherwise removed from either new or used CMP pads that maintains a uniform load and pressure over the part of the sample visible to the confocal microscope by placing the pad behind a transparent window and holding it against the said window by a means comprising upper transparent window retaining means having an offset adjacent the transparent window having the same or essentially the same refractive index as the pad material so that when the pad is held against the transparent window, the edges of the pad are outside the outer edge of the transparent window; lower pad retaining means to press the pad under a known/load against the transparent window, which lower pad retaining means has a size less than the size of the pad; spherical force transmitting means pressed against the lower pad retaining means; through a load cell to measure the load transferred to the sample through lower pad retaining means, the spherical

Abstract: A culture microscope apparatus has an illumination unit to apply excitation light to the specimen, a specimen observing portion to observe light generated from the specimen due to the excitation light, and a dimmer unit to dim the excitation light that has penetrated the specimen.

Abstract: A culture microscope apparatus has an illumination unit to apply excitation light to the specimen, a specimen observing portion to observe light generated from the specimen due to the excitation light, and a dimmer unit to dim the excitation light that has penetrated the specimen.

Abstract: The observation unit according to the present invention comprises an observation device observing a sample, a placing table on which the sample is placed, a drive device moving the placing table to an observation position where the sample is observed by the observation device, and a casing sealing a first space extending in a vertical direction. The first space and the placing table are arranged so as to be displaced from each other in a horizontal direction, and the drive device is arranged in the first space.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device useful for preparing a cremaster muscle of a specimen for intravital microscopy.

Abstract: An incubator capable of observing an observed specimen in a dish 220 by a microscope while culturing the specimen, wherein light is radiated from a capacitor(C), passed through a hole 273 in a top plate 271, a hole 275a in a upper side plate 275 and a hole 277a in a lower side plate 277, and let into an objective lens (T), and the specimen put in the dish 220 is observed by the microscope, whereby the change of the specimen with elapse of time can be continuously observed or recorded on a videotape while culturing the observed specimen in the dish 220.

Abstract: Provided is a scanning probe microscope (SPM), a probe of which can be automatically replaced and the replacement probe can be attached onto an exact position. The SPM includes a first scanner that has a carrier holder, and changes a position of the carrier holder in a straight line; a second scanner changing a position of a sample on a plane; and a tray being able to store a spare carrier and a spare probe attached to the spare carrier. The carrier holder includes a plurality of protrusions.

Abstract: An inspection block is disclosed for use in inspection of biological matter in a container unit which has a chamber with transparent walls, the inspection block having a transverse docking passage for receiving and positioning a container unit, an observation chamber extending transversely relative to the docking passage and in communication therewith such that the biological matter located inside the container unit may be microscopically inspected through the chamber walls, transparent liquid for immersing at least part of the container unit so as to define a chamber wall/liquid optical interface for microscopic inspection therethrough. The inspection block may be made of steel, aluminum or plastic. In the latter case, the plastic inspection block may have closed cavities for containing insulating blocks and/or one or more downwardly opening air pockets retaining heat given off by a warmed work bench and/or warmed microscope stage on which the inspection block is supported during inspection.

Abstract: The invention provides an incubator 1 wherein stackers 3 having a plurality of microplate accommodating portions are arranged in a chamber 11, and a microplate transport device 5 is arranged for transporting a microplate 31 within the chamber 11 and moving the microplate 31 into or out of a desired microplate accommodating portion. A camera 7 is provided on a position opposed to a microplate accommodating portion of an uppermost stage in the stacker 3. The camera 7 faces said microplate accommodating portion, whereby a sample on the microplate 31 can be photographed.

Abstract: An observation apparatus comprises a thermoregulation mechanism including a liquid receiving frame (28) that has a heater (43) for heating the outer frame of an immersion objective lens (13) and adapted to heat and maintain the temperature of the immersion liquid (30) contained in the frame (28) by means of the heater (43) and via the outer frame of the immersion objective lens (13) so as to maintain the temperature of the specimen (34) in the container at a constant level by utilizing heat conduction. The thermoregulation mechanism of the observation apparatus is so adapted that, when the temperature of the immersion liquid (30) decreases during a measurement/observation operation due to discharge of heat, the liquid (30) is heated again by the heater (43) to prevent the temperature of the specimen (34) from changing and maintain the temperature at a constant level.

Abstract: A microscope system includes a casing in which an optical element is housed, an airtight specimen chamber, and an environment control unit that controls temperature and humidity in the specimen chamber and also controls temperature inside the casing. An upper plate of the specimen chamber is an open/close lid opened and closed when inserting or removing a biological specimen. The casing becomes sealed by a bottom plate of the specimen chamber as the specimen chamber is set on the casing.

Abstract: Microscopy methods and apparatus for manipulation, detection, imaging, characterization, sorting and/or assembly of biological or other materials, involving an integration of CMOS or other semiconductor-based technology and microfluidics in connection with a microscope. In one implementation, a microscope including optics and a stage is outfitted with various components relating to the generation of electric and/or magnetic fields, which are implemented on an IC chip. A microfluidic system is fabricated either directly on top of the IC chip, or as a separate entity that is then appropriately bonded to the IC chip, to facilitate the introduction and removal of cells in a biocompatible environment, or other particles/objects of interest suspended in a fluid. The patterned electric and/or magnetic fields generated by the IC chip can trap and move biological cells or other objects inside the microfluidic system to facilitate viewing via the microscope.

Abstract: A microscope stage capable of always heating the entire culture vessel even when the culture vessel is moved in two-dimensional directions, and allowing an object lens and a condenser even in a high-power microscope to approach an object of observation such as a cell until they come into focus. A heating unit (58) faces a well plate (37) on a drive base (49) even when the drive base (49) is driven to any position in two-dimensional directions. Therefore, all the cells A in the small compartments (45) of the well plate (37) are always heated. Since the microscope stage (25) is constituted such that a lower-side base (71) houses an upper-side base (73) and a fixed base (47) in recessed portions, its thickness is considerably small. Accordingly, an object lens (5) and a condenser (3) can approach close to the cells A. Therefore, it is possible for high-power object lens (5) and condenser (3) to focus on the cells A.

Abstract: Quasi-achromatic multi-element lens(es), the elements of which are mounted with respect to one another in a temperature controlled mounting system, and the application thereof in focusing, (and/or colliminating), a spectroscopic electromagnetic beam into a very small, chromatically relatively undispersed, area spot on a material system, and application thereof in ellipsometer, polarimeter and the like systems.

Abstract: Providing a space-and-energy-saving environment maintaining apparatus for a microscope. A first chamber 2 forms an enclosed space and houses a stage 3 that supports a specimen 23, an objective lens 5, 105 that changes divergent light from the specimen 23 on the stage 3 into parallel light, and a focusing apparatus 4 attached to the stage 3 allowing the objective lens 5, 105 to move along the direction of its optical axis. A plane parallel glass plate 121 is provided on the first chamber 2 to transmit the parallel light to the outside.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an arrangement for regulating the temperature of the sample space of a microscope, preferably for observing cells (live cell imaging) with an objective turret carrying objectives, a sample holder serving to receive a sample, a heating or cooling insert with an incubator hood for managing the temperature of the sample holder, and an objective heating element or objective cooling element. According to the invention, at least one structural component part which blocks the heating flow or cooling flow is provided between the objective heating element or objective cooling element and the objective turret.

Abstract: An Interferometric Modulator (IMod) is a microelectromechanical device for modulating light using interference. The colors of these devices may be determined in a spatial fashion, and their inherent color shift may be compensated for using several optical compensation mechanisms. Brightness, addressing, and driving of IMods may be accomplished in a variety of ways with appropriate packaging, and peripheral electronics which can be attached and/or fabricated using one of many techniques. The devices may be used in both embedded and directly perceived applications, the latter providing multiple viewing modes as well as a multitude of product concepts ranging in size from microscopic to architectural in scope.

Abstract: A microscope system includes a casing in which an optical element is housed, an airtight specimen chamber, and an environment control unit that controls temperature and humidity in the specimen chamber and also controls temperature inside the casing. An upper plate of the specimen chamber is an open/close lid opened and closed when inserting or removing a biological specimen. The casing becomes sealed by a bottom plate of the specimen chamber as the specimen chamber is set on the casing.

Abstract: A scanning confocal microscope can provide an image while preventing a decrease in brightness and blurring due to strain caused in optical and mechanical systems by thermal effects in a high-temperature, high-humidity incubation container. This scanning confocal microscope includes an incubation container that has a space in which a specimen is disposed and that can maintain an internal environment thereof at a predetermined temperature and high humidity and an optical system space adjacent to the incubation container and separated therefrom based on humidity. The optical system space accommodates a light-scanning unit and a scanner optical system, an objective lens, a confocal pinhole, and a focus adjustment mechanism. The optical system space further accommodates a temperature-maintaining unit for the optical system space to maintain the optical system space at a temperature substantially equal to the temperature in the incubation container.

Abstract: A suitable clear image is obtained in observation of a specimen exhibiting dynamic motion, for example, during in vivo observation. The invention provides an observation system including an optical apparatus including an objective unit that is positioned close to a specimen; and a stabilizer adhered to the specimen, at least around an observation region of the optical apparatus, to restrain motion of the specimen, wherein a heat-transfer preventing member for preventing transfer of heat between the stabilizer and the specimen is provided on the stabilizer.

Abstract: A cryogenic immersion microscope whose objective lens is at least partially in contact with a liquid reservoir of a cryogenic liquid, in which reservoir a sample of interest is immersed is disclosed. When the cryogenic liquid has an index of refraction that reduces refraction at interfaces between the lens and the sample, overall resolution and image quality are improved. A combination of an immersion microscope and x-ray microscope, suitable for imaging at cryogenic temperatures is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microscope system includes a casing in which an optical element is housed, an airtight specimen chamber, and an environment control unit that controls temperature and humidity in the specimen chamber and also controls temperature inside the casing. An upper plate of the specimen chamber is an open/close lid opened and closed when inserting or removing a biological specimen. The casing becomes sealed by a bottom plate of the specimen chamber as the specimen chamber is set on the casing.

Abstract: The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a microscope that prevents a dew condensation on an objective lens and allows obtaining a good microscopic image, and a method of preventing a dew condensation on an objective lens. A microscope includes an objective lens having a heater 22 in a cell incubator 3 having a high humidity space. The high humidity space is maintained at 90% to 100% of relative humidity and controlled to be at a predetermined gas temperature. A cultured cell 12 in the cell incubator 3 is observed via the objective lens 1, and the heater 22 is controlled to make the temperature of the objective lens 1 higher than the gas temperature of the high humidity space.

Abstract: Described are MEMS mirror arrays monolithically integrated with CMOS control electronics. The MEMS arrays include polysilicon or polysilicon-germanium components that are mechanically superior to metals used in other MEMS applications, but that require process temperatures not compatible with conventional CMOS technologies. CMOS circuits used with the polysilicon or polysilicon-germanium MEMS structures use interconnect materials that can withstand the high temperatures used during MEMS fabrication. These interconnect materials include doped polysilicon, polycides, and tungsten metal.

Abstract: A system for imaging a fluorescently labeled sample is presented, The system comprises a capsule, which is a closable structure made of a material isolating the inside of the capsule from its surrounding environment, and which has a support stage for receiving the sample and carrying it thereinside during the imaging; and an optical device at least partly accommodated inside the capsule and operable to illuminate the sample with incident radiation to excite a fluorescent response of the sample, detect the fluorescent response, and generate data indicative thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an arrangement for regulating the temperature of the sample space of a microscope, preferably for observing cells (live cell imaging) with an objective turret carrying objectives, a sample holder serving to receive a sample, a heating or cooling insert with an incubator hood for managing the temperature of the sample holder, and an objective heating element or objective cooling element. According to the invention, at least one structural component part which blocks the heating flow or cooling flow is provided between the objective heating element or objective cooling element and the objective turret.

Abstract: A specimen temperature adjusting apparatus includes a specimen stage that the observation specimen is to be placed on and a temperature adjustment element that is attached to the specimen stage. The specimen stage has a groove surrounding a portion where the observation specimen is to be placed. The temperature adjustment element is located in the groove of the specimen stage.