An adapter configured to be optically coupled to a plurality of microscopes and having (i) a first microscope interface configured to optically couple a first microscope system to an optical element that is in optical communication with an optical probe to provide first imaging data of a sample, and (ii) a second microscope interface configured to optically couple a second microscope system to the optical element to provide second imaging data of the sample. An optical imaging apparatus and method utilizing such adapter.

A microscope includes: an objective lens having an optical system; a correction collar provided on the objective lens and configured to move the optical system in a direction of an optical axis of the optical system by rotating around the objective lens to correct aberration; a switching unit to which the objective lens is attachable and which switches a position of the objective lens; a supporting unit for supporting the switching unit; and a focusing unit that holds the supporting unit such that the supporting unit is movable along the optical axis of the objective lens. A correction collar operating device is detachably attached to the supporting unit and includes: an input unit for inputting rotary force to rotate the correction collar; and a correction collar driving unit for rotating the correction collar according to the rotary force while the correction collar driving unit has contact with the correction collar.

An adapter configured to be optically coupled to a plurality of microscopes and having (i) a first microscope interface configured to optically couple a first microscope system to an optical element that is in optical communication with an optical probe to provide first imaging data of a sample, and (ii) a second microscope interface configured to optically couple a second microscope system to the optical element to provide second imaging data of the sample. An optical imaging apparatus and method utilizing such adapter.

A sample stage includes a sample holder that accommodates a sample and a first drive module, a second drive module, and a third drive module that are radially connected to the sample holder and allow the sample holder to have translational degrees of freedom in three directions and rotational degrees of freedom in at least two directions.

An automatic focus system for an optical microscope that facilitates faster focusing by using at least two offset focusing cameras. Each offset focusing camera can be positioned on a different side of an image forming conjugate plane so that their sharpness curves intersect at the image forming conjugate plane. Focus of a specimen can be adjusted by using sharpness values determined from images taken by the offset focusing cameras.

A method including obtaining a plurality of radiation distributions of measurement radiation redirected by the target, each of the plurality of radiation distributions obtained at a different gap distance between the target and an optical element of a measurement apparatus, the optical element being the nearest optical element to the target used to provide the measurement radiation to the target, and determining a parameter related to the target using data of the plurality of radiation distributions in conjunction with a mathematical model describing the measurement target.

An apparatus for scanning microscope slides is provided. The apparatus includes an objective; a specimen stage; a camera sensor configured to capture a first plurality of images at a first rate while focus is changed in continuous motion; and a flash unit configured to flash at a second rate, wherein the first rate and the second rate are synchronized.

Multifunction autofocus for automated microscopy includes automatic coarse focusing of an automated microscope by reflective positioning, followed by automatic image-based autofocusing of the automated microscope performed in reference to a coarse focus position. In some aspects, the image-based autofocusing utilizes astigmatism in microscope optics for multi-planar image acquisition along a Z axis direction of a microscope. In some other aspects, the image-based autofocusing utilizes astigmatism in microscope optics in combination with chromatic aberration for multi-planar image acquisition along the Z axis direction.

Provided herein are systems and methods for simultaneous imaging and stimulation using a microscope system. The microscope system can have a relatively small size compared to an average microscope system. The microscope can comprise in part an imaging light source and a stimulation light source. Light from the imaging light source and the stimulation light source can be spectrally separated to reduce cross talk between the stimulation light and the imaging light.

Systems and methods configured for simultaneous imaging and stimulation using a microscope system. The microscope system can have a relatively small size compared to an average microscope system. The microscope can comprise in part an imaging light source and a stimulation light source. Light from the imaging light source and the stimulation light source can be spectrally separated to reduce cross talk between the stimulation light and the imaging light.