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.

Provided herein are systems and methods for imaging using a microscope system comprising removeable or replaceable component parts. Such systems and methods employ semi-kinetic coupling for easy, tool-free attachment of the microscope system to a baseplate. Systems and methods provided herein may comprise simultaneous imaging and stimulation using a microscope system. The microscope system can have a relatively small size compared to an average microscope system.

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 microscope comprises a microscope objective, a camera and an imaging optical system for imaging an object through the objective to the camera along a first optical path. A projection optical system is provided for projecting a test image onto the object through the objective, and the imaging optical system is configured to image the projected test image from the object to the camera through the objective and along at least part of the first optical path. A focus adjustment system is provided for focusing the test image at the camera. Using the same objective and the same camera for both imaging and focusing allows reduction of the cost of the microscope in comparison with known microscopes that provide separate focusing systems.

The present disclosure discloses a method and a system for imaging. The method for imaging objects using the system for imaging. The system for imaging comprises a lens. The objects comprise a first object, a second object and a third object located at different positions on a first preset track. The method for imaging comprises: allowing the lens and the first preset track to move relatively in a first predetermined relationship to acquire a clear image of the third object using the system for imaging without focusing, the first predetermined relationship is determined by a focal plane position of the first object and a focal plane position of the second object. The aforementioned method for imaging is high in imaging efficiency and is capable of fast focusing according to the first predetermined relationship even if focus tracking fails so that the blurring of a photographed image due to defocusing is avoided.

In a case where a microscope apparatus main body scans the bottom surface of the cultivation container by synchronously controlling a piezoelectric element and an actuator serving as optical axis-directional transport devices having different properties from each other, an objective lens of the imaging optical system is transported to a focus position in the optical axis direction.

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.

The invention relates to a microscope (10) having a movable stage (18) and an adjusting unit (24) for moving the stage (18). The adjusting unit (24) comprises a drive shaft (38) by the rotation of which the distance between the stage (18) and a base (22) of the microscope (10) is adjustable. Further, the microscope (10) has a manually operable operating unit (26) with a first output shaft (46) as well as an electric drive unit (28) for the motorized movement of the stage (18) with a second output shaft (52). In a manual operating mode, the drive shaft (38) is coupled to the first output shaft (46) via a first coupling unit (54), and in a motorized operating mode the drive shaft (38) is coupled to the second output shaft (52) via a second coupling unit (56).

A method is used for optical scanning of at least one object region placed on a transparent specimen holder. The method is as follows: for each sample lateral position of plural predefined sample lateral positions performing a focus determination by: performing laser reflection and using a first camera taking plural first images to determine a reference distance between the specimen holder and an objective lens; performing transmission flash illumination and using a second camera taking plural second images to define a focus distance taking into account the reference distance; after completing the focus determination, determining a focus distance topology across the object region based on the focus distances determined for ail sample lateral positions; and laterally moving the specimen holder and acquiring third images while focusing according to the focus distance topology.

A dual-configuration microscope is provided that may be converted into an upright or inverted microscope. The microscope includes a base and a body having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the body is rotatably coupled to the base. The microscope further includes an objective coupled to the first portion of the body, a condenser coupled to the second portion of the body and a stage positioned between the objective and the condenser. The microscope further includes a first and second knob configured to adjust the position of the objective, wherein the first knob is disposed proximal to the first portion of the body and the second knob is disposed proximal to the second portion of the body.