The invention relates to an apparatus (10) and a method for optically characterizing or processing an object (60), and to an object transport unit (55). The apparatus (10) comprises an object carrier (50) for receiving an object (60); an optical characterization or processing unit (15), comprising at least one device for producing or for receiving light (140) and an objective (40) for exposing the object (60) using the light (140) or for capturing the light (140) from the object (60), wherein the objective (40) has an end face (46) facing the object carrier (50), wherein the end face (46) has an edge (47), wherein the objective (40) further defines an optical axis (502); at least one membrane (100) introduced between the objective (40) and the object carrier (50), wherein the membrane (100) has a portion (120) configured for penetration by the light (140), wherein at least the portion (120) of the membrane (100) is movable in the axial direction with respect to the optical axis (502), at least one membrane holder (80) for holding the at least one membrane (100), and at least one immersion medium (160) which is at least introduced between the membrane (100) and the object carrier (50),
wherein the membrane (100) and the membrane holder (80) are fastened at a point outside of the objective, and wherein the membrane (100) is arranged at the membrane holder (80) in a manner that first contact points (81) between the membrane (100) and the membrane holder (80) are located on or outside a lateral surface (510) which is formed by a geometric extrusion of the edge (47) of the objective (40) parallel to the optical axis (502).

The apparatus (10), the method and the object transport unit (55) facilitate the optical characterization or processing of an object (60) in a manner that meets the specific needs of high-throughput industrial applications.

A well plate cover includes a base defining a base plane, and a plurality of insertion elements. At least a portion of each of the insertion elements is transparent. Each of the insertion elements is coupled to the base, and extends, in a direction orthogonal to the base plane, from the base to a distal end surface of the insertion element. The distal end surface of each of the insertion elements includes an apex that, when the respective insertion element is inserted into a well of a well plate, extends further into the well than any other portion of the distal end surface. The apex is a point, a line, or a plane having a diameter that is less than one half of a maximum diameter of the distal end surface.

The present disclosure relates a low magnification dark-field microscope system and method for producing a dark-field image. The method includes transferring a biological specimen to a surface of a sample plate, and pre-treating the biological specimen using one or more pre-treatment steps selected from (1) heating the biological specimen using a heating device; (2) applying ultrasound energy using an ultrasound transducer and ultrasound generator; and (3) doping the biological specimen with a metallic nanoparticle. Following pre-treatment, the method includes imaging a region of interest the biological specimen on the sample plate using a dark-field microscope to generate a dark-field image of the biological specimen.

Microarray slide holders for loading multiple microarray slides into a microscope system are disclosed. An apparatus for simultaneous microengraving and imaging of microwell arrays is disclosed. Also disclosed is a liquid run-off tray for simultaneous processing of multiple microarray slides.

A hematology test slide has the same or similar dimensions as a chemical reagent test slide and an immunoassay test slide so that it may be used with these other slides on a single clinical instrument. The hematology slide includes, in order from top to bottom, a slide housing having a top housing member, a top cover slip, a U-shaped, transfer tape spacer, a bottom cover slip, a base gasket and a base plate. The U-shaped spacer has a curved end portion which defines a sample deposit area, where a blood sample is pipetted thereon, and a pair of straight, parallel, spaced apart legs extending from the curved end portion. The legs define a read area. A blood sample deposited on the hematology slide at the sample deposit area will flow by capillary action to the read area, where optical measurements are made on the sample.

A hematology test slide has the same or similar dimensions as a chemical reagent test slide and an immunoassay test slide so that it may be used with these other slides on a single clinical instrument. The hematology slide includes, in order from top to bottom, a slide housing having a top housing member, a top cover slip, a U-shaped, transfer tape spacer, a bottom cover slip, a base gasket and a base plate. The U-shaped spacer has a curved end portion which defines a sample deposit area, where a blood sample is pipetted thereon, and a pair of straight, parallel, spaced apart legs extending from the curved end portion. The legs define a read area. A blood sample deposited on the hematology slide at the sample deposit area will flow by capillary action to the read area, where optical measurements are made on the sample.

Provided herein are methods for processing and/or detecting a sample. A method can comprise providing a barrier between a first region and a second region, wherein the first region comprises the sample, wherein the barrier maintains the first region at a first atmosphere that is different than a second atmosphere of the second region, wherein a portion of the barrier comprises a fluid in coherent motion; and using a detector at least partially contained in the first region to detect one or more signals from the sample while the first region is maintained at the first atmosphere that is different than the second atmosphere of the second region. The portion of the barrier comprising fluid may have a pressure lower than the first atmosphere, the second atmosphere, or both.

An optical microscope (10) comprising a first optical microscope (R); and a second optical microscope (Q) with a different mode of operation to the first optical microscope (R). The optical microscope (10) is configured such that the first optical microscope (R) and the second optical microscope (Q) simultaneously view a sample on a sample stage (I).

An observation device includes: a stage on which a vessel in which a subject is stored is installed; an image-forming optical system that includes an objective lens forming an image of the subject stored in the vessel; a scan control unit that moves the stage with respect to the image-forming optical system to scan each observation position in the vessel by the image-forming optical system; and an acceleration-determination-information acquisition unit that acquires at least one piece of information among information about the subject, information about the vessel, information about an observation method, or information about an observation condition. The scan control unit controls an acceleration of the stage on the basis of the at least one piece of information.

Provided are a hair observation method, a phase contrast microscope system, and a preparation. The hair observation method includes capturing an infrared image of the hair using an image sensor that is capable of detecting infrared light. A phase contrast microscope system includes: a stage having a sample placed thereon; an infrared light irradiation source for irradiating infrared light to the sample placed on the stage; an image sensor that is capable of detecting infrared light and configured to capture an infrared image of the sample; and a display apparatus configured to display the infrared image captured by the image sensor. The preparation includes a microscope glass and a plurality of hair pieces that are obtained by cutting one hair and arranged on the microscope glass in a manner parallel with one another from one end to another end in a cutting order.