A changing system for a microscope includes multiple afocal enlargement changing modules of different enlargement levels that are optionally introducible into an infinite beam path running along an optical axis of the microscope. Each of the enlargement changing modules contain a light deflection system. The light deflection systems are designed to adjust the path length of the infinite beam path passing through the respective enlargement changing module in such a way that all of the enlargement changing modules, regardless of the different enlargement levels of the enlargement changing modules, map an exit pupil of a lens of the microscope onto the same location along the optical axis.

A microscope, including an x motor, a y motor, and a z axis focusing driving mechanism that drive a stage to move; at least one knob operatively coupled to the x motor or y motor or the z axis focusing driving mechanism selectively via a controller; and at least one button coupled to the controller in communication. The controller is configured to disconnect a normal operative coupling between the knob and the z axis focusing driving mechanism and establish an operative coupling between the knob and the x motor or y motor when receiving a predetermined button signal, and restore the normal operative coupling between the knob and the z axis focusing driving mechanism and disconnect the operative coupling between the knob and the x motor or y motor when no longer receiving the predetermined button signal or when receiving a next button signal.

An immersion set for retrofitting an immersion objective comprises at least one immersion fluid tank, at least one pump fluidly connected to the immersion fluid tank, and a control electronics unit configured at least to control the pump. A fastening device is configured to realize the load-bearing fastening of the at least one immersion fluid tank, the at least one pump and the control electronics unit on the immersion objective or on a mounting adapter for the immersion objective.

The invention relates to a filter interchange apparatus for an optical observation instrument having two beam paths, in particular for a stereoscopic observation instrument, in particular for a stereo video endoscope, a stereo exoscope or a stereo surgical microscope, wherein the filter interchange apparatus comprises a first filter wheel, a second filter wheel and a third filter wheel, wherein the filter wheels are arranged in succession along a common axle and are rotatable about the common axle and relative to one another. Each filter wheel comprises at least one filter and at least one free optical passage such that a filter or a free optical passage of each filter wheel is introducible into each of the two beam paths. The second filter wheel is drivable and the first filter wheel is coupled to the second filter wheel via a first entrainment element and the third filter wheel is coupled to the second filter wheel via a second entrainment element. Moreover, the invention relates to an optical observation instrument having two beam paths, in particular a stereo video endoscope, a stereo exoscope or a stereo surgical microscope, and to a method for changing a filter of an optical observation instrument.

A confocal microscope for imaging tissue having an imaging head for capturing optically formed microscopic sectional images of tissue samples, a platform upon which is disposed a linear stage for moving the imaging head along a vertical dimension, and a rotary stage to rotate the linear stage and imaging head about the vertical dimension. A mounting arm couples the imaging head to the linear stage to adjust tilt of the imaging head and to rotate the imaging head about a normal axis perpendicular to an optical axis of an objective lens of the imaging head. In a first mode of operation, the imaging head is positioned to image an ex-vivo or in-vivo tissue sample upon the platform, such as ex-vivo tissue sample mounted upon a movable specimen stage, and in a second mode of operation the imaging head is positioned to image an in-vivo tissue sample beside the platform.

A module for a microscope stand comprises a control device with at least one computer hardware component being configured to control the microscope stand. The module further comprises a locating device configured to interact with another locating device formed in a housing of the microscope stand for mounting the module at a predetermined installation site within the housing.

An objective lens unit includes an objective lens, a first rotary member, a second rotary member, and a drive section. The objective lens is provided with a correction ring. The first rotary member is mounted on the objective lens. The second rotary member engages with the first rotary member. The first rotary member has a first engagement portion. The second rotary member has a second engagement portion that is to engage with the first engagement portion. The second engagement portion is disposed at a part in the circumferential direction of the second rotary member. The second rotary member rotates to be positioned at an engagement position or a retraction position. The engagement position is a position where the second engagement portion engages with the first engagement portion. The retraction position is a position where the second engagement portion retracts from the first engagement portion.

Apparatuses, systems, and methods for solid immersion meniscus lenses (STMlenses). An optical system may include a sample holder with a first side which supports a sample, and a second side opposite the first side. The second side of the sample holder may be in contact with an immersion fluid. Light passing between the sample and an objective lens may pass through the sample holder, immersion fluid, and a SIMlens positioned between the immersion fluid and objective. The SIMlens may have a first curved surface and a second curved surface, each of which may be shaped to match a wavefront of the light as it passes through the SIMlens. The immersion fluid, SIMlens, and environment containing the objective may all have different refractive indices.

An optical imaging device for a microscope includes an objective and an optical system configured to interact with the objective for optically imaging an object selectively in a first operating mode and a second operating mode. The optical system includes a first optical subsystem associated with the first operating mode, and a second optical subsystem associated with the second operating mode. The first optical subsystem is configured to form a first image of the object with a first magnification. The second optical subsystem is configured to form a second image of the object with a second magnification that is less than the first magnification. The second optical subsystem includes an optical module insertable into the optical path for selecting the second operating mode. The optical module includes a lens element with a positive refractive power.

A liquid supplier includes: a supply port which supplies a liquid to a space between an objective lens and an observation object; and a recovery port which recovers the liquid supplied from the supply port, wherein the supply port and the recovery port satisfy a condition where positions of the supply port and the recovery port differ from each other in a direction of an optical axis of the objective lens or a condition where positions of the supply port and the recovery port with respect to the optical axis differ from each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the objective lens or both conditions.