According to the present invention, an optical testing apparatus is used in testing an optical measuring instrument. The optical measuring instrument provides an incident light pulse from a light source to an incident object and receives a reflected light pulse as a result of reflection of the incident light pulse at the incident object. The optical testing apparatus includes a testing light source and a rise time control section. The testing light source is arranged to generate a testing light pulse to be provided to the optical measuring instrument. The rise time control section is arranged to control the rise time of the testing light pulse.

Disclosed is a tunable supercontinuum system, comprising: a supercontinuum-housing that integrates a supercontinuum-module, a first filter-module, and guiding optics into the supercontinuum-housing.

Images of samples that are illuminated with polarized light are captured. Azimuth and inclination data are extracted from the captured images. The azimuth and inclination data are used to quantify MTRs.

Images of samples that are illuminated with polarized light are captured. Azimuth and inclination data are extracted from the captured images. The azimuth and inclination data are used to quantify MTRs.

A method for actuating an acoustooptical element includes generating an actuation signal by a direct digital synthesis (DDS) method using a signal value sequence made up of at least two frequency components. A signal generator for actuating an acoustooptical element is configured to perform the method. An arrangement includes the signal generator and the acoustooptical element. A microscope includes the arrangement.