Abstract: An improved mount for, and method of mounting an, optical structure is provided. The mount has a protruding member extending from a surface of the optical structure, a base element having a mounting structure for mounting the mount to another structure and an upper element extending from the base element having a first opening extending therethrough for receipt therein of at least a portion of the protruding member. The first opening defines first and second arms, each of the arms comprising a head portion and each of the head portions ending at an end. A second opening in the upper element extends through one of the head portions and the end thereof in a direction toward the other head portion, while a third opening exists in the upper element through the end of the other head portion in an orientation substantially opposite to and in communication with the second opening so that a tightening mechanism received through the second opening can be received into the third opening.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an irradiation apparatus including: laser light source; a polarization splitting section configured to split laser light emitted from the laser light source into first linearly polarized light and second linearly polarized light different in polarization direction; a light beam dividing section configured to divide the first or second linearly polarized light into a plurality of light beams; a quarter-wave plate array composed of a plurality of first quarter-wave plates for converting some of the light beams into right circularly polarized light and a plurality of second quarter-wave plates for converting the other of the light beams into left circularly polarized light, the first quarter-wave plates and the second quarter-wave plates being alternately arranged in a first direction perpendicular to an optical axis; and a projection optical system for condensing the right circularly polarized light and the left circularly polarized light toward a work surface to be irradiated.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and apparatuses for causing a single imaging lens system to simultaneously form multiple high resolution images on multiple imaging sensor planes. The images are preferably substantially identical, with no parallax error, except for different light levels so that the multiple images are of sufficient quality and similarity that they may be compared and/or combined (typically pixel-by-pixel) to create a single instantaneous high dynamic range (HDR) image. The invention may be used to create high-resolution HDR snapshots of moving subjects, as well as high-resolution HDR moving pictures (e.g. cinematographic films, movies, or other video) in which the subject and/or camera is moving. Alternatively, the images are substantially identical, or substantially identical except for different focuses.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a display apparatus comprising a light source is provided, said light source comprising at least one superluminescent light emitting diode (SLED), the apparatus further comprising at least one light modulating device arranged in a beam path of a light beam emitted by said light source and operable to emit influenced light upon incidence of said light beam, the light modulating device being operatively connected to an electronic control, the display apparatus further comprising a projection optics arranged in a beam path of said influenced light.

Abstract: Provided is a scanning near-field optical microscope capable of obtaining, in a highly sensitive manner, optical information having a spatial frequency higher than a spatial frequency corresponding to a wavelength of irradiation light. A scanning near-field optical microscope 100 according to the present invention includes: a light irradiating part 102 for emitting illumination light toward a sample 107; a light receiving part 112 for receiving light; a microstructure for generating or selectively transmitting near-field light, the microstructure being disposed on at least one of an emission side of the light irradiating part 102 and an incident side of the light receiving part 112; and an ultrahigh-wavenumber transmitting medium 108 for transmitting near-field light, the ultrahigh-wavenumber transmitting medium exhibiting anisotropy in permittivity or permeability.

Abstract: An imaging lens SL mounted in a single lens reflex digital camera 1 is composed of, in order from an object side, a first lens group G1 having negative refractive power, a second lens group G2 having positive refractive power, and a third lens group G3 having negative refractive power. Upon focusing on a near-distance object from an infinitely distant object, a configuration is that at least any one of the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 is moved to the object side to vary a distance between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. Accordingly, a downsized imaging lens having a small moving amount upon shooting a close range object, in which various aberrations are well corrected is provided.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a rolled web of optical film that has an optical orientation axis, which is less displaced from a predetermined angle throughout the entire area of the elongated rolled web, and can be easily produced according to the desired angle of the optical orientation axis, and a method of producing the rolled web of optical film. The rolled web of optical film includes an optical film layer having an optical orientation axis, and an adhesive film web including a release material layer and an adhesive material layer, the optical film layer being laid on the adhesive film web via the adhesive material layer and rolled up into a roll. The optical film layer is made up of plural optical film pieces that are arranged into a substantially elongated shape with end portions of the optical film pieces being adjacent to each other.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods to construct and operate a radio frequency self-regenerated locked optical oscillator can be used in a variety of applications. Stable synchronization of an optical oscillator can be achieved by driving an amplitude modulator with a radio frequency (RF) signal regenerated from the cavity of the optical oscillator. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A mirror having a first substrate and a reflective film formed on the first substrate, the reflective film made of mercury and at least one metal, wherein the mirror is operative such that light incident upon the first substrate and having an intensity that falls below a fluence threshold is reflected by the reflective film, and light incident upon the first substrate and having an intensity that exceeds the fluence threshold passes through the reflective film.

Abstract: A pseudo bipolar method for driving a MEMS ribbon device reduces charging effects in the device.

Abstract: A manufacture method of a non-spherical lens module includes: firstly, forming a housing having a row of through holes running through a first surface and a second surface thereof; secondly, providing and filling liquid waveguide with the through holes and forming two convex portions at jointing positions of the through holes and said two surfaces respectively; lastly, cooling the liquid waveguide to form the waveguide in the through hole, cooling the two convex portions to form first and second lens portions.

Abstract: A polarizing element includes: a substrate; a plurality of reflection layers that is arranged in a band shape at a predetermined interval on the substrate; dielectric layers that are formed on the reflection layers; and inorganic micro-particle layers that are formed on the dielectric layers by inorganic micro-particles having shape anisotropy in which a length of a diameter of the micro-particles in an arrangement direction of the reflection layers is longer than a length of a diameter of the micro-particles in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the reflection layers and has convex portions toward a side of a first adjacent reflection layer and a side of a second adjacent reflection layer.

Abstract: A polarizing element includes: a substrate; a plurality of reflection layers that is arranged in a band shape at a predetermined interval on the substrate; dielectric layers that are formed on the reflection layers; and absorption layers on the dielectric layers that have convex portions disposed toward a side of a first adjacent reflection layer and a side of a second adjacent reflection layer.

Abstract: A large-aperture direct-view high-speed electro-optic shutter includes an electro-optic polymer material constructed to form a Pockels cell and an integrated photoconducting semiconductor switch. A chromophore-doped polymer material or chromophore copolymer, wherein the chromophore is oriented within the polymer material, exhibits a linear electro-optic effect when an electric field is applied to the device. In one embodiment, the polymer host material comprises one or more of a polycarbonate, amorphous polycarbonate, or polymethylmethacrylate polymer hosts. The optically active chromophore comprising one or more coumarin and coumarin derivatives, stilbene or tolane derivatives is incorporated within the polymer host, forming a guest-host polymer. In another embodiment, the chromophore is chemically bonded to the monomer that forms the polymer, resulting in an optically active copolymer.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a multi-color display panel, including: a transparent substrate, a color filter layer, a transparent electrode layer, a microcapsule layer, an adhesive layer, a rear electrode plate, wherein the transparent substrate, the color filter layer, the transparent electrode layer, the microcapsule layer the adhesive layer and the rear electrode plate are arranged in this order, the microcapsule layer is directly formed on the transparent electrode layer, the microcapsule layer has a structure in which microcapsules are dispersed in a binder resin, a dispersion liquid in which an electrophoresis particle is dispersed in a transparent dispersion medium is enclosed in the microcapsule, and an optical reflection property of the microcapsule changes according to a change of electric field by application of a voltage, and wherein the electrode plate has a rear substrate with a pixel electrode.

Abstract: A method of designing a lens having an image plane corresponding to an object located at infinity, comprising optimizing the lens by specifying quantities of light to pass through each of a plurality of the apertures. A method of designing a lens, comprising defining a plurality of objects each at a corresponding object location, at least one of the objects being a virtual object of the lens, and optimizing the lens by specifying for each of the objects a quantity of light to pass through a corresponding aperture disposed in an image space of the lens.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and apparatuses for causing a single imaging lens system to simultaneously form multiple high resolution images on multiple imaging sensor planes. The images are preferably substantially identical, with no parallax error, except for different light levels so that the multiple images are of sufficient quality and similarity that they may be compared and/or combined (typically pixel-by-pixel) to create a single instantaneous high dynamic range (HDR) image. The invention may be used to create high-resolution HDR snapshots of moving subjects, as well as high-resolution HDR moving pictures (e.g. cinematographic films, movies, or other video) in which the subject and/or camera is moving. Alternatively, the images are substantially identical except for different focuses.

Abstract: A lenticular product having a see-through window or lens is made by depositing a clear coating on a lenticular sheet. The lenticular product permits scanning a bar code or reading textual data that is printed on an image viewable through the lenticular product for animated, morphing, or stereographic effect. The window or lens of the lenticular product can also provide optical effects (e.g., magnification) in addition to the effects provided by the lenticular sheet. The lenticular product can be made by depositing fluid or resin in a one- or two-step process.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a filter is fabricated to take into account the effect of absorption by filter material. The method is exemplified by the fabricating of an ultraviolet light transmission filter for transmitting a band within the range 230-320 nanometers. The resulting filter comprises plurality of hard-coating, thin-film layers of alternating high and low index of refraction. The improved filter provides high transmission, sharp edge slopes, and deep and extended out-of-band blocking. As compared with currently available filters, the filter provides transmission up to three or more times greater, edge slopes up to four times sharper, and deep extended out-of-band blocking extending further, even through the visible range.

Abstract: An optical path delay scanner, comprising a rotatable mount, a first prism and a second prism disposed on the mount, and a radiation source aligned to project light through the first prism and the second prism. The radiation source may be arranged to project the light on a surface of the first prism at an incidence angle corresponding to the prism's minimum deviation angle. The scanner may be disposed in a reference arm of a Michaelson interferometer.

Abstract: An optical image shutter having a transparent electro-optical crystal formed on a transparent amorphous substrate and a method of manufacturing the optical image shutter. The light image shutter is created by forming a buffer layer using a material having a similar crystalline structure to an electro-optical crystal, on a transparent amorphous substrate such as glass, and forming an electro-optical thin film layer such as the electro-optical crystal on the buffer layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an all-solid-state type reflection light controllable electrochromic device having a buffer layer, and the constitution thereof comprises an all-solid-state reflective dimming electrochromic device in which a transparent conductive film layer, an ion storage layer, a solid electrolyte layer, a buffer layer, catalyst layer, and a reflective light controllable layer of a magnesium alloy thin film, in particular a multilayer thin film that uses a magnesium-nickel alloy, magnesium-titanium alloy or magnesium-niobium alloy, are formed on a transparent base that uses a glass or resin sheet, and a method for manufacturing the device, and an optical switchable component that incorporates the reflective light controllable electrochromic device, and according to the present invention, a reflective light controllable electrochromic device having a novel multilayer structure can be provided that enables high transmittance when it is transparent and enables switching in a short time over a w

Abstract: An MEMS-scanning mirror device includes an electrostatic comb actuator, in which a mirror surface is formed below a top surface (TOPS) of the mirror device. In a method for manufacturing the MEMS-scanning mirror device having the electrostatic comb actuator, a mirror surface (10BS) of a mirror plate (10B) is formed by removing an insulating layer (I) thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for simulating propagation of an electromagnetic field, performing phase retrieval, or sampling a band-limited function. A system practicing the method generates transformed data using a discrete Fourier transform which samples a band-limited function f(x) without interpolating or modifying received data associated with the function f(x), wherein an interval between repeated copies in a periodic extension of the function f(x) obtained from the discrete Fourier transform is associated with a sampling ratio Q, defined as a ratio of a sampling frequency to a band-limited frequency, and wherein Q is assigned a value between 1 and 2 such that substantially no aliasing occurs in the transformed data, and retrieves a phase in the received data based on the transformed data, wherein the phase is used as feedback to an optical system.

Abstract: The present invention is a programmable and latching retro-reflective construct suitable for use as an optical label in an optical labeling system. The invention contains retro-reflective structures such as lens beads, corner cubes or other retro-reflecting type structures. The retro-reflective construct further comprises a wavelength selective, programmable and latching reflecting structure located at the reflecting surfaces of the retro-reflective structures. The optical construct can optionally contain additional optical filtering structures. Methods for fabricating the invention are also described.

Abstract: A modulator in an imaging apparatus includes a metamaterial shell surrounding an opaque core. The metamaterial is tunable, so that the metamaterial acts as a waveguide for light at a given wavelength. This property of the metamaterial is used to modulate the light beam in an imaging apparatus. The light beam can be guided around the opaque core under a first voltage condition, or the light beam can be blocked by the opaque core under a second voltage condition.

Abstract: A system, method and assembly for performing traffic sign inspections is provided. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a first plurality of sheetings that each have a combination of retroreflectivity and color that is different from the combination of retroreflectivity and color of each of the other first plurality of sheetings; a first clamp and second clamp for clamping one of said first plurality of sheetings to a traffic sign; a first handheld light source; and a first enclosure for removably housing the first plurality of sheetings, said first and second clamps, and said first handheld light source. The assembly may further include a second enclosure for removably housing a second plurality of sheetings that each has a combination of retroreflectivity and color that is different from the combination of retroreflectivity and color of each of the other second plurality of sheetings.

Abstract: Methods create images viewable under different selected angles on optical storage devices and other photosensitive surfaces and optical storage devices with super-imposed images. Generally, a photosensitive surface is exposed with multiple diffraction patterns creating super-imposed images. These diffraction patterns create super-imposed images on the photosensitive surfaces, which can be read by either a human or a computer.

Abstract: Disclosed are high numerical (NA) catadioptric objectives without a central obscuration, and applications thereof. Such objectives can operate through a wide spectral bandwidth of radiation, including deep ultraviolet (DUV) radiation. Importantly, refractive elements in the catadioptric objectives can be manufactured from a single type of material (such as, for example, CaF2 and/or fused silica). In addition, the elements of such catadioptric objectives are rotationally symmetric about an optical axis. The catadioptric objectives eliminate the central obscuration by (1) using a polarized beamsplitter (which passes radiation of a first polarization and reflects radiation of a second polarization), and/or (2) using one or more folding mirrors to direct off-axis radiation into the pupil of the catadioptric objective. An example catadioptric objective is shown in FIG. 2.

Abstract: A method comprising generating an optical beam with a laser, filtering the optical beam to select a desired wavelength with an etalon positioned in a path of the optical beam, heating the etalon to an operational temperature using a heater, monitoring the operational temperature of the etalon with a resistive thermal device disposed in or on a thermally conductive frame bonded to the etalon, and applying feedback control of the heater based on the monitoring to select the desired wavelength.

Abstract: A laser-based workpiece processing system includes sensors connected to a sensor controller that converts sensor signals into focused spot motion commands for actuating a beam steering device, such as a two-axis steering mirror. The sensors may include a beam position sensor for correcting errors detected in the optical path, such as thermally-induced beam wandering in response to laser or acousto-optic modulator pointing stability, or optical mount dynamics.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) mirror device has a mirror, a frame rotatively coupled to the mirror, and a biaxial actuator rotatively coupled to the frame where the actuator is able to rotate about the rotational axes of the mirror and the frame with the mirror.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical system for providing on-axis destructive interference of light received from an object along a predetermined system optical axis. The system comprises a receiving and guiding optical structure and a combining optical structure. The receiving and guiding optical structure is for receiving and guiding at least three beams of light received from said object, the receiving and guiding optical structure arranged to provide a relative optical path difference between the at least three beams; the combining optical structure is for combining the at least three beams. According to the invention, a polarization varying optical structure is arranged between the receiving and guiding optical structure and the combining optical structure, for varying a polarization state of the beams relative to each other in order to provide on-axis destructive interference.

Abstract: An optical lens is obtained by injection-molding a polyester resin containing a diol unit containing from 40 to 99% by mol of a unit derived from ethylene glycol and from 1 to 60% by mol of a unit derived from a diol having from 3 to 16 carbon atoms, and a dicarboxylic acid unit containing 50% by mol or more of a unit derived from a naphthalenedicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: A retroreflective sheeting (10) comprising a cube layer (20) having a front light-receiving surface (30) and a rear retroreflecting surface (32), and a metallic layer (22) covering the rear retroreflecting surface (32). The rear surface (32) comprises an array of retroreflective elements (34) and diffusing patches (36) within such array (without retroreflective elements (34)). The metallic layer (22) covers the retroreflective elements (34) and the diffusing patches (36), whereby diffusing patches (36) scatter incoming light increasing daytime brightness to a desired level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical device for privacy or contrast enhancement of a viewing display. Also disclosed are a system including the optical device and methods of improving privacy or contrast of a viewing display, such as a plasma display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, an inorganic light emitting diode display panel, or an organic light emitting diode display panel.

Abstract: A method of forming an electronic device includes providing a patterned lower metal layer over a substrate and a first sacrificial layer there between. A second sacrificial layer is formed over the metal layer, and a portion thereof is removed. A third sacrificial layer is formed over the second sacrificial layer, and an upper metal layer is formed over the third sacrificial layer. A portion of the upper metal layer is removed, and the first, second and third sacrificial layers are removed.

Abstract: An optical switch including a bistable component, a reflective component, the reflective component being operatively connected to the bistable component, a first electrothermal bent beam actuator, a first contacting component operatively connected to the first electrothermal bent beam actuator component, the first electrothermal bent beam actuator component and the first contacting component disposed such as to enable advancing the bistable component the reflective component from a first stable configuration to a second stable configuration, a second electrothermal bent beam actuator component and a second contacting component operatively connected to the second electrothermal bent beam actuator component, the second electrothermal bent beam actuator component and the second contacting component disposed such as to enable advancing the bistable component and the reflective component from the second stable configuration to the first stable configuration.

Abstract: This is to shed light on a glass composition suitable for a thin lens, and provide a lens (an optical component) manufactured with using the glass. A concave lens as an optical component is made of glass containing 12 to 16% of B2O3, 35 to 44% of La2O3, and 3 to 8% of ZnO, expressed as wt %. The concave lens has a thickness t1 in its center portion of 0.5 mm or less, and a ratio (W/t1) of an external diameter W with respect to the thickness t1 of 24 or more. The concave lens can be produced suitably by press forming.

Abstract: A multi-spot scanning technique using a spot array having a predetermined gap between spots can advantageously provide scalability to a large number of spots as well as the elimination of cross-talk between channels. The multi-spot scanning technique can select a number of spots for the spot array (1D or 2D), determine a separation between the spots to minimize crosstalk, and perform a scan on a wafer using the spot array and a full field of view (FOV). Performing the scan includes performing a plurality of scan line cycles, wherein each scan line cycle can fill in gaps left by previous scan line cycles. This “delay and fill” scan allows large spacing between spots, thereby eliminating cross-talk at the detector plane. In one embodiment, the scan is begun and ended outside a desired scan area on the wafer to ensure full scan coverage.

Abstract: A radio communication device (100) for use in a public safety vehicle is provided with a user interface that combines tactile landmarks in the form of global tactile landmarks and local tactile landmarks along with affordances to orient a user's hand and fingers in conjunction with a sequential task flow interface) for mission critical tasks. Communication device (100) comprises a housing (102) having mission critical controls (116) comprising a pursuit dial (122) mounted on a circular platform (206) with siren controls (124) and light controls (126) grouped on either side of the platform. The mission critical controls (116) are laid out in a manner that provides a sequential user flow across escalating urgency. Ridges (208, 210), chamfered edges (402, 404) and edge reliefs (502) provide further affordances so that a user can intuitively position hand and fingers to locate various controls without having to visually focus on the communication device, thus allowing the user to focus on the current mission.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved electrostatic micro actuator array system comprising a plurality of electrostatic micro actuators, each of the micro actuators further comprising at least one hold-down electrode and at least two pull-down electrodes positioned to actuate the micro actuator. A hold-down signal line is then coupled to each of the hold-down electrodes of each of the plurality of micro actuators and a plurality of first pull-down signal lines coupled to one of the at least two pull-down electrodes of each micro actuator and a plurality of second pull-down signal lines coupled to another of the at least two pull-down electrodes of each micro actuator, the first pull-down signal lines and the second pull-down signal lines configured in a cross-point matrix such that a unique pair of first pull-down signal lines and second pull-down signal lines is associated with each of the plurality of micro actuators.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an optical train pulse generator for generating continuous optical pulses each having a narrow width; a clock source having a high frequency for triggering the generator and operable as a sampling clock; a digital-to-analog converter DAC for converting an input signal from a digital signal processor, the DAC responsive to the sampling clock; a data modulator responsive to an amplified output from the DAC to modulate the continuous optical pulses from the train pulse generator; and a filter for removing higher frequency harmonics from the modulated continuous optical pulses out of the data modulator.

Abstract: A monolithic or hybrid integrated optical information processor or optical information processing system having at least one LED array and plurality of light modulating array elements, each controlled by respective control signals, and arranged so that each light modulating array element lies in a different fractional Fourier transform plane. In some implementations, at least a portion of the resulting system is implemented in a stack of element materials. In an implementation, a segment of graded index material lies between consecutive light modulating array elements. In an implementation, an LED array is used as an image source and another LED array is used as an image sensor to transform the processed image into an electrical output.

Abstract: Retroreflective structures and methods of forming the same comprise a body of material extending along a helical path about a longitudinal axis and a plurality of retroreflective optical elements positioned along the helical path of the body of material, and constructed and arranged to retroreflect electromagnetic energy directed from a range of angular orientations about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A large-aperture direct-view high-speed electro-optic shutter includes an electro-optic polymer material constructed to form a Pockels cell and an integrated photoconducting semiconductor switch. A chromophore-doped polymer material or chromophore copolymer, wherein the chromophore is oriented within the polymer material, exhibits a linear electro-optic effect when an electric field is applied to the device. In one embodiment, the polymer host material comprises one or more of a polycarbonate, amorphous polycarbonate, or polymethylmethacrylate polymer hosts. The optically active chromophore comprising one or more coumarin and coumarin derivatives, stilbene or tolane derivatives is incorporated within the polymer host, forming a guest-host polymer. In another embodiment, the chromophore is chemically bonded to the monomer that forms the polymer, resulting in an optically active copolymer.

Abstract: A method for generating a drive signal for a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) scanner is provided. The method includes generating the drive signal for the MEMS scanner using a direct digital synthesis, numerically-controlled oscillator. For a particular embodiment, the drive signal is generated by receiving a summation of (i) an initial control word and (ii) an accumulated correction signal generated based on a comparison of a horizontal drive signal for the MEMS scanner and a horizontal sensor signal received from the MEMS scanner. The summation is added to a phase accumulator output, an address is extracted from the phase accumulator output, and a digital lookup table output is addressed based on the extracted address. The digital lookup table output is converted into an analog signal with a digital-to-analog converter, the analog signal is filtered to generate the drive signal, and the horizontal drive signal is generated based on the drive signal.

Abstract: There is provided an imaging lens including: a transparent substrate; an upper lens disposed on a top of the transparent substrate; and a lower lens disposed on a bottom of the transparent substrate to correspond to the upper lens, wherein one of the upper and lower lenses includes a lens element and a partition wall formed higher than the lens element to surround the lens element. Also, there is provided a method of manufacturing the same. In the imaging lens, the partition wall is replicated together with the lens element on one or both surfaces of the transparent substrate. The partition wall is formed higher than the lens element and has a flat top surface. Therefore, when another lens element is replicated on an opposite surface of the transparent substrate, the previously replicated lens element is prevented from deformation.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator imaging system comprises an electrically addressed spatial light modulator (EASLM 4, 30) whose optical image output is projected onto different areas of an optically addressed spatial light modulator (OASLM, 6, 8, 31) in a sequence. The OASLM carries electrodes which allow separate areas to be selectively addressed by application of a voltage whilst receiving light from the EASLM. The combined output from all areas of the OASLM forms a visible image to an observer (11). When illuminated by coherent light the OASLM may produce a holographic image, otherwise incoherent light is used to provide a two dimensional image. The OASLM in one example contains a layer of nematic liquid crystal material between two cell walls both treated with an alignment layer providing low tilt surface alignment that is parallel in opposite direction; the product of layer thickness d and material birefringence ?n approximately equals one quarter of the wavelength ? of read light (12, 37).

Abstract: An optical imaging system for inspection microscopes with which lithography masks can be checked for defects particularly through emulation of high-aperture scanner systems. The microscope imaging system for emulating high-aperture imaging systems comprises imaging optics, a detector and an evaluating unit, wherein polarizing optical elements are selectively arranged in the illumination beam path for generating different polarization states of the illumination beam and/or in the imaging beam path for selecting different polarization components of the imaging beam, an optical element with a polarization-dependent intensity attenuation function can be introduced into the imaging beam path, images of the mask and/or sample are received by the detector for differently polarized beam components and are conveyed to the evaluating unit for further processing.