MICROSCOPE AND SYSTEM FOR A MICROSCOPE

Abstract

The invention relates to a microscope comprising a microscope stand, at least one microscope objective arranged on the microscope stand, a holding frame for receiving a sample or sample carrier, and a sample stage having a receiving device for receiving the holding frame. According to the invention, the microscope is characterized by an incubator module that can be arranged on the holding frame, and further characterized in that the incubator module and the holding frame together at least partially enclose a sample chamber, and that the holding frame is free of active climate control devices for the sample chamber. The invention also relates to a system with several different holding frames and several different incubator modules for a microscope.

Description

[0001] The invention relates, in a first aspect, to a microscope according to the preamble of claim 1. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a system with several different mounting frames and several different incubator modules for a microscope according to the preamble of claim 29. Such microscopes and systems are known in numerous embodiments.

[0002] A microscope of this type comprises at least the following components: a microscope stand, at least one microscope objective arranged on the microscope stand, a holding frame for receiving at least one sample and / or at least one sample carrier and / or at least one combination of a sample and a sample carrier, and a sample stage which has a receiving device for receiving the holding frame.

[0003] Modern modular, flexible microscopes typically have motorized or manual XY stages that allow the sample to be moved laterally to bring desired areas into the field of view. These microscopes are used to examine a wide variety of samples. To avoid the need for different stages for different samples, different sample holders are used, each providing a suitable support or mount for the respective sample and specimen carrier. These different sample holders can be designed to be arranged or mounted on the same sample stage. Thus, a mechanical interface exists between the sample holder and the sample stage.

[0004] Modules for temperature control and / or gassing of a sample-adjacent space are available to provide suitable temperature and atmospheric conditions for biological samples.

[0005] Variants of such incubation modules feature special heated holding frames with a lid. Suitable, usually different, heated holding frames are available for different samples or sample holders.

[0006] A significant disadvantage of existing solutions is the need to maintain a relatively large number of different holding frames to accommodate as many different sample types and testing procedures as possible. This results in high acquisition costs for the customer and significant expenses for the supplier in terms of development, product maintenance, and sales.

[0007] One object of the present invention can be considered to be to provide a microscope and a system with different holding frames and different incubator modules for a microscope, in which the aforementioned disadvantages can be at least partially avoided.

[0008] This problem is solved by the microscope having the features of claim 1 and by the system having the features of claim 29.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments of the microscope and the system according to the invention are described below, particularly in connection with the dependent claims and the figures.

[0010] The microscope of the type described above is further developed according to the invention by an incubator module which can be arranged on the holding frame, and is further characterized in that the incubator module and the holding frame together enclose a sample chamber at least partially and that the holding frame is free of active devices for air conditioning the sample chamber.

[0011] The system of the type described above is characterized according to the invention in that each of the holding frames has a holding frame-side interface, that each of the incubator modules has an incubator-side interface, and that each of the holding frame-side interfaces can be brought into engagement with each of the incubator-side interfaces in a specific manner.

[0012] The microscope can be any optical microscope, designed for virtually any microscopy technique. In particular, the microscope can be a wide-field microscope or a scanning microscope, a light-sheet microscope, a light-field microscope, and / or a fluorescence microscope.

[0013] The term microscope stand refers to those components of the microscope that are usually fixed in place, for example, on a worktable. A typical microscope stand includes a metal frame or housing, such as a die-cast aluminum housing, as its essential component.

[0014] The microscope objective can be any microscope objective, especially one that is commercially available, which is selected to be suitable for the desired microscopy procedure.

[0015] The term sample stage refers to a mechanical component designed to hold a sample under investigation in a defined spatial position and orientation relative to the microscope objective.

[0016] The term "holding frame" refers to a mechanical component, for example, frame-shaped, designed to be positioned on the sample stage. For this purpose, the sample stage has a suitably designed receiving device, for example, with a recess and / or suitable mechanical stops. The receiving device serves to hold the holding frame in a defined spatial position on the sample stage. Furthermore, the holding frame serves to position a sample holder or a sample in a defined spatial arrangement relative to the microscope objective.

[0017] A fundamental concept of the present invention is that, unlike prior art solutions, the holding frame lacks any active components for climate control of the sample chamber. In this sense, the holding frame according to the invention is free of active components for climate control of the sample chamber. These configurations of the holding frame are also referred to as purely passive configurations, and the holding frames themselves are accordingly called purely passive holding frames. The holding frame of the microscope according to the invention thus essentially fulfills a mechanical function. Optionally, the thermal conductivity properties of the holding frame can be suitably designed and utilized.

[0018] This offers the advantage that the mounting frame or frames can be implemented relatively easily and therefore cost-effectively.

[0019] The incubator module to be arranged on the holding frame according to the invention, together with the holding frame, at least partially encloses a sample chamber in which a sample to be examined is arranged according to the intended purpose.

[0020] The feature according to the invention, namely that the incubator module can be arranged on the holding frame, means that the incubator module can be arranged on the holding frame.

[0021] The term "mounting frame interface" refers to those features of the design of the mounting frame with regard to, in particular, shape, material and / or surface in those areas of the mounting frame where the mounting frame comes into mechanical contact with the incubator module when the incubator module is arranged on the mounting frame as intended.

[0022] The term "incubator-side interface" refers to those features of the design of the incubator module with regard to, in particular, shape, material and / or surface in those areas of the incubator module where the incubator module comes into mechanical contact with the holding frame when the incubator module is arranged on the holding frame as intended.

[0023] In a situation where an incubator module is properly positioned on a holding frame, the incubator module in question is properly engaged with the holding frame in question.

[0024] Firstly, the present invention recognizes that it is not necessary to provide active devices for the air conditioning of a sample room on the holding frame(s).

[0025] Furthermore, the present invention has recognized that it is possible to install the active equipment necessary for air conditioning a sample room, for example equipment for separating and / or gassing the sample room, in particular exclusively, in special incubator modules.

[0026] A significant advantage of the present invention is that, compared to prior art solutions, the same number of different samples can be examined and the same number of different sample conditions can be achieved with fewer and more cost-effective components, namely holding frames and incubator modules.

[0027] Another important advantage of the present invention is that the temperature control quality achievable with the arrangement according to the invention is essentially as good as that which is possible with systems with heated mounting frames.

[0028] The microscope stand can be an upright stand, where the microscope objective points downwards at the sample being examined. Alternatively, the microscope stand can be an inverted stand, where the microscope objective points downwards at the sample being examined. This latter arrangement is often preferred for examining biological samples.

[0029] In its simplest form, the sample stage can be a fixed stage. However, in preferred embodiments, the sample stage is an xy-moving stage adjustable at least laterally, i.e., transversely to the direction of an optical axis of the microscope objective. Particularly preferred is the ability to adjust the sample stage in the direction of the optical axis of the microscope objective. Such sample stages can be referred to as xyz-moving stages. It is possible for the microscope objective to be moved relative to the microscope stand in the direction of the optical axis and relative to the sample stage, or for the microscope objective to remain stationary relative to the microscope stand while the sample stage is moved relative to the microscope objective in the direction of the optical axis.

[0030] The microscope objective can typically be arranged in an objective changer with a plurality of different microscope objectives, for example a linear changer or an objective turret.

[0031] In more complex solutions, the sample stage can also be rotatable or pivotable about at least one axis. For example, the sample stage can be rotatable or pivotable about at least one axis parallel to an optical axis of the microscope objective.

[0032] Furthermore, the sample stage can be manually adjustable. In preferred embodiments, the sample stage has one or more motorized drives, which can be controlled, in particular, by a control unit.

[0033] Finally, an automatic sample feeder can be provided for loading the microscope according to the invention with samples to be examined.

[0034] At least one fixing device may be provided to secure the holding frame to the sample table. The fixing device may include at least one mechanical clamping device and / or at least one magnetic device.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the microscope according to the invention, the sample stage has a device for varying the distance of the holding frame, particularly in the direction of an optical axis of the microscope objective, relative to the microscope objective. With such a device, small changes in the distance of the sample under investigation relative to the microscope objective can be achieved without having to actuate any z-drive that may be present. The device for varying the distance can, in principle, be manually operated. In particularly preferred embodiments, the device for varying the distance includes a piezoelectric actuator.

[0036] To control components of the microscope, the microscope may preferably have a control unit, for example a PC. The control unit may be suitably configured to control at least one of the following components: motorized drive(s) of the specimen stage, objective changer, device for varying the distance of the support frame relative to the microscope objective.

[0037] To provide a defined, and in particular climate-controlled, sample chamber, a mechanical interface is advantageously formed between the incubator module and the holding frame. The mechanical interface can have an incubator-side interface on the incubator module. Furthermore, the mechanical interface can have a holding frame-side interface. The mechanical interface is preferably configured to thermally isolate the sample chamber from an area outside the sample chamber.

[0038] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the interface is designed to provide a heat conduction between the incubator module and a part of the holding frame facing the sample chamber, which is greater than a heat conduction between the incubator module and a part of the holding frame facing away from the sample chamber.

[0039] In a relatively simple design, the incubator-side interface and / or the mounting frame-side interface has a groove, and the other interface has a projecting collar designed to engage in the groove. The projecting collar can also be called a keyway. The projecting collar or keyway can, for example, be designed to engage positively in the groove.

[0040] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the protruding collar or keyway and the groove are formed such that, when the protruding collar engages in the groove, the protruding collar contacts a radially inner wall of the groove and forms an air gap with a radially outer wall of the groove. In this variant, the heat conduction between the incubator module and a part of the holding frame facing the sample chamber is greater than the heat conduction between the incubator module and a part of the holding frame facing away from the sample chamber.

[0041] In a simple version, the incubator module can be designed to be placed on the support frame. However, it is also possible that at least one of the components—support frame and incubator module—has at least one mechanical fixing device for securing the incubator module to the support frame. For example, at least one such mechanical fixing device can include or be implemented by at least one mechanical clamp. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the mechanical fixing devices can include or be implemented by at least one magnet.

[0042] In preferred embodiments, the incubator-side interface and / or the mounting frame-side interface has or have magnetic connecting elements.

[0043] In further preferred embodiments, at least one of the components, on the incubator-side interface and the interface on the support frame, has a seal for thermal insulation and / or for sealing against gas ingress. At least one of the seals can be a seal that partially or completely circumferentially surrounds the interface.

[0044] In preferred embodiments of the invention, at least the incubator module and the holding frame form an air-conditioned sample room.

[0045] In principle, the invention can be implemented with an incubator module which, like the holding frame, has no active components for climate control of the sample chamber. Such an incubator module could, for example, be implemented by a lid or bell-shaped cover placed on the holding frame.

[0046] In advantageous embodiments of the microscope according to the invention, the incubator module has active climate control devices for the sample chamber. It is particularly advantageous that only the incubator module has active climate control devices for the sample chamber.

[0047] An active device, such as a temperature control unit (especially one that is adjustable), for heating and / or cooling the sample chamber, may be present. The temperature control unit may include a temperature measuring device, particularly located inside the sample chamber. This temperature measuring device may, for example, include a thermocouple.

[0048] Furthermore, the temperature control device may include a heating element and / or a cooling element. In particular, the temperature control device may include a resistive heating element, for example, with at least one heating wire and / or at least one heating film.

[0049] Additionally or alternatively, the temperature control device can include a Peltier element for heating and / or cooling the sample chamber.

[0050] Additionally or alternatively, the temperature control device may have at least one fluid channel formed in the incubator module, for example in a frame of the incubator module, for passing a heated or cooled fluid, for example air or water, through it to control the temperature of the sample chamber.

[0051] However, it is also possible for a temperature control unit to be located outside the incubator module. For example, the temperature control unit may include an infrared lamp with which the holding frame and a sample holder can be irradiated from a side facing away from the incubator module. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature control unit may include a fan with which the holding frame and / or a sample holder can be supplied with a heated or cooled gas, particularly air, from a side facing away from the incubator module.

[0052] To provide a desired atmosphere in the sample chamber, i.e., desired partial pressures of different gases, the incubator module in a preferred embodiment of the microscope according to the invention has a device for gassing the sample chamber.

[0053] It is also possible that the temperature control device has a gas inlet for introducing a gas, in particular a heated or cooled gas, such as air or nitrogen, into the sample chamber. The device for gassing the sample chamber can therefore also function as a temperature control device.

[0054] The term "tempering" an object, especially a sample, refers to the process in which the object, especially the sample, is brought to a specific target temperature and held at this target temperature, or at least at this target temperature, for a certain period of time.

[0055] Depending on the ambient temperature and the target temperature, heat must be removed from or added to the object, for example, the sample. The sample may need to be heated or cooled. Heating or cooling the sample can be achieved by blowing a heated or cooled gas, such as air or nitrogen, into the sample chamber.

[0056] Additionally or alternatively, the sample chamber can be temperature-controlled by temperature-controlling the incubator module. For example, temperature control can be achieved by temperature-controlling a lid of the incubator module. Additionally or alternatively, the sample chamber can be temperature-controlled by temperature-controlling a frame of the incubator module. Additionally or alternatively, the sample chamber can be temperature-controlled by temperature-controlling an area of ​​the holding frame or sample holder facing away from the incubator module. For example, temperature control of the sample chamber can be achieved by temperature-controlling the holding frame and / or the sample holder.

[0057] In principle, the invention can be realized with an incubator module formed from a single part. In advantageous embodiments, the incubator module comprises at least a frame and a lid. The term "frame" refers to a component that is mathematically and topologically essentially ring-shaped. Preferably, an interface, or the incubator-side interface, can be formed on the frame of the incubator module. The frame of the incubator module, on which the incubator-side interface is formed, can include at least part of an active device for climate control of the sample chamber.

[0058] The incubator module may have at least one additional frame located between the frame where the incubator-side interface is formed and the lid of the incubator module. This additional frame may include at least part of an active climate control system for the sample chamber. However, it is also possible that the additional frame and / or the frame where the incubator-side interface is formed may not have any active climate control systems and may only serve to maintain a suitable height of the incubator module above the sample under investigation.

[0059] The lid can also incorporate at least part of an active climate control system for the sample chamber. Finally, the active climate control system for the sample chamber can be entirely integrated into the lid of the incubator module.

[0060] In preferred embodiments of the microscope according to the invention, at least one or each of the active climate control devices for the sample chamber is manually adjustable and / or controllable. The control unit can advantageously be configured to control at least one, several, or each of the active devices.

[0061] Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that the mounting frame is designed in such a way that it can also be used for microscopy without the incubator module. This further increases the functionality of the microscope.

[0062] In another preferred embodiment, a leveling device is arranged between the mounting frame, which is configured to adjust the orientation of the mounting frame relative to an optical axis of the microscope. The leveling device can, for example, be configured to pivot the mounting frame, particularly independently, about axes of rotation that are essentially perpendicular to each other and to the optical axis. The leveling device can, for example, be implemented by three adjustable leveling screws.

[0063] In the system according to the invention, at least two of the frame-side interfaces and / or at least two of the incubator-side interfaces can be different. The advantages of the invention are particularly evident in embodiments of the system according to the invention in which the frame-side interfaces and / or the incubator-side interfaces are identical.

[0064] Further advantages and features of the present invention are explained below in connection with the figures. These show: Fig. 1: schematic representation of an embodiment of a microscope according to the invention; Fig. 2: a schematic and cutaway partial view of a further embodiment of a microscope according to the invention; Fig. 3: a view of the in Fig. 2 shown embodiment along the section line AA in Fig. 2; Fig. 4: a schematic and cutaway partial view of a further embodiment of a microscope according to the invention; Fig. 5: a view of the in Fig. 4 shown embodiment along the section line AA in Fig. 4; Fig. 6: a first embodiment of a mechanical interface between an incubator module and a holding frame for a microscope according to the invention; Fig. 7: a second embodiment of a mechanical interface between an incubator module and a holding frame for a microscope according to the invention; Fig. 8: a third embodiment of a mechanical interface between an incubator module and a holding frame for a microscope according to the invention in a non-connected situation; and Fig. 9: the embodiment of the mechanical interface from Fig. 8, in a situation where the incubator module is engaged with the holding frame as intended.

[0065] Identical and equivalent components are generally marked with the same reference symbols in the figures.

[0066] An embodiment of a microscope 100 according to the invention is described with reference to the Fig. 1 explained. The microscope 100 according to the invention, shown schematically in a sectional view, initially comprises a microscope stand 10 and a microscope objective 12 arranged on the microscope stand. Furthermore, the microscope 100 has a holding frame 40 for receiving a sample 20. Finally, a sample stage 30 with a receiving device for receiving the holding frame 40 is a part of the microscope 100 according to the invention. In the Fig. In the exemplary situation shown in Figure 1, the holding frame 40 is specifically received in the receiving device of the sample stage 30, which is formed in the area of ​​an opening of the sample stage 30. According to the invention, the microscope 100 further comprises an incubator module 50, which is arranged on the holding frame 40. According to the invention, the incubator module 50 and the holding frame 40 together at least partially enclose a sample chamber 16. According to the invention, the holding frame 40 is free of active climate control devices for the sample chamber 16. This means that the holding frame 40 has no active climate control devices for the sample chamber 16. The holding frame 40 thus essentially fulfills a mechanical function, whereby the heat conduction properties of the holding frame can be suitably designed and utilized.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the microscope stand 10 is an inverted stand, meaning that the microscope objective 12 looks down onto the sample or sample holder 20. The microscope objective 12 can, for example, be mounted on a turret (not shown). One optical axis of the microscope objective 12 is designated by reference numeral 14. A schematic and exemplary representation is shown in Fig. Figure 1 also shows an eyepiece 18, which, however, is not necessary for the realization of the invention. The sample or sample carrier 20 can, for example, be a microscope slide with a biological sample.

[0068] As schematically shown, the sample carrier 20 is arranged in a receptacle of the holding frame 40. The holding frame can be a metallic, frame-like component, for example, a component made of aluminum, which in turn is arranged in the receptacle formed on the sample stage 30. "Frame-like" means that the component has essentially a ring shape in mathematical and topological terms. The sample stage 30 also has essentially a ring shape in mathematical and topological terms. This means that both the holding frame 40 and the sample stage 30 have an opening through which the microscope objective 12 can optically view the sample carrier 20 along its optical axis 14. As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the receptacle for the sample carrier 20 in the holding frame 40 is formed by a projection of the holding frame 40 (without reference numeral) that points into the interior of the opening, i.e., in the direction of the optical axis 14 of the microscope objective 12, on which the sample carrier 20 rests due to its gravity. Gravity acts in Fig. 1 in the direction of the negative z-direction. A right-handed and rectangular coordinate system is indicated in the lower part of the microscope stand 10. The receptacle for the holding frame 40 in the sample stage 30 is also formed by a projection of the sample stage 30 (without reference numeral) pointing inwards towards the opening, i.e., in the direction of the optical axis 14, on which the holding frame 40 rests due to gravity. In the illustrated embodiment, the incubator module 50 rests on the holding frame 40. Magnets, for example, can be used to fix the incubator module 50 relative to the holding frame 40. An example of such a connection is explained below.

[0069] The incubator module 50 and the sample holder 20 provide at least partial thermal isolation of the sample chamber 16 from an area 15 located outside the incubator module 50.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the sample stage 30 is an xyz-moving stage. This means that the sample stage 30, and thus the holding frame 40 and the sample carrier 20, can be positioned relative to the optical axis 14 of the microscope objective 12 both laterally, i.e., in the positive and negative x-direction and the positive and negative y-direction (illustrated by the double arrow 34), and axially, i.e., in the positive and negative z-direction, into a desired target position. The possibility of manipulation in the lateral directions is shown in Fig. The double arrow 34 illustrates the possibility of manipulation in the axial direction, and the double arrow 36 illustrates the possibility of manipulation in the axial direction. A motor drive 38, shown schematically, is provided for moving the sample stage 30 in the lateral and axial directions.

[0071] In one variant, the sample stage 30 could also have a device for varying the distance of the holding frame 40, in particular in the direction of an optical axis 14 of the microscope objective 12, relative to the microscope objective 12. For example, this device could include a piezo actuator arranged between the sample stage 30 and the holding frame 40.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, a control unit 90, for example a PC, is provided, which can be configured to control the components of the microscope, such as the sample stage 30, an objective turret, and / or a piezo actuator. The control unit can also be used, in a generally known manner, to evaluate data from a detector (not shown) for acquiring microscopic measurement data. Also not shown is a light source with which the sample 20 can be illuminated with light, for example, excitation light for fluorescent dyes with which the sample has been prepared. Such a light source could, for example, be located in an area 17 below the sample carrier 20, i.e., on a side of the sample carrier facing away from the incubator module 50.

[0073] A second embodiment of a microscope according to the invention is described using the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 6 explained. Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows sectioned partial views of the microscope with a sample holder 21, a sample stage 31, a holding frame 41, and an incubator module 51. The in the Fig. 2 and Fig. The three components of the microscope according to the invention, which are not shown, can in principle be formed in the same way as in Fig. 1 shown. Fig. Figure 3 shows a sectional view along the line indicated by arrows AA. The figures in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 The optical axis 14 of the microscope objective 12, not shown, runs in Fig. 2 as in Fig. 1 in the vertical direction and stands in Fig. 3 perpendicular to the plane of the paper.

[0074] The sample table 31, the holding frame 41 and the incubator module 51 are similar to the sample table 30, the holding frame 40 and the incubator module 50 respectively. Fig. 1. The differences between the holding frame 41 and the incubator module 51 lie in the area where they come into mechanical contact with each other. The holding frame 41 is designed to accommodate the sample holder 21, which is a multi-well sample holder. As in Fig. As shown schematically in Figure 3, the sample holder 21 has a total of 25 "wells," i.e., pots or depressions 71, for receiving different samples. By appropriately positioning the sample stage 31 relative to the optical axis 14 of the microscope objective 12, the desired wells, for example, a section of four of the wells 71, can be brought into the field of view of the microscope objective 12.

[0075] An area of ​​the opening of the sample table 31 and the holding frame 41 is in Fig. 2 is provided with the reference numeral 31b. The inwardly pointing step, i.e. in the direction of the opening 31b, on which the holding frame 41 rests by gravity on the sample table 31, is marked with the reference numeral 31a.

[0076] The in Fig. The schematically shown incubator module 51 has a heating device 62, for example formed by heating wires, and an opening 61 through which a desired gas can be introduced into the sample chamber 16 from the outside, in order to provide suitable climatic conditions in the sample chamber 16. The gas can also be at a specific temperature.

[0077] A mechanical interface is formed between the incubator module 51 and the holding frame 41, which is related to Fig. Section 6 is explained. Fig. Figure 6 shows only those areas of the incubator module 51 and the holding frame 41 that are intended to come into contact with each other. Fig. Figure 6 also shows the incubator module 51 in a state in which it is raised relative to the holding frame 41 and is therefore not in engagement with the holding frame 41.

[0078] The mechanical interface, as a mounting frame-side interface, has an opening 31b (see Fig. 2) circumferential groove 82 and, as an incubator-side interface, a projecting collar or a projecting key 81 also circumferential around the opening 31b. In the illustrated embodiment, the collar or key 81 is designed such that it can be positively engaged in the groove 82 of the retaining frame. For this purpose, the incubator module 51 is inserted into the groove 82 of the retaining frame. Fig. 6 placed in the direction of the downward-pointing arrows in the holding frame 41.

[0079] A third embodiment of a microscope according to the invention is described using the Fig. 4 to 6 explained. Fig. 4 and Fig. Figures 5 show sectioned partial views of the microscope with a sample holder 22, a sample stage 32, a holding frame 42, and an incubator module 52. Only the differences compared to the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 described

[0080] Sample holder 22 is a sample holder for a Petri dish 72. Incubator module 52 is different from incubator module 51. Fig. 2 is a simpler variant in which only the heating device 62 is present. The sample holder 22 differs from the sample holder 21 in that Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. A different geometry. Likewise, the holding frame 42 differs from the holding frame 41 in the area of ​​the receptacle for the sample holder 22.

[0081] No differences compared to the embodiment of the Fig. 2 and Fig. However, 3 exist in the area of ​​the mechanical interface formed between the incubator modules 51, 52 and the support frames 41, 42. This is in Fig. Figure 6 is schematically illustrated. This means that in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, as above for the embodiment of the Fig. 2 and Fig. As described in Figure 3, the incubator module 52 with its protruding circumferential collar 81 can be inserted into a circumferential groove 82 formed on the holding frame 42.

[0082] Another example of a mechanical interface is given with reference to the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 described. Only the differences compared to the embodiment of the Fig. 6 explained. In the Fig. 8 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the retaining frame 41 is replaced by a modified retaining frame 41a, and the retaining frame 42 is replaced by a modified retaining frame 42a. The difference compared to the embodiment of Fig. 6 consists in the fact that the groove 85 in the retaining frames 41a, 42a is in comparison to the groove 82 of the Fig. 6 radially widened outwards and thus wider than the protruding collar or the key 81. This leads to the following, as shown in Fig. Figure 8 shows that in situations where the incubator module 51 is inserted into the holding frame 41a and the incubator module 52 is inserted into the holding frame 42a, the projecting collar 81 only makes radial inner contact with the respective holding frame. However, an air gap 86 forms on the radial outer side. In this embodiment, the projecting collar 81 is therefore designed to contact a radially inner wall of the groove 85 when engaging it and to form the air gap 86 with a radially outer wall of the groove 85. This design ensures that the heat conduction between the respective incubator module and a part of the holding frame facing the sample chamber 16 is greater than the heat conduction between the incubator module and a part of the holding frame facing away from the sample chamber 16.

[0083] Herein lies the particular advantage of the invention: the mounting frames and the incubator modules 51, 52 can be combined in any way due to the identical design of the mechanical interfaces. The different mounting frames 41, 42, 41a, 42a and the different incubator modules 51, 52 create a system according to the invention for a microscope of the in Fig. 1 of the type shown, in which each of the holding frames 41, 42, 41a, 42a has a holding frame-side interface 81 or 85 respectively, and each of the incubator modules 51, 52 has an incubator-side interface 82, wherein each of the holding frame-side interfaces can be brought into engagement with each of the incubator-side interfaces 82 as intended.

[0084] In connection with the Fig. In the embodiments described in sections 2 to 6, the interfaces 81 on the support frame side and the interfaces 82 on the incubator side are identical.

[0085] Fig. Figure 7 shows an alternative variant for the mechanical interface, in which the incubator-side interface is formed by a circumferential magnet 83. The mounting frame-side interface also has a circumferential material area 84 made of a magnetic material.

[0086] Here too, the holding frames and the incubator modules 51, 52 can be combined with each other as desired due to the identical design of the mechanical interfaces.

[0087] The present invention proposes a novel microscope and a novel system for microscope components which, with fundamentally the same experimental or metrological possibilities, enable substantial reductions in the number of components required. Reference symbol list 10 Microscope stand 12 microscope objective 14 optical axis of microscope objective 12 15 Area outside incubator volume 16 16 incubator volume, sample room 17 Side of the sample holder facing away from the incubator module 21, 22 18 eyepiece 20 Sample, sample holder, microscope slide 21 Sample, sample holder, multiwell sample carrier 22 Sample, sample holder for Petri dish 30 Sample table, xyz-moving table 31 Sample table, xyz-moving table 31a above bundle, part of receiving device of sample table 31 31b Opening in sample table 31 and holding frame 41 32 Sample table, xyz-moving table 32a above bundle, part of receiving device of sample table 32 32b Opening in sample table 32 and holding frame 42 34 Double arrow (adjustment in y-direction) 36 Double arrow (adjustment in z-direction) 38 Drive for adjusting the sample table 30 in x, y, z direction 40 mounting frames 41 mounting frames 41a Mounting frame with wider groove 85 42 mounting frames 42a Mounting frame with wider groove 85 50 incubator modules 51 incubator module with temperature control and gassing 52 incubator modules with temperature control 61 Fumigation device 62 Heating system 71 Sample area in multiwell sample holder 21 72 Petri dishes 81 incubator-side interface device, protruding collar, keyway 82 mounting frame-side interface device, groove 83 Magnet 84 Magnet or ferromagnetic material 85 mounting frame-side interface device, widened groove 86 air gap 100 microscopes according to the invention

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