CONTAINER FOR A SAMPLE AND METHOD FOR EXAMINING A SAMPLE WITH THE CONTAINER

Abstract

The invention relates to a container for a sample. In order to improve an optical or spectroscopic examination of a sample stored in the container, a container is proposed, comprising a bottom portion, a container axis being oriented perpendicularly to the bottom portion; a first wall portion, said first wall portion adjoining the bottom portion; and a second wall portion, said second wall portion adjoining said first wall portion, and wherein the second wall portion is inclined by at least 20° with respect to the container axis.

Claims

1. A container for a sample, comprising: a bottom portion, a container axis being oriented perpendicular to said bottom portion; a first wall portion, said first wall portion adjoining the bottom portion; and a second wall portion, said second wall portion adjoining said first wall portion, and wherein said second wall portion is inclined by at least 20° with respect to said container axis, wherein said container has a polygonal basic shape, and material of the container is transparent.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein said first wall portion is inclined by at least 0.5° with respect to said container axis; and wherein said first wall portion is inclined by at most 25° with respect to the container axis.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein said container comprises a third wall portion, said third wall portion adjoining said second wall portion, and wherein said third wall portion is inclined by at least 2° with respect to said container axis.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein said container comprises a first wall side, a second wall side, a third wall side, and a fourth wall side.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein said first wall side comprises the first, second and third wall portions, wherein said third wall side comprises first, second and third wall portions, and wherein said first wall portion of said third wall side has a greater inclination with respect to said container axis than said first wall portion of said first wall side, wherein said first wall portion of said third wall side has an inclination with respect to said container axis that is greater than that of said first wall portion of said first wall side by at least 2°.

6. The container of claim 4, wherein said first wall side comprises the first, second and third wall portions, wherein said third wall side comprises first, second and third wall portions, and wherein said second wall portion of said third wall side has a smaller inclination with respect to said container axis than said second wall portion of said first wall side, wherein said second wall portion of said third wall side has an inclination with respect to said container axis that is less than that of said second wall portion of said first wall side by at least 2°.

7. The container of claim 4, wherein said first wall side comprises the first, second and third wall portions, wherein said second and/or fourth wall side each comprises first, second and third wall portions, and wherein said first wall portion of said second wall side and said fourth wall side has a larger inclination with respect to said container axis than said first wall portion of said first wall side, wherein said first wall portion of each of the second wall side and said fourth wall side has an inclination with respect to said container axis that is greater than that of said first wall portion of said first wall side by at least one 1°.

8. The container of claim 4, wherein said first wall side comprises the first, second and third wall portions, wherein said second and fourth wall sides each comprises first, second and third wall portions, and wherein said second wall portion of said second wall side and/or said fourth wall side has a smaller inclination with respect to the container axis than the second wall portion of the first wall side, wherein the second wall portion of each of the second wall side and the fourth wall side has an inclination with respect to said container axis that is less than that of the second wall portion of the first wall side by at least one 1°.

9. The container of claim 4, wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth wall sides comprises said first wall portion and said second wall portion and said third wall portion.

10. A container for a sample, said container comprising: a bottom portion, a container axis being oriented perpendicular to said bottom portion; and a first wall portion, said first wall portion adjoining said bottom portion, and wherein said first wall portion is inclined with respect to said container axis by 1.9°±0.3° or n times that, where n is an integer greater than 1, wherein said container has a polygonal basic shape.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein said container is an injection molded container and said container comprises a thermoplastic, consists of a thermoplastic, and/or wherein said container comprises or consists of a cyclic block copolymer.

12. The container of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of said container consists of a material, wherein said material has one or more of the following properties: a density, determined according to ASTM D792, of at most 1.00 g cm.sup.−3; a water absorption, determined according to ASTM D570, of less than 5%; a melt flow rate, determined according to ASTM D1238 at 2.6 kg and 260° C., of at least 1.0 cm.sup.−3 10 min.sup.−1; a transmittance, determined according to ASTM D1003, at 3 mm, of at least 50%; a haze, determined according to ASTM D1003, at 3 mm, of less than 5.0%; a reflective index of less than 5.0; a Vicat softening point, determined according to ASTM D1525, at 1 kg, 50° C. h.sup.−1, of at least 70° C.; a heat deflection temperature, determined according to ASTM D648, at 0.455 MPa, 2° C. min′, of at least 50° C.; a flexural strength, determined according to ASTM D790, of at least 30 MPa; a flexural modulus, determined according to ASTM D790, of at least 600 MPa; a tensile strength, Y.P. or B.P., determined according to ASTM D638, of at least 15 MPa; a strain, determined according to ASTM D638, of at least 5%; an Izod impact strength, determined according to ASTM D256, of at least 1 kg-cm cm.sup.−1; a chemical resistance to methyl salicylate, dibenzyl ether, a mixture of one part benzyl alcohol and two parts benzyl benzoate, a mixture of four parts benzyl benzoate and one part diphenyl ether, ethyl cinnamate, and 2,2′-thiodiethanol; and an autofluorescence between 400 nm and 460 nm, at an excitation at 350 nm and a sample thickness of 1 mm, with respect to the autofluorescence of polystyrene of at most 50%.

13. A method for examining a biological sample, comprising: placing the sample in the container of claim 1; illuminating the sample; and recording an emission of the sample, wherein the emission of the sample is recorded substantially perpendicular to a direction of illumination.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0106] Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown in the figures and are described in more detail below.

[0107] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a container 100.

[0108] FIG. 2 shows the container 100 in a view from below.

[0109] FIG. 3 shows a sectional view A-A of the container 100 as indicated in FIG. 2

[0110] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view B-B of the container 100 as indicated in FIG. 2

[0111] FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of a container 200.

[0112] FIG. 6 shows the container 200 in a view from below.

[0113] FIG. 7 shows a sectional view C-C of the container 200 as indicated in FIG. 6

[0114] FIG. 8 shows a sectional view D-D of the container 200 as indicated in FIG. 6

[0115] FIG. 9 shows a system 400 for measuring a sample.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0116] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a container 100. In FIG. 1, the container 100 is shown in an isometric view and in FIG. 2 the container 100 is shown in a view from below. In FIG. 2, the profile of two sections A-A and B-B is indicated. Sectional views A-A and B-B are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0117] The container 100 comprises a bottom portion 110 and a first wall side 101. The container 100 may comprise a second wall side 102, a third wall side 103 and a fourth wall side 104.

[0118] In general, the container 100 may have a polygonal basic shape. In particular, the bottom portion 110 of the container 100 may have a polygonal shape. The polygonal basic shape or polygonal shape is in particular rectangular.

[0119] The first wall side 101 and the third wall side 103 may have a greater width than the second wall side 102 and the fourth wall side 104. The width of the first wall side 101 and the third wall side 103 is preferably greater by a factor of at least 1.5 than the width of the second wall side 102 and the fourth wall side 104.

[0120] In the section A-A of FIG. 3, the first wall side 101, the bottom portion 110 and the third wall side 103 are shown in section.

[0121] The inner surface (facing the interior of the container) of the bottom portion 110 may be planar. A sprue cap 118 may be provided in the bottom portion 110 such that despite the sprue cap 118, the inner surface of the bottom portion 110 is planar. The sprue cap 118 may be provided when the container 100 is injection molded.

[0122] The bottom portion 110, e.g., the inner surface of the bottom portion 110, may define a container axis 105. The container axis may extend perpendicularly to the bottom portion 110. The bottom portion 110 may define a plane to which the container axis 105 is oriented perpendicularly.

[0123] The first wall side 101 may comprise a first wall portion 121, a second wall portion 131 and a third wall portion 141.

[0124] The first wall portion 121 may (directly) adjoin the bottom portion 110, in particular in the direction of the container axis 105. The second wall portion 131 may (directly) adjoin the first wall portion, in particular in the direction of the container axis 105. The third wall portion 141 may (directly) adjoin the second wall portion 131, in particular in the direction of the container axis 105.

[0125] An angle α121 may be formed between the container axis 105 and the first wall portion 121. The first wall portion 121 may be inclined by this angle α121 with respect to the container axis 105. The first wall portion 121 is preferably inclined outwards with respect to the container axis 105 (pointing away from the interior of the container 100).

[0126] The angle α121 may be 1.9°±0.7° or n times that, where n is an integer greater than 1. Preferably, the angle α121 is 1.9°±0.5° or n times that, where n is an integer and greater than 1, more preferably 1.9°±0.3°, or n times that, where n is an integer and is greater than 1, more preferably 1.90°±0.15°, or n times that, where n is an integer and greater than 1.

[0127] An angle α131 may be formed between the container axis 105 and the second wall portion 131. The second wall portion 131 may be inclined (outwards) by the angle α131 with respect to the container axis 105.

[0128] An angle α141 may be formed between the container axis 105 and the third wall portion 141. The third wall portion 141 may be inclined (outwards) by the angle α141 with respect to the container axis 105.

[0129] The first wall portion 121, the second wall portion 131 and the third wall portion 141 may each be inclined (outwards) with respect to the container axis 105.

[0130] The cross section (parallel to the bottom portion 110) of the container 100 may be smaller at the bottom portion 110 than the cross section of the container 100 in the first wall portion 121 (at medium height of the first wall portion 121 in the direction of the container axis 105). The cross section of the container 100 may be smaller in the first wall portion 121 (at medium height of the first wall portion 121 in the direction of the container axis 105) than the cross section of the container 100 in the second wall portion 131 (at medium height of the second wall portion 131 in the direction of the container axis 105). The cross section of the container 100 in the second wall portion 131 (at the medium height of the second wall portion 131 in the direction of the container axis 105) may be smaller than the cross section of the container 100 in the third wall portion 141 (at medium height of the third wall portion 141 in the direction of the container axis 105).

[0131] The cross section of the container 100 may increase in the direction of the container axis 105 (continuously, preferably with a non-constant slope). Due to the design of the container 100, a volume of liquid (volume of clearing agent) to be introduced for a sample examination may be small, so that liquid or clearing agent is saved.

[0132] A user can grip the container 100 in the upper area (third wall portion or third wall portions). This reduces or avoids fingerprints or other surface contamination on the surface of the first wall portion or the first wall portions. As described with reference to FIG. 9, the first wall portion may be transilluminated by a radiation source.

[0133] Similarly, the upper area (third wall portion or third wall portions) of the container 100 may be provided with a label. The label may include a data matrix code and/or consecutive numbering. The label may include information about the container 100 and/or about the sample to be stored or stored therein and/or a liquid to be introduced or introduced into the container 100.

[0134] Between the first wall portion 121 and the second wall portion 131, there may be a kink in the inclination of the wall portions 121, 131 with respect to the container axis 105. The kink may result from a sudden or discontinuous change in the inclination with respect to the container axis 105. Between the second wall portion 131 and the third wall portion 141, there may be a kink in the inclination of the wall portions 131, 141 with respect to the container axis.

[0135] The kink between the first wall portion 121 and the second wall portion 131 and/or the kink between the second wall portion 131 and the third wall portion 141 may act as a marker for an intended filling level or quantity, for example of a clearing agent, of the container 100.

[0136] The angle α121 between the container axis 105 and the first wall portion 121 may be less than the angle α131 between the container axis 105 and the second wall portion 131. The angle α131 between the container axis 105 and the second wall portion 131 may be greater than the angle α141 between the container axis 105 and the third wall portion 141. The angle α121 between the container axis 105 and the first wall portion 121 may be less than the angle α141 between the container axis 105 and the third wall portion 141.

[0137] The third wall side 103 may comprise a first wall portion 123, a second wall portion 133 and a fourth wall portion 143.

[0138] The first wall portion 123 of the third wall side 103 may (directly) adjoin the bottom portion 110. The second wall portion 133 of the third wall side 103 may (directly) adjoin the first wall portion 133 of the third wall side 103. The third wall portion 143 of the third wall side 103 may (directly) adjoin the second wall portion 133 of the third wall side 103.

[0139] An angle α123 may be formed between the container axis 105 and the first wall portion 123 of the third wall side 103. The first wall portion 123 may be inclined by this angle α123 with respect to the container axis 105. The first wall portion 123 of the third wall side 103 is preferably inclined outwards relative to the container axis 105 (pointing away from the interior of the container 100).

[0140] An angle α133 may be formed between the container axis 105 and the second wall portion 133 of the third wall side 103. The second wall portion 133 of the third wall side 103 may be inclined (outwards) by the angle α133 with respect to the container axis 105.

[0141] An angle α143 may be formed between the container axis 105 and the third wall portion 143. The third wall portion 143 of the third wall side 103 may be inclined (outwards) by the angle α143 with respect to the container axis 105.

[0142] The first wall portion 123 of the third wall side 103, the second wall portion 131 of the third wall side 103 and the third wall portion 141 of the third wall side 103 may each be inclined (outward) with respect to the container axis 105.

[0143] Between the first wall portion 123 of the third wall side 103 and the second wall portion 133 of the third wall side 103, there may be a kink in the inclination of the wall portions 123, 133 with respect to the container axis 105. Between the second wall portion 133 of the third wall side 103 and the third wall portion 143 of the third wall side 103, there may be a kink in the inclination of the wall portions 133, 143 with respect to the container axis 105.

[0144] The angle α123 between the container axis 105 and the first wall portion 123 of the third wall side 103 may be less than the angle α133 between the container axis 105 and the second wall portion 133 of the third wall side 103. The angle α133 between the container axis 105 and the second wall portion 133 of the third wall side 103 may be greater than the angle α143 between the container axis 105 and the third wall portion 143 of the third wall side 103. The angle α123 between the container axis 105 and the first wall portion 123 may be greater than the angle α143 between the container axis 105 and the third wall portion 143 of the third wall side 103.

[0145] The first wall portion 121 of the first wall side 101 may be opposite the first wall portion 123 of the third wall side 103. The first wall portion 121 of the first wall side 101 may have substantially (±10%) the same height (in the direction of the container axis 105) as the first wall portion 123 of the third wall side 103.

[0146] The second wall portion 131 of the first wall side 101 may be opposite the second wall portion 133 of the third wall side 103. The second wall portion 131 of the first wall side 101 may have substantially (±10%) the same height as the second wall portion 133 of the third wall side 103.

[0147] The third wall portion 141 of the first wall side 101 may be opposite the third wall portion 143 of the third wall side 103. The third wall portion 141 of the first wall side 101 may substantially (±10%) the same height as the third wall portion 143 of the third wall side 103.

[0148] The angle α121 between the container axis 105 and the first wall portion 121 of the first wall side 101 may be less than the angle α123 between the container axis 105 and the first wall portion 123 of the third wall side 103.

[0149] The angle α131 between the container axis 105 and the second wall portion 131 of the first wall side 101 may be greater than the angle α123 between the container axis 105 and the second wall portion 133 of the third wall side 103.

[0150] FIG. 4 shows the section B-B, as indicated in FIG. 2. The bottom portion 110, the second wall side 102 and the fourth wall side 104 are sectioned.

[0151] The second wall side 102 may comprise a first wall portion 122, a second wall portion 132 and a third wall portion 142.

[0152] The first wall portion 122 of the second wall side 102 may (directly) adjoin the bottom portion 110, in particular in the direction of the container axis 105. The second wall portion 132 of the second wall side 102 may (directly) adjoin the first wall portion 122 of the second wall side 102, in particular in the direction of the container axis 105. The third wall portion 142 of the second wall side 102 may (directly) adjoin the second wall portion 132 of the second wall side 102, in particular in the direction of the container axis 105.

[0153] An angle α122 may be formed between the container axis 105 and the first wall portion 122 of the second wall side 102. The first wall portion 122 of the second wall side 102 may be inclined by this angle α122 with respect to the container axis 105. The first wall portion 122 of the second wall side 102 is preferably inclined outwards with respect to the container axis 105 (pointing away from the interior of the container 100).

[0154] An angle α132 may be formed between the container axis 105 and the second wall portion 132 of the second wall side 102. The second wall portion 132 of the second wall side 102 may be inclined (outwards) by the angle α132 with respect to the container axis 105.

[0155] An angle α142 may be formed between the container axis 105 and the third wall portion 142 of the second wall side 102. The third wall portion 142 of the second wall side 102 may be inclined (outwards) by the angle α142 with respect to the container axis 105.

[0156] The first wall portion 122 of the second wall side 102, the second wall portion 132 of the second wall side 102 and the third wall portion 142 of the second wall side 102 may each be inclined (outward) with respect to the container axis 105.

[0157] Between the first wall portion 122 of the second wall side 102 and the second wall portion 132 of the second wall side 102, there may be a kink in the inclination of the wall portions 122, 132 with respect to the container axis 105. Between the second wall portion 132 of the second wall side 102 and the third wall portion 142 of the second wall side 102, there may be a kink in the inclination of the wall portions 132, 142 with respect to the container axis 105.

[0158] The angle α122 between the container axis 105 and the first wall portion 122 of the second wall side 102 may be less than the angle α132 between the container axis 105 and the second wall portion 132 of the second wall side 102. The angle α132 between the container axis 105 and the second wall portion 132 of the second wall side 102 may be greater than the angle α142 between the container axis 105 and the third wall portion 142 of the second wall side 102. The angle α122 between the container axis 105 and the first wall portion 122 of the second wall side 102 may be less than the angle α142 between the container axis 105 and the third wall portion 142 of the second wall side 102.

[0159] The fourth wall side 104 may comprise a first wall portion 124, a second wall portion 134, and a third wall portion 144.

[0160] The first wall portion 124 of the fourth wall side 104 may (directly) adjoin the bottom portion 110, in particular in the direction of the container axis 105. The second wall portion 134 of the fourth wall side 104 may (directly) adjoin the first wall portion 124 of the fourth wall side 104, in particular in the direction of the container axis 105. The third wall portion 144 of the fourth wall side 104 may (directly) adjoin the second wall portion 134 of the fourth wall side 104, in particular in the direction of the container axis 105.

[0161] An angle α124 may be formed between the container axis 105 and the first wall portion 124 of the fourth wall side 104. The first wall portion 124 of the fourth wall side 104 may be inclined by this angle α124 with respect to the container axis 105. The first wall portion 124 of the fourth wall side 104 is preferably inclined outwards with respect to the container axis 105 (pointing away from the interior of the container 100).

[0162] An angle α134 may be formed between the container axis 105 and the second wall portion 134 of the fourth wall side 104. The second wall portion 134 of the fourth wall side 104 may be inclined (outwards) by the angle α134 with respect to the container axis 105.

[0163] An angle α144 may be formed between the container axis 105 and the third wall portion 144 of the fourth wall side 104. The third wall portion 144 of the fourth wall side 104 may be inclined (outwards) by the angle α144 with respect to the container axis 105.

[0164] The first wall portion 124 of the fourth wall side 104, the second wall portion 134 of the fourth wall side 104 and the third wall portion 144 of the fourth wall side 104 may each be inclined (outwards) with respect to the container axis 105.

[0165] Between the first wall portion 124 of the fourth wall side 104 and the second wall portion 134 of the fourth wall side 104, there may be a kink in the inclination of the wall portions 124, 134 with respect to the container axis 105. Between the second wall portion 134 of the fourth wall side 104 and the third wall portion 144 of the fourth wall side 104, there may<be a kink in the inclination of the wall portions 134, 144 with respect to the container axis 105.

[0166] The angle α124 between the container axis 105 and the first wall portion 124 of the fourth wall side 104 may be less than the angle α134 between the container axis 105 and the second wall portion 134 of the fourth wall side 104. The angle α134 between the container axis 105 and the second wall portion 134 of the fourth wall side 104 may be greater than the angle α144 between the container axis 105 and the third wall portion 144 of the fourth wall side 104. The angle α124 between the container axis 105 and the first wall portion 124 of the fourth wall side 104 may be less than the angle α144 between the container axis 105 and the third wall portion 144 of the fourth wall side 104.

[0167] The angle α122 between the container axis 105 and the first wall portion 122 of the second wall side 102 may have substantially (±2° or ±1°) the same value as the angle α124 between the container axis 105 and the first wall portion 124 of the fourth wall side 104. The angle α132 between the container axis 105 and the second wall portion 132 of the second wall side 102 may have substantially (±2° or ±1°) the same value as the angle α134 between the container axis 105 and the second wall portion 134 of the fourth wall side 104. The angle α142 between the container axis 105 and the third wall portion 142 of the second wall side 102 may have substantially (±2° or ±1°) the same value as the angle α144 between the container axis 105 and the third wall portion 144 of the fourth wall side 104.

[0168] The angle α122 between the container axis 105 and the first wall portion 122 of the second wall side 102 may be greater than the angle α121 between the container axis 105 and the first wall portion 121 of the first wall side 101.

[0169] The angle α124 between the container axis 105 and the first wall portion 124 of the fourth wall side 104 may be greater than the angle α121 between the container axis 105 and the first wall portion 121 of the first wall side 101.

[0170] The angle α132 between the container axis 105 and the second wall portion 132 of the second wall side 102 may be less than the angle α131 between the container axis 105 and the second wall portion 131 of the first wall side 101.

[0171] The angle α134 between the container axis 105 and the second wall portion 134 of the fourth wall side 104 may be less than the angle α131 between the container axis 105 and the second wall portion 131 of the first wall side 101.

[0172] In FIGS. 5 and 6, a container 200 is shown. The container 200 is shown in an isometric view in FIG. 5 and the container 200 is shown in a bottom view in FIG. 6. Sections CC and D-D, which are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, are indicated in FIG. 6.

[0173] The container 200 may comprise a bottom portion 210, a first wall side 201, a second wall side 202, a third wall side 203 and a fourth wall side 204.

[0174] The container 200 may generally have a polygonal basic shape, preferably the bottom portion 210 of the container 200 has a polygonal shape. The polygonal basic shape or polygonal shape may be square.

[0175] The container 200, particularly the bottom portion 210 of the container 200, may include markings 211,212,213,214. Each of the markings 211, 212, 213, 214 may be assigned to one of the wall sides 201, 202, 203, 204. The markings 211, 212, 213, 214 may be used to identify the wall sides 201, 202, 203, 204. For example, the markings 211, 212, 213, 214 may be consecutive numbers, e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, or the markers 211, 212, 213, 214 may be consecutive letters, e.g. A, B, C, D.

[0176] FIG. 7 shows the section CC, wherein the bottom portion 210, the first wall side 201 and the third wall side 203 are sectioned.

[0177] The inner surface (facing the interior of the container 200) of the bottom portion 210 may be planar. A sprue cap 218 may be provided in the base portion 210 such that, despite the sprue cap 218, the inner surface of the base portion 210 is planar. The sprue cap 218 may be provided when the container 100 is injection molded.

[0178] The bottom portion 210, e.g. the inner surface of the bottom portion 210, may define a container axis 205. The container axis 205 may extend perpendicularly to the bottom portion 210. The bottom portion 210 may define a plane perpendicular to the container axis 205.

[0179] The first wall side 201 may comprise a first wall portion 221, a second wall portion 231, and a third wall portion 241.

[0180] The first wall portion 221 may (directly) adjoin the bottom portion 210, in particular in the direction of the container axis 205. The second wall portion 231 may (directly) adjoin the first wall portion 221, in particular in the direction of the container axis 205. The third wall portion 241 may (directly) adjoin the second wall portion 231, in particular in the direction of the container axis 205.

[0181] An angle α221 may be formed between the container axis 205 and the first wall portion 221. The first wall portion 221 may be inclined by this angle α221 with respect to the container axis 205. The first wall portion 221 is preferably inclined outwards with respect to the container axis 205 (pointing away from the interior of the container 200).

[0182] An angle α231 may be formed between the container axis 205 and the second wall portion 231. The second wall portion 231 may be inclined (outwards) by the angle α231 with respect to the container axis 205.

[0183] An angle α241 may be formed between the container axis 205 and the third wall portion 241. The third wall portion 241 may be inclined (outwards) by the angle α241 with respect to the container axis 205.

[0184] The first wall portion 221, the second wall portion 231, and the third wall portion 241 may each be inclined (outward) with respect to the container axis 205.

[0185] The cross section (parallel to the bottom portion 210) of the container 200 at the bottom portion 210 may be less than the cross section of the container 200 in the first wall portion 221 (at medium height of the first wall portion 221 in the direction of the container axis 205). The cross section of the container 200 in the first wall portion 221 (at medium height of the first wall portion 221 in the direction of the container axis 205) may be less than the cross section of the container 200 in the second wall portion 231 (at medium height of the second wall portion 231 in the direction of the container axis 205). The cross section of the container 200 in the second wall portion 231 (at medium height of the second wall portion 231 in the direction of the container axis 205) may be less than the cross section of the container 200 in the third wall portion 241 (at medium height of the third wall portion 241 in the direction of the container axis 205).

[0186] Between the first wall portion 221 and the second wall portion 231, there may be a kink in the inclination of the wall portions 221, 231 with respect to the container axis 205. The kink may result from a sudden or discontinuous change in the inclination with respect to the container axis 205. A kink in the inclination of the wall portions 231, 241 with respect to the container axis 205 may be present between the second wall portion 231 and the third wall portion 241.

[0187] The angle α221 between the container axis 205 and the first wall portion 221 may be less than the angle α231 between the container axis 205 and the second wall portion 231. The angle α231 between the container axis 205 and the second wall portion 231 may be greater than the angle α241 between the container axis 205 and the third wall portion 241. The angle α221 between the container axis 205 and the first wall portion 221 may be less than the angle α241 between the container axis 205 and the third wall portion 241.

[0188] The third wall side 203 may comprise a first wall portion 223, a second wall portion 233 and a fourth wall portion 243.

[0189] The first wall portion 223 of the third wall side 203 may (directly) adjoin the bottom portion 210. The second wall portion 233 of the third wall side 203 may (directly) adjoin the first wall portion 233 of the third wall side 203. The third wall portion 243 of the third wall side 203 may (directly) adjoin the second wall portion 233 of the third wall side 203.

[0190] The first wall portion 221 of the first wall side 201 is opposite the first wall portion 223 of the third wall side 203. The first wall portion 221 of the first wall side 201 may have substantially (±10%) the same height (in the direction of the container axis 205) as the first wall portion 223 of the third wall side 203.

[0191] The second wall portion 231 of the first wall side 201 may be opposite the second wall portion 233 of the third wall side 203. The second wall portion 231 of the first wall side 201 may have substantially (±10%) the same height as the second wall portion 233 of the third wall side 203.

[0192] The third wall portion 241 of the first wall side 201 may be opposite the third wall portion 243 of the third wall side 203. The third wall portion 241 of the first wall side 201 may have substantially (±10%) the same height as the third wall portion 243 of the third wall side 203.

[0193] The inclination of the first wall portion 223 of the third wall side 203 may correspond or be equal to the inclination of the first wall portion 221 of the first wall side 201. The inclination of the second wall portion 233 of the third wall side 203 may correspond or be equal to the inclination of the second wall portion 231 of the first wall side 201. The inclination of the third wall portion 243 of the third wall side 203 may correspond or be equal to the inclination of the third wall portion 241 of the first wall side 201.

[0194] In general, the third wall side 203 may correspond to the first wall side 201 in such a way that the third wall side 203 is a reflection of the first wall side 201 with respect to the container axis 205. In general, the container axis 205 may be formed at the center of the bottom portion 210.

[0195] FIG. 8 shows the section D-D as indicated in FIG. 6, with the bottom portion 210, the second wall side 202 and the fourth wall side 204 being sectioned.

[0196] The second wall side 202 may include a first wall portion 222, a second wall portion 232, and a third wall portion 242.

[0197] The first wall portion 222 of the second wall side 202 may have the features of the first wall portion 221 of the first wall side 201. The second wall portion 232 of the second wall side 202 may have the features of the second wall portion 231 of the first wall side 201. The third wall portion 242 of the second wall side 202 may have the features of the third wall portion 241 of the first wall side 201.

[0198] The fourth wall side 204 may comprise a first wall portion 224, a second wall portion 234, and a third wall portion 244.

[0199] The first wall portion 224 of the fourth wall side 204 may have the features of the first wall portion 221 of the first wall side 201 The second wall portion 234 of the fourth wall side 204 may have the features of the second wall portion 231 of the first wall side 201. The third wall portion 244 of the fourth wall side 204 may have the features of the third wall portion 241 of the first wall side 201.

[0200] In general, the first wall side 201 of the container 200 may have the features of the first wall side 101 of the container 100. The second wall side 202 of the container 200 may have the features of the second wall side 102 of the container 100. The third wall side 203 of the container 200 may have the features of the third wall side 103 of the container 100. The fourth wall side 204 of the container 200 may have the features of the fourth wall side 104 of the container 100. Similarly, the wall sides 101, 102, 103, 104 of the container 100 may have the features of the wall sides 201, 202, 203, 204 of the container 200, respectively.

[0201] In general, an angle or inclination that is greater than another angle or inclination may be at least 1°, 2°, 3°, or 5° greater. In general, an angle or slope that is less than another angle or slope may be at least 1°, 2°, 3°, or 5° less.

[0202] FIG. 9 shows a system 400 for measuring a sample 320. The sample 320 may be placed in a container 100. A container 100 is indicated as an example in FIG. 9; a container 200 may also be used.

[0203] The sample 320 may have a height (in the direction of the container axis) of at least 2 mm, preferably at least 5 mm, more preferably at least 10 mm, more preferably at least 20 mm.

[0204] A liquid 330 may be introduced into the container 100. The liquid 330 may cover the sample 320 completely. The surface of the liquid 330 may be curved in an area of contact with a wall or walls of the container 100. A meniscus 331, 332 may form in the contact area. The liquid 330 may be placed in the container 100 such that the surface of the liquid 330 in parallel to a cross-sectional surface of the first wall portion or portions of the container 100 is substantially planar)(±5°. The cross-sectional surface of the first wall portion or the first wall portions of the container may be projected onto the surface of the liquid 330. Thus, an area at the surface of the liquid 330 may be considered that has the same dimensions as the cross-sectional surface of the first wall portion.

[0205] The system may include a radiation source 300. The radiation source 300 may be a laser. The sample 320 may be illuminated by the radiation source 300. The sample 320 is preferably illuminated by the radiation source 300 through a first wall portion of the container 100. An emission of the sample 320 may be stimulated by the illumination. The sample 320 may be illuminated through one of the wall sides, through at least two of the wall sides, or through all wall sides of the container. Different sides of the wall may be illuminated one after the other. At most one or two sides of the wall may be illuminated at the same time.

[0206] The system 400 may include a radiation receiver 350. The radiation receiver 350 may be a camera. The radiation receiver 350 may record the emission of the sample 320. The radiation source 300, the sample 320 and the radiation receiver 350 preferably do not lie on a (straight) line. The radiation receiver 350 may be arranged in such a way that an emission of the sample 320 can be recorded or is recorded substantially (±10°) perpendicular to the direction of illumination of the sample 320 with the radiation source 300. The radiation receiver 350 may be arranged in such a way that an emission of the sample 320 can be received or is received substantially (±10°) perpendicular to the bottom portion of the container 100.

[0207] An objective may be arranged between the sample 320 and the radiation receiver 350.

[0208] The objective may be at least partially immersed in the liquid 330 during illumination or measurement of the sample 320. The lens may also be positioned above the liquid surface while the sample 320 is being illuminated.

[0209] An opening of the container 100 may be covered during illumination of the sample 320, for example by one or more glass plates.

[0210] For example, the radiation source 300 may illuminate the sample 320 through a first wall portion of the container 100. Since the first wall side has an inclination of 1.9°±0.7° or n times that and due to the refractive indices of the interfaces on the path of the radiation from the radiation source 300 to the sample 320, the radiation from the radiation source 330 may be corrected in degrees (integer) such that the radiation is incident on the sample 320 parallel to the bottom portion or parallel to a liquid surface when the sample 320 is covered by a liquid. At the same time, the container may be manufactured inexpensively using an injection molding process (draft angles).

[0211] If the first wall portion of the third wall side of the container 100 is more inclined than the first wall portion of the wall side through which the illumination is performed, disruptive reflections can be avoided. Especially in the case of a small sample that is completely penetrated by the illumination of the radiation source 330, radiation can be reflected in the direction of the sample 330 when the first wall portion of the third wall side is not more inclined than the first wall portion of the wall side through which the illumination is performed.

[0212] The rectangular (non-square) basic shape of the container 100 or the bottom portion 110 of the container 100 may correspond to the optimal thin part (Rayleigh length) of a light sheet (radiation source 300) along the illumination direction and the field size of an objective in the direction perpendicular to the illumination direction.

[0213] Hereinafter, numbered exemplary embodiments are disclosed: [0214] 1. A container (100, 200) for a sample (320), said container (100, 200) comprising: a bottom portion (110, 210), wherein a container axis (105, 205) is oriented perpendicular to the bottom portion (110, 210); a first wall portion (121, 221), said first wall portion (121, 221) adjoining the bottom portion (110, 210); and a second wall portion (131, 231), said second wall portion (131, 231) adjoining said first wall portion (110, 210), and wherein said second wall portion (131, 231) is inclined by at least 20° with respect to said container axis (105, 205). [0215] 2. The container (100, 200) according to example 1, wherein the first wall portion (121, 221) is inclined by at least 0.5°, preferably by at least 1.0°, particularly preferably by at least 1.5° with respect to said container axis (105, 205); and/or wherein the first wall portion (121, 221) is inclined by at most 25°, preferably at most 10°, particularly preferably at most 5° with respect to the container axis (105, 205). [0216] 3. The container (100, 200) according to one of examples 1 or 2, wherein said container (100, 200) comprises a third wall portion (141, 241), said third wall portion (141, 241) adjoining said second wall portion (131, 231), and wherein said third wall portion (141, 241) is inclined by at least 2° with respect to said container axis (105, 205). [0217] 4. The container (100, 200) according to one of the preceding examples, wherein said container (100, 200) has a polygonal, in particular rectangular or square, basic shape and wherein said container (100, 200) comprises a first wall side (101, 201), a second wall side (102, 202), a third wall side (103, 203), and a fourth wall side (104, 204). [0218] 5. The container (100) according to example 4, wherein said first wall side (101) comprises the first, second and third wall portions (121, 131, 141), wherein said third wall side (103) comprises first, second and third wall portions (123, 133, 143), and wherein said first wall portion (123) of said third wall side (103) has a greater inclination with respect to said container axis (105) than said first wall portion (121) of said first wall side (101), in particular wherein said first wall portion (123) of said third wall side (103) has an inclination with respect to said container axis (105) that is greater than that of said first wall portion (121) of said first wall side (101) by at least 2°, preferably at least 5°. [0219] 6. The container (100) according to one of the examples 4 or 5, wherein said first wall side (101) comprises the first, second and third wall portions (121, 131, 141), wherein said third wall side (103) comprises first, second and third wall portions (123, 133, 143), and wherein said second wall portion (133) of said third wall side (103) has a smaller inclination with respect to said container axis (105) than said second wall portion (131) of said first wall side (101), in particular wherein said second wall portion (133) of said third wall side (103) has an inclination with respect to said container axis (105) that is less than that of said second wall portion (131) of said first wall side (101) by at least 2°, preferably at least 5°. [0220] 7. The container (100) according to one of examples 4 to 6, wherein said first wall side (101) comprises the first, second and third wall portions (121, 131, 141), wherein said second and/or fourth wall side (102, 104) each comprises first, second and third wall portions (122, 124, 132, 134, 142, 144), and wherein said first wall portion (122, 124) of said second wall side (102) and/or said fourth wall side (104) has a larger inclination with respect to said container axis (105) than said first wall portion (121) of said first wall side (101), in particular wherein said first wall portion (122, 124) of said second wall side (102) and/or said fourth wall side (104) has an inclination with respect to said container axis (105) that is greater than that of said first wall portion (121) of said first wall side (101) by at least one 1°, preferably at least 2°. [0221] 8. The container (100) according to one of examples 4 to 7, wherein said first wall side (101) comprises the first, second and third wall portions (121, 131, 141), wherein said second and/or fourth wall side (102, 104) each comprises first, second and third wall portions (122, 124, 132, 134, 142, 144), and wherein said second wall portion (132, 134) of said second wall side (102) and/or said fourth wall side (104) has a smaller inclination with respect to the container axis (105) than the second wall portion (131) of the first wall side (101), in particular wherein the second wall portion (132, 134) of the second wall side (102) and/or the fourth wall side (104) has an inclination with respect to the container axis (105) that is less than that of the second wall portion (131) of the first wall side (101) by at least one 1°, preferably at least 2°. [0222] 9. The container (200) according to example 4, wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth wall sides (201, 202, 203, 204) comprises said first wall portion (221) and/or said second wall portion (231) and/or said third wall portion (241). [0223] 10. A container (100, 200) for a sample (320), said container (100, 200) comprising: a bottom portion (110, 210), a container axis (105, 205) being oriented perpendicular to said bottom portion (110, 210); and a first wall portion (121, 221), said first wall portion (121, 221) adjoining said bottom portion (110, 210), and wherein said first wall portion (121, 221) is inclined with respect to said container axis (105, 205) by 1.9°±0.7° or n times that, where n is an integer greater than 1. [0224] 11. The container (100, 200) according to example 10, wherein said first wall portion (121, 221) is inclined with respect to said container axis (105, 205) by 1.9°±0.5°, in particular by 1.9°±0.3″, or n times that, where n is an integer and greater than 1. [0225] 12. The container (100, 200) according to one of the preceding examples, wherein said container (100, 200) is an injection molded container (100, 200) and/or said container (100, 200) comprises a thermoplastic, consists of a thermoplastic, and/or wherein said container (100, 200) comprises or consists of a block copolymer, in particular a cyclic block copolymer. [0226] 13. The container (100, 200) according to one of the preceding examples, wherein at least a portion of said container (100, 200) consists of a material, wherein said material has one or more of the following properties: [0227] a density, determined according to ASTM D792, of at most 1.00 g cm.sup.−3, preferably at most 0.98 g cm.sup.−3, more preferably at most 0.96 g cm.sup.−3, particularly preferably between 0.92 g cm.sup.−3 and 0.96 g cm.sup.−3; and/or [0228] a water absorption, determined according to ASTM D570, of less than 5%, preferably less than 2.0%, more preferably less than 0.5%; and/or [0229] a melt flow rate, determined according to ASTM D1238 at 2.6 kg and 260° C., of at least 1.0 cm.sup.−3 10 min.sup.−1, preferably at least 7.0 cm.sup.−3 10 min.sup.−1, more preferably at least 100.0 cm.sup.−3 10 min.sup.−1, more preferably between 2.0 cm.sup.−3 10 min.sup.−1 and 250.0 cm.sup.−3 10 min.sup.−1; and/or [0230] a transmittance, determined according to ASTM D1003, at 3 mm, of at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%; [0231] a haze, determined according to ASTM D1003, at 3 mm, of less than 5.0%, preferably less than 3.0%, more preferably less than 1.5%, more preferably less than 1.0%; and/or [0232] a reflective index of less than 5.0, preferably less than 3.0, more preferably less than 2.5; and/or [0233] a Vicat softening point, determined according to ASTM D1525, at 1 kg, 50° C. h.sup.−1, of at least 70° C., preferably at least 85° C., more preferably at least 100° C., more preferably between 90° C. and 130° C.; and/or [0234] a heat deflection temperature, determined according to ASTM D648, at 0.455 MPa, 2° C. min.sup.−1, of at least 50° C., preferably at least 60° C., more preferably at least 75° C., more preferably between 60° C. and 115° C.; and/or [0235] a flexural strength, determined according to ASTM D790, of at least 30 MPa, preferably at least 40 MPa, more preferably at least 50 MPa, more preferably between 40 MPa and 80 MPa; and/or [0236] a flexural modulus, determined according to ASTM D790, of at least 600 MPa, preferably at least 1000 MPa, more preferably at least 1400 MPa, more preferably between 1000 MPa and 3000 MPa; and/or [0237] a tensile strength, Y.P. or B.P., determined according to ASTM D638, of at least 15 MPa, preferably at least 25 MPa, more preferably at least 30 MPa, more preferably between 20 MPa and 50 MPa; and/or [0238] a strain, determined according to ASTM D638, of at least 5%, preferably at least 8%, more preferably at least 10%, more preferably between 8% and 40%; and/or [0239] an Izod impact strength, determined according to ASTM D256, of at least 1 kg-cm cm.sup.−1, preferably at least 1.5 kg-cm cm.sup.−1, more preferably at least 2.0 kg-cm cm.sup.−1, more preferably between 1.5 kg-cm cm.sup.−1 and 5.0 kg-cm cm.sup.−1; and/or [0240] a chemical resistance to methyl salicylate, dibenzyl ether, a mixture of one part benzyl alcohol and two parts benzyl benzoate, a mixture of four parts benzyl benzoate and one part diphenyl ether, ethyl cinnamate, and/or 2,2′-thiodiethanol; and/or [0241] an autofluorescence between 400 nm and 460 nm, at an excitation at 350 nm and a sample thickness of 1 mm, with respect to the autofluorescence of polystyrene of at most 50%, preferably at most 40%, more preferably at most 30%, more preferably at most 25%. [0242] 14. A method for examining a sample (320), in particular a biological sample, comprising the steps of: [0243] placing the sample (320) in a container (100, 200) according to one of the preceding examples; [0244] illuminating the sample (320); and [0245] recording an emission of the sample. [0246] 15. Use of a container (100, 200) according to one of examples 1 to 13 for storing a sample (320) during an examination of the sample (320), preferably during a microscopic examination, more preferably during a light sheet microscopic examination, more preferably during a light sheet fluorescence microscopic examination.