Optical adjustment device and microscope including such optical adjustment device

Abstract

To improve adjustability of prior art optical adjustment devices and prior art microscopes.SOLUTION: An optical adjustment device (101) includes a housing (103) and an optics carrier (105), the optics carrier is at least partially supported translatable by the housing, and the optics carrier further includes at least one optical element with an optical axis (109). The optical adjustment device further includes a translating actuator assembly (111) adapted to translate the optics carrier to the housing along a lateral direction (113) essentially perpendicular to the optical axis. The microscope (159) comprises the optical adjustment device (101) arranged in an optical path between optical outputs (161, 167) of the microscope and imaging devices (165, 169), and the optical output is adapted to output light to the imaging device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical adjustment device comprising a housing and an optical system support, and further to a microscope comprising such an optical adjustment device. [Background technology]

[0002] In the art, optical elements or optical assemblies may be attached to one another by mechanical means, such as so-called "bayonet mounts" or "C-mounts," which are representative of other possible lens mounts. These mounts allow for coarse alignment, since the positions of the attached optical elements or optical assemblies can be defined. However, these prior art solutions lack the possibility of providing fine adjustment of the optical elements. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, one object of the present disclosure is to improve the adjustability of prior art optical adjustment devices and prior art microscopes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] This can be obtained by an optical adjustment device comprising a housing and an optical system support, the optical system support being at least partially translatably supported by the housing, the optical system support further comprising at least one optical element having an optical axis, the optical adjustment device further comprising a translational actuator assembly adapted to translate the optical system support relative to the housing along a lateral direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0005] Furthermore, this can be obtained by a microscope comprising an optical adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the optical adjustment device is arranged in an optical path between an optical outlet of the microscope and an imaging device, and the optical outlet is adapted to output light to the imaging device.

[0006] The optics support is translatable relative to the housing such that the at least one optical element can translate relative to the housing while the housing remains stationary.

[0007] Further features may improve the above-mentioned solution, which are independent of one another and may be combined with one another in any way, and further features not indicated as essential may be omitted in any way from the different embodiments of the invention.

[0008] In the present disclosure, the at least one optical element provided on and supported by the optical system support is not limited to a lens, but may be any active or passive optical element, such as a polarizer, an optical fiber, a spatial light modulator, an acousto-optic or electro-optic deflector or modulator, a prism, a grating, or any other possible optical element.

[0009] Each of these non-limiting optical elements is held by an optical system support and can only translate along the lateral direction, i.e., each of the optical elements cannot tilt.

[0010] Each of the above-mentioned possible optical elements can define an optical axis. If the optical element is, for example, a spatial light modulator that does not itself define an optical axis, the optical axis may be defined as the central axis of the entire optical adjustment device, in particular the central axis of the optical system support.

[0011] The optical adjustment device can be realized as a C-mount unit, i.e., can include a C-mount connector, which can provide coarse alignment of at least one optical element supported by the optical system support, and the translational actuator assembly can be adapted to provide fine alignment of the at least one optical element.

[0012] Coarse alignment refers to a positioning accuracy on the order of millimeters, while fine alignment may refer to a positioning accuracy in the sub-micrometer range.

[0013] The translation of the optical system support relative to the housing can be along a translation axis oriented along a direction oriented at an angle between 70° and 110°, more preferably between 80° and 100°, even more preferably between 85° and 95° to the optical axis, and most preferably along a translation axis oriented along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis. Substantially perpendicular should be understood to include angles between the translation axis and the optical axis that deviate from the 90° angle between the optical axis and the translation axis by up to ±1°, ±2°, or even up to ±20°. Any combination of upper and lower deviation limits is possible, for example, an angular deviation between -15° and +2° is possible.

[0014] During translation of the optics support relative to the housing, the angular orientation between the optics support and the housing is maintained. Thus, the optics support is translated only along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The optical axis of the optics support only moves parallel to the optical axis, without changing the angular orientation.

[0015] To limit translation of the optical system support relative to the housing only along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system support, the optical system support can include sliding surfaces at a first end and a second end of the optical system support, the sliding surfaces being oriented substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system support. Thus, when the optical system support is translated relative to the housing, the optical system support slides along these two sliding surfaces, which prevents tilting of the optical system support relative to the housing.

[0016] The housing of the optical adjustment device may be an outer housing and the optical system support may be an inner optical system support. The inner optical system support may be housed within the outer housing. Preferably, the inner optical system support may be housed entirely within the outer housing.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment of the optical adjustment device, the translational actuator assembly may include a linear actuator having a portion fixed relative to the housing, the linear actuator may have an actuation direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis, and the linear actuator is adapted to displace the optical system support relative to the housing along the actuation direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0018] The linear actuator may be realized as an electrically controlled linear actuator such as a micrometer screw, a translation stage, or any other suitable linear actuator adapted to displace the optics support relative to the housing with translational accuracy in the sub-millimeter range.

[0019] Substantially perpendicular is also understood here to include angles between the actuation direction and the optical axis that deviate from the 90° angle between the optical axis and the translation axis by ±1°, ±2°, or even up to ±20°. Any combination of upper and lower deviation limits is possible, for example, an angular deviation between -15° and +2° is possible.

[0020] One embodiment of the optical adjustment device is further improved in that the optical adjustment device may comprise a pivotable lever having a portion fixed relative to the housing, the lever adapted to be deflected by a linear actuator, and the lever may comprise an actuating section, the actuating section adapted to abut against the optical system support upon actuation of the linear actuator to displace the optical system support.

[0021] A pivotable lever has the advantage that a predetermined lever transmission ratio can be achieved by the design of the lever, in particular the length of the two lever arms relative to the fulcrum, which can be located or formed in the working section of the lever.

[0022] The lever may have a free end and a fixed end supported by the housing, the free end may be deflectable, and the actuating section may be located between the free end and the fixed end.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment of the optical adjustment device of the invention, the optical adjustment device may comprise a slider which is slidably positioned relative to the optical system support.

[0024] The slider may be part of a translational actuator assembly. The slider may be realized as a guide means for confining the translation of the optical system support to two dimensions. Therefore, the slider may preferably have a sliding surface that can be oriented parallel to the actuation direction of the linear actuator. When the linear actuator is actuated, the slider can guide the optical system support along the sliding surface of the slider.

[0025] In one embodiment, the sliding surface may be provided on the optical system support, and the sliding surface may abut against a sliding member that may be provided on the housing, while in another embodiment, the sliding surface may be provided on the housing, and the sliding member may be provided on the optical system support.

[0026] Thus, a slider may comprise a sliding surface and a sliding member, both of which may comprise means for reducing friction between them, such as lubrication, anti-friction coatings, roller or ball bearings, etc.

[0027] One simple embodiment of the present invention can provide an optical system support having at least one flat surface parallel to the optical axis, at least a portion of which can form a sliding surface. In one embodiment, the optical system support can have a rectangular or square cross section, and one side of the optical system support in such an embodiment can form the sliding surface. The cross section of the optical system support can also be circular.

[0028] The slider may be spaced apart from the actuating section of the lever. The slider may be physically separated from the actuating section.

[0029] Advantageously, the sliding surface is oriented parallel to the actuation direction of the linear actuator so that, upon actuation of the linear actuator, the sliding member and the sliding surface can slide relative to each other along the actuation direction of the linear actuator.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the optical adjustment device of the present invention, a spring assembly may be provided on a side of the optical system support opposite the translational actuator assembly, the spring assembly being adapted to bias the optical system support towards the translational actuator assembly.

[0031] The spring assembly is adapted to ensure that the optical system support moves with the linear actuator even when the linear actuator contracts. The preloaded spring member allows the linear actuator to define a direction both along and opposite the actuation direction.

[0032] The spring assembly may be supported by the housing, and in one embodiment, the spring assembly may be located opposite the slider.

[0033] The spring assembly can be located substantially opposite the slider and can comprise an elastic structure adapted to urge the optical system support in a direction toward the linear actuator. A conventional leaf spring, a coil spring, or a volume containing a compressible, particularly reversibly compressible, elastic material can be used here. The spring assembly can also be located on the same side as the lever assembly and act as a tension spring adapted to pull the optical system support toward the lever assembly. The spring assembly can be adapted to act on the optical system support at at least two support points spaced apart from each other in an axial direction, the axial direction being oriented parallel to the optical axis.

[0034] The two support points can be realized as bearing or abutment locations where the optical system support and the spring assembly abut against each other. Such two abutting locations spaced apart from each other can increase the stability of such a support against tilting of the optical system support. Two support points are preferable to a single support point, which has the disadvantage that the optical system support may tilt if no additional measures are taken to act against such tilting.

[0035] The spring assembly can include a leaf spring, the flat design of which allows two sections of the leaf spring spaced apart from one another along an axial direction to form two bearing points that abut the optical system support.

[0036] The leaf springs may form bearing lines oriented parallel to the optical axis, along which the leaf springs may support the optical system support.

[0037] Preferably, the at least two bearing points are formed on a side of the optical system support opposite to the side on which the working section is positioned. Most preferably, the at least two bearing points and the working section may be positioned substantially diametrically opposite one another.

[0038] In a further improved embodiment of the optical adjustment device, in a corresponding embodiment comprising a slider, the axial position of the actuating section and / or the axial position of the slider may be located between at least two support points.

[0039] The actuating section and / or slider thus form a force triangle with the two support points. The following simplified situation should be understood to explain the forces and the tendency of the optical support to tilt when a force is applied to the optical support. The optical support can be considered or modeled as a bar supported by spring members at two support points spaced apart along the z-direction. The actuating section and / or slider can abut the bar on opposite sides thereof, such that in the z-direction, the actuating section and / or slider abut the bar between the two support points (located in the z-direction). In this way, the bar can be supported in two parts, and such an assembly represents a stable system that does not tend to tilt about the axis of the bar. This principle can be applied equally to the corresponding embodiment of the optical support of the present invention, with a linear actuator and two support points. This embodiment of the optical adjustment device is also stable against tilting about the optical axis of the optical support.

[0040] In a further advantageous embodiment of the optical adjustment device of the present invention, the optical system support may have a notch arranged circumferentially around the optical axis on the outer surface of the optical system support, and the leaf spring may be accommodated in the notch.

[0041] In this manner, the notch can define a predetermined storage position for the spring assembly. The notch can be further adapted to facilitate positioning of the spring assembly relative to the optics support during assembly, and to facilitate positioning of the optics support relative to the housing. The notch can include a sharp edge that prevents the spring assembly from being removed from the notch once it is received in the notch. Removal of the spring assembly from the notch may require deflecting the spring assembly away from the notch and then removing the optics support.

[0042] The notches may be inlayed and / or coated to reduce or prevent any wear between the notches and the spring assembly.

[0043] In a further advantageous embodiment, the translational actuator assembly may be a first translational actuator assembly, the actuation direction may be a first actuation direction, and the optical adjustment device may comprise, in addition to the first translational actuator assembly, a second translational actuator assembly, which may comprise a second linear actuator supported on the housing, the second linear actuator having a second actuation direction that may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the optical axis and that may be different from the first actuation direction, and the second linear actuator is adapted to displace the optical system support relative to the housing along the second actuation direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0044] The first translational actuator and the second translational actuator can be actuated independently of each other.

[0045] This embodiment of the optical adjusting device of the present invention can be further improved in that the first actuation direction and the second actuation direction are oriented perpendicular to each other.

[0046] This allows the position of the optical system support, and thus the optical axis, to be adjusted in two dimensions, which can be easily accommodated by application of a Cartesian coordinate system.

[0047] Thus, movement of the optics support relative to the housing can be a superposition of movement along a first actuation direction and movement along a second actuation direction.

[0048] In an embodiment including two translational actuator assemblies (a first translational actuator assembly and a second translational actuator assembly), each of the translational actuator assemblies can include a spring assembly. In this case, the corresponding spring assembly is essentially located on the opposite side of the corresponding translational actuator assembly. However, in another preferred embodiment, a common spring assembly is provided that acts on both the first translational actuator assembly and the second translational actuator assembly. In this case, the spring assembly is not directly opposite the first linear translational actuator assembly or the second linear translational actuator assembly (a directly opposite position corresponds to an angle of 180°), but can be oriented at an angle of approximately 135° relative to each translational actuator assembly. Preferably, the spring assembly includes a leaf spring that at least partially abuts a circumferential portion of the optical system support.

[0049] In one embodiment, the slider of the optical adjustment device may be a first slider, and the optical adjustment device may include a second slider, the second slider being slidably positioned relative to the optical system support. The first slider may be adapted to guide movement of the optical system support along a first actuation direction, and the second slider may be adapted to guide movement of the optical system support along a second actuation direction. The sliding along the first actuation direction or the second actuation direction may be independent of each other.

[0050] In one embodiment of the optical adjustment device, the first translational actuator assembly may comprise a second slider, and the second translational actuator assembly may comprise the first slider.

[0051] The first slider may be provided on the working section of the second translational actuator assembly. Accordingly, the second slider may be provided on the working section of the first translational actuator assembly.

[0052] Thus, each of the first and second actuation sections may be adapted to actuate the optical system support along or opposite the first actuation direction or the second actuation direction while simultaneously providing a respective other second translational actuator assembly or slider of the first translational actuator assembly for guiding the optical system support along the second actuation direction or the first actuation direction. The slider of the first translational actuator assembly may include at least one of a sliding surface and a sliding member that contacts the optical system support and can extend along the second actuation direction. Furthermore, the slider of the second translational actuator assembly may include at least one of a sliding surface and a sliding member that contacts the optical system support and extends along the first actuation direction.

[0053] Each of the sliders of the corresponding first or second translational actuator assembly can be limited by at least one stop element, and the length of the sliding surface of the slider of the first (or second) translational actuator assembly can be greater than the stroke of the second (or first) translational actuator.

[0054] This allows the optical system support to be continuously guided along the first translation direction or the second translation direction, and the limit stop may be adapted to prevent the optical system support from moving out of this guided area.

[0055] Any of the previous embodiments of the optical adjustment device of the present invention can be improved by further comprising an axial translation actuator assembly that may be adapted to translate the optical system support relative to the housing along an axial direction, the axial direction being oriented substantially parallel to the optical axis.

[0056] This embodiment has the advantage that it is adapted to adjust a property of at least one optical element that depends on its axial position, i.e., its position along the axial or optical axis. The axial translation actuator assembly may be adapted to adjust a focus position that can be moved along the optical axis upon actuation of the axial translation actuator assembly. Thus, this embodiment may be applied to re-adjust the focus of at least one optical element.

[0057] This embodiment of the optical adjustment device of the present invention can therefore provide an adjustment means that can be adapted to correct or change the lateral position of the image to properly focus the image on the image sensor in order to obtain a sharp image.

[0058] To improve this embodiment of the optical adjustment device, the axial translation actuator may include an actuator sleeve that at least partially accommodates the optical system support and is supported by the housing, the optical system support being rotatable about an axis and adapted to translate the rotation into a movement of the optical system support itself along the axis, the actuator sleeve being supported relative to the housing by an axially deflectable spring element. The optical system support may be rotatably movable relative to the actuator sleeve. This rotational movement may produce a translational movement along or opposite to the optical axis.

[0059] The actuator sleeve can thus form a sleeve centered on the optics support. The assembly comprising the actuator sleeve and the optics support can thus be moved along a lateral direction by a translational actuator assembly, during which the positions of the optics support and the actuator sleeve along or opposite the optical axis remain constant.

[0060] During axial translation, the actuator sleeve and optics support may be supported by sliding surfaces on opposite ends of the actuator sleeve.

[0061] Because lateral movement of the optics support and the actuator sleeve is initiated by direct actuation of the lever assembly on the optics support, positioning tolerances due to tolerance chaining can be reduced. These tolerances can be greater if the actuation lever assembly directly translates the actuator sleeve, i.e., acts on the actuator sleeve, thereby indirectly translating the optics support.

[0062] The actuator sleeve allows axial movement of the optical system support within the actuator sleeve. The actuator sleeve may have an internal thread that engages with the external thread of the optical system support, allowing the optical system support to rotate relative to the housing and the actuator sleeve, thereby translating the optical system support itself via the thread along the optical axis. The optical system support may be positioned at the center of the actuator sleeve. The actuator sleeve and / or the optical system support may preferably be rotationally symmetric.

[0063] The actuator sleeve is supported on the housing by an axially deflectable spring element to prevent the optical system support from jamming, blocking, or becoming stuck in the housing. For example, when the actuator sleeve is inserted into the housing and the sliding surface of the actuator sleeve abuts against the corresponding sliding surface of the housing, a normal force acts between the actuator sleeve and the housing. This normal force creates friction between the sliding surface and the corresponding sliding surface, which generates a friction force perpendicular to the normal force. If this friction force is greater than the force that the translational actuator assembly can exert, movement of the optical system support is prevented. This can occur if the space between the corresponding sliding surfaces and / or the length of the actuator sleeve have a length tolerance.

[0064] The axially deflectable spring element can compensate for the length tolerances that would otherwise (if not compensated for) prevent the actuator sleeve from moving when accommodated in the housing, or that would otherwise be too loosely accommodated in the housing, resulting in tilting of the actuator sleeve and thus of the optical system support. The axially deflectable spring element can then bias the actuator sleeve against a corresponding sliding surface of the housing with an axial spring force acting on the actuator sleeve. The optical system support can be indirectly held to the actuator sleeve. The axially deflectable spring element allows a frictional force to be set that is smaller than the actuation force that can be provided by the translational actuator assembly.

[0065] Thus, in one embodiment, the slider of the first actuator assembly and the slider of the second actuator assembly slide along the optical system support along a (lateral) second actuation direction, the first actuation direction, or a combined direction of the first and second actuation directions when the corresponding second actuator assembly and / or first actuator assembly is actuated. When the optical system support is rotated, both sliders slide along the optical system support, thereby translating themselves along the optical axis, while the actuator sleeve may remain stationary.

[0066] This embodiment is thus adapted to adjust the axial position of the optics support relative to the (static) housing. When the third linear actuator extends or expands, this movement of the optics support is performed against the axially deflectable spring element. When the third linear actuator contracts, the biased axially deflectable spring element can push the optics support in the same direction. In this way, continuous translation along the optical axis can be obtained in both directions.

[0067] In one embodiment of the optical adjustment device of the present invention, a pressure ring can be fixed to the optical system support. The optical system support can be supported by a spring element mounted on a rotatable ring, which can have a screw thread. This embodiment is adapted to provide a means for setting the bias of the axially deflectable spring element or to prevent the optical system support from jamming or becoming stuck in the housing. Thus, the rotatable ring can be adapted to set the axial force of the slide surface of the actuator sleeve relative to the corresponding slide surface of the housing to maintain the frictional force between the two slide surfaces below the force that could be applied to the optical system support by the linear translation actuator assembly and to prevent the presence of rotational or tilting play that would allow the optical system support to tilt about the optical axis. Such tilting must be prevented in any case. As a result, friction conditions are modified even when the slide surfaces are modified and / or different grease elements or lubricants are applied. The rotatable ring can be used to set the optimal bias of the axially deflectable spring element.

[0068] The sliding surfaces of the actuator sleeve and the corresponding sliding surfaces of the housing may be annular in shape, but may have any combination of inner or outer shapes with any number of edges, such as a hexagonal inner profile and a (larger) hexagonal outer profile, etc. However, annular shapes are preferred due to reduced manufacturing costs.

[0069] The actuator sleeve may comprise at least one flattening structure and / or at least one guiding mechanism adapted to prevent any rotation about the optical axis during interaction between the female thread of the actuator sleeve and the male thread of the optical system support.

[0070] In yet another embodiment, such a planarizing surface and / or guiding mechanism can be provided on the optical system support, and the actuator sleeve is rotated, whereby the female threads of the actuator sleeve interact with the male threads of the optical system support, thereby translating the optical system support along or in the opposite direction to the optical axis. In this embodiment, a retaining sleeve can further be provided that includes a sliding surface and can accommodate the actuator sleeve.

[0071] Any of the above-mentioned embodiments of the optical adjustment device of the present invention can be provided in an embodiment of a microscope of the present invention, in which the optical adjustment device may be adapted to optically adjust the output light provided by the microscope, in particular the output light provided at the optical outlet port of the microscope for imaging by an imaging device. The optical adjustment device of the present invention may be adapted to correct the imaging position of the output light in a plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis, and may further be adapted to correct the focal position of the output light on the imaging device, i.e., to reference the path of the output light by the imaging device to obtain an image with as little blur as possible.

[0072] In another advantageous embodiment of the microscope of the present invention, the light outlet may be a first light outlet, the imaging device may be a first imaging device, the microscope may further comprise, in addition to the first light outlet, a second light outlet, which may be adapted to output light of the microscope to the second imaging device, and an embodiment of the optical adjustment device of the present invention may be arranged in the optical path between the first light outlet and the first imaging device or between the second light outlet and the second imaging device.

[0073] The microscope of this embodiment has the advantage that any microscope or microscope system that may already have one imaging device can be equipped with a second imaging device. Even when two or more imaging devices are attached to the microscope via a centering mechanical connector, such as a C-mount, there may be slight differences between the images generated by the first imaging device and the second imaging device. This drawback can be overcome by providing an embodiment of the optical adjustment device of the present invention between one of the light outlets and one of the first imaging device or the second imaging device.

[0074] A microscope equipped with one imaging device and improved by the addition of a second imaging device may be, for example, a Thunder Imaging System™.

[0075] Therefore, this embodiment of the microscope of the present invention may be adapted to synchronize two or more images recorded by at least two imaging devices. In particular, a second image recorded by a second imaging device may be aligned in terms of the field of view of the second image and the focus of the second image, so that the second image corresponds to the first image recorded by the first imaging device.

[0076] Therefore, this embodiment may allow for compensation for any misalignment or mismatch of the second imaging device.

[0077] The first imaging device and / or the second imaging device may be realized as a camera.

[0078] The at least two images so synchronized provided by this embodiment of the microscope can be further processed by an image processing device, such as a computer, etc. Processing the images by mechanical synchronization of the optical system supports relative to each other to synchronize the at least two images obtained can begin without any prior image or data processing to synchronize the field of view and focus.

[0079] Any embodiment of the optical adjustment device of the present invention and the microscope of the present invention may comprise a processor or may be controlled by a processor.

[0080] The computer-implemented method can actuate at least one of the translational actuator assemblies of the optical adjustment device in response to a comparison value obtained from comparing a first image recorded by the first imaging device and a second image recorded by the second imaging device. The computer-implemented method can include adjusting the optical axis in response to the comparison value.

[0081] A processor may be provided that is adapted to perform the method.

[0082] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as " / ".

[0083] While some aspects have been described in the context of an apparatus, it will be apparent that these aspects also represent a description of a corresponding method, where a block or apparatus corresponds to a step or feature of a step, and similarly, aspects described in the context of a step also represent a description of a corresponding block or item or feature of a corresponding apparatus.

[0084] The present invention will be described in more detail below based on the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Individual features of the embodiments may be omitted according to the above description if the technical effects of these features are not important for a particular application. Conversely, features not present in the embodiments shown below may be added according to the above description if the technical effects of the features are important for a particular application.

[0085] In the drawings and the following description, elements that correspond to one another in terms of function and / or structure will be designated by the same reference numerals for simplicity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0086] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an optical adjustment device of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a detailed view of the embodiment of the optical adjustment device of the present invention of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a detailed view of the embodiment of the optical adjustment device of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, seen from another perspective. [Figure 4] 1 is a cutaway view of an optical adjustment device of the present invention along the optical axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0087] 1, an embodiment of an optical adjustment device 101 of the present invention is shown in perspective view. The optical adjustment device 101 comprises a housing 103 and an optical system support 105. In the figure, the housing 103 is shown for illustration only, i.e., transparent, so that the optical system support 105 can be seen.

[0088] The optics support 105 may be an inner optics support and the housing 103 may be an outer housing. The optics support 105 may be entirely contained within the housing 103.

[0089] The optical support 105 is adapted to support at least one optical element 107 (not shown), or alternatively, the optical support 105 comprises or supports a system of optical elements (also not shown). The at least one optical element 107 has an optical axis 109.

[0090] The optical adjustment device 101 further includes a first translational actuator assembly 111a, a translational actuator assembly 111. The translational actuator assembly 111 is adapted to translate the optical system support 105 along a lateral direction 113 relative to the housing 103. The lateral direction 113 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the optical axis 109.

[0091] The translational actuator assembly 111 comprises a linear actuator 115, which can be realized, for example, as a micrometer screw 115a. The linear actuator 115 is fixed relative to the housing 103, and an actuating portion 115b can extend toward or retract from an interior 103a of the housing 103. The actuating portion 115b abuts a free end 127 of a lever 123 that is pivotally housed within the housing 103. The portion 125 of the lever 123 is fixed relative to the housing 103 by attachment means 223a, for example, a screw 223b, that secure the portion 125 of the lever 123 to the housing 103 (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, the lever 103 is pivotable by a film hinge 223c. Between the fixed end 125a and the free end 127, the lever includes an actuation section 129. The translational actuator assembly 111 contacts the optics support 105 via the actuation section 129 upon actuation of the linear actuator 115, displacing the optics support 105.

[0093] 2, lever 123 has a length L, and lever arms 223d and 223e have corresponding lever arm lengths L1 and L2, respectively. Lever 123 abuts optical system support 105 at actuating section 129, thereby forming fulcrum 223f.

[0094] Depending on the ratio of L to L, the translation distance along the lateral direction 113 may be only a portion of the translation distance of the linear actuator 115. The linear actuator 115 is adapted to translate the optical system support 105 along an actuation direction 119.

[0095] The optical adjustment device 101 further comprises two sliders 131, a first slider 131a and a second slider 131b, slidably positioned relative to the optical system support 105. Each slider 131 in the illustrated embodiment defines a sliding surface 133 that is oriented substantially parallel to the corresponding actuation direction 119 or actuation direction 121.

[0096] The sliding surface 133 of the first slider 131a is therefore oriented parallel to the second actuation direction 121, while the sliding surface 133 of the second slider 131b is oriented parallel to the first actuation direction 119. Each slider 131, i.e., the first slider 131a and the second slider 131b, therefore comprises a sliding member 135, i.e., a first sliding member 135a and a second sliding member 135b. Each of the sliding members 135a, 135b is guided along the corresponding sliding surface 133 (i.e., the first sliding surface 133a and the second sliding surface 133b) along the first actuation direction 119 or the second actuation direction 121, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding surfaces 133 of the first slider 131a and / or the second slider 131b, i.e., the first sliding surface 133a and / or the second sliding surface 133b, may be realized as linear supports that contact or engage the outer surface of the optical system support 105. In other embodiments (not shown), the sliding surfaces 133 may include different shapes, and may be, for example and without limitation, rectangular.

[0097] The optical adjustment device 101 further includes a spring assembly 137 provided on a side 139 of the optical system support 105 opposite the translational actuator assembly 111. The spring assembly 137 biases the optical system support 105 toward the translational actuator assembly 111, i.e., opposite the actuation direction 119. The spring assembly 137 is supported by the housing 103 and is provided essentially opposite the slider 131. The spring assembly 137 may be realized as a leaf spring 141.

[0098] The above-described conditions and positioning of spring assembly 137 are shown schematically in tile 171b, which shows optical system support 105, first translational actuator assembly 111a, second translational actuator assembly 112, and spring assembly 137. Spring force 173 of spring assembly 137 acts at an angle 175 of approximately 135° relative to first translational actuator assembly 111a and second translational actuator assembly 112.

[0099] Further possible non-limiting embodiments of the present invention are shown in tiles 171a and 171c. In tile 171a, first translational actuator assembly 111a and second translational actuator assembly 112 each include a corresponding first spring 177 and second spring 179. It should be noted that while each spring shown in tiles 171a-171c is only diagrammatically shown as a coil spring, all possible spring geometries may be applied in further possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0100] First spring 177 and second spring 179 each exert a first spring force 177a and a second spring force 179a, respectively, directed toward first translational actuator assembly 111a or second translational actuator assembly 112. If only one spring assembly 137 is provided, spring force 173 (tile 171b) is divided into rectangular components that act respectively on first translational actuator assembly 111a and second translational actuator assembly 112. These divided components are not shown here.

[0101] Finally, tile 171c includes a tension spring 181 that generates a spring force 173. The spring force 173 acts on the optics support 105 through tension member 183 at an angle 175 of approximately 135°.

[0102] When viewed along the axial direction 145, the axial position 147 of the working section 129 is located between at least two support points 243 spaced apart from each other in the axial direction 145, and the axial direction is oriented parallel to the optical axis 109.

[0103] The optics support 105 includes a notch 149 that is provided circumferentially about the optical axis 109 on an outer surface 151 of the optics support 105 .

[0104] In addition to the first translational actuator assembly 111a, the optical adjustment device 101 further includes a second translational actuator assembly 112. The second translational actuator assembly 112 includes a second linear actuator 117 that is also supported by the housing 103, the second linear actuator 117 having a second actuation direction 121 that is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis 109 and different from the first actuation direction 119. Preferably, the first actuation direction 119 is perpendicular to the second actuation direction 121.

[0105] As can be seen, the first translational actuator assembly 111a and the second translational actuator assembly 112 are implemented identically to one another. In other embodiments of the optical adjustment device 101 of the present invention, the first translational actuator assembly 111a and the second translational actuator assembly 112 may similarly differ from one another.

[0106] Additionally, the actuating section 129 of the first actuator assembly 111a represents or forms a first slider 131a for the second actuator assembly 112. Accordingly, the actuating section 129 of the second actuator assembly 112 represents or forms a slider 131 for the first actuator assembly 111a.

[0107] In one embodiment, the optical adjustment device 101 can include an axial translation actuator assembly 300 as described with reference to FIGS.

[0108] In an embodiment comprising an axial translation actuator assembly 300, the optical system support 105 is housed within an actuator sleeve 302 that abuts a pressure ring 301. The pressure ring 301 is supported by a rotatable ring 303, which is attached to the housing 103 by threads 304.

[0109] The pressure ring 301 is supported by the rotatable ring 303 via an axially deflectable spring element, exemplarily shown as a coil spring in Figures 3 and 4. By rotating the rotatable ring 303, the relative positions of the pressure ring 301 and the rotatable ring 303 are changed with respect to one another. The spring element 157 is further compressed or relaxed by this changed positioning, and the pressure of the pressure ring 301 against the actuator sleeve 302 can be set to a predetermined value.

[0110] In this embodiment, actuation of the first translational actuator assembly 111a and / or the second translational actuator assembly 112 causes the optical system support 105 to move laterally, causing the first sliding surface 306 provided on the actuator sleeve 302 to slide or glide along or against the lateral direction 113 along the second sliding surface 308 (i.e., the first countersliding surface 308) provided on the pressure ring 301. In the illustrated embodiment, the first sliding surface 306 and the second sliding surface 308 are realized in an annular shape. Different shapes of the sliding surfaces 306, 308 are conceivable.

[0111] Setting the pressure between the pressure ring 301 and the actuator sleeve 302 can be set at the factory depending on the characteristics of the spring element 157, the coefficient of friction between the material of the pressure ring 301 and the material of the actuator sleeve 302, and any lubricants that may be applied to the material of the pressure ring 301 and the material of the actuator sleeve 302.

[0112] In Figure 4, a cutaway view of the optical adjustment device 101 of the present invention is shown, the cut being taken at the optical axis 109. The housing 103 supports a rotatable ring 303 by means of threads 304. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the rotatable ring 303 has external threads and the housing 103 has internal threads.

[0113] As can be seen, the housing 103 is realized as a first housing part 403, and a second housing part 405 is provided. Thus, in another embodiment of the invention, the rotatable ring 303 can be provided with an internal thread (not shown) that engages with an external thread of the second housing part 405.

[0114] Via the screw threads 304, the rotatable ring 303 can be repositioned along the optical axis 109, i.e., along the axial direction 145. Thus, the rotatable ring 303 can be repositioned relative to the pressure ring 301.

[0115] The rotatable ring 303 supports an axially deflectable spring element 157 housed in a receptacle 407 in the pressure ring 301. The receptacle 407 is realized as a circumferential notch 409 opening in the axial direction 145.

[0116] The pressure ring 301 provides a second sliding surface 308 (also: a first counter sliding surface 308) and the actuator sleeve 302 provides a first sliding surface 306. The pressure between the two sliding surfaces 306, 308 is set by a rotatable ring 303.

[0117] On the opposite side of the actuator sleeve 302, the actuator sleeve 302 and the housing 103 are provided with a third sliding surface 411 and a fourth sliding surface 413, respectively.

[0118] The fourth slide 413 may be referred to as the second corresponding slide 413 .

[0119] The actuator sleeve 302 is housed between the second sliding surface 308 and the fourth sliding surface 413, and the pressure between the actuator sleeve 302 and these sliding surfaces 308, 413 is set by a rotatable ring 303.

[0120] The actuator sleeve 302 in the illustrated embodiment houses an optics support 105 that supports several optical elements 107 .

[0121] In the direction perpendicular to the optical axis 109 , the optical system support 105 is supported by a lever 123 and a leaf spring 141 .

[0122] When the optics support 105 is translated by the lever 123, the actuator sleeve 302 is also moved with the optics support 105. Additionally, the optics support 105 includes an external thread 415 that engages with an internal thread 417 of the actuator sleeve 302.

[0123] 3 provides an uncut view of the optics support 105, showing tool receptacles 305a. A tool can be inserted into these tool receptacles 305a through a slot (the tool or slot is not shown) in the actuator sleeve 302 to rotate the optics support 105 about the optical axis 109, thereby translating the optics support 105 itself. Interaction between the external threads 415 of the optics support 105 and the internal threads 417 of the actuator sleeve 302 allows the optics support 105 to translate along or against the axis 145. The four sliding surfaces 306, 308, 411, and 413 house the optics support 105 within the actuator sleeve 302, which abuts against the housing, preventing tilting of the optics support 105. Furthermore, the abutment between lever 123 and leaf spring 141 prevents movement along a direction perpendicular to optical axis 109. For example, if actuator sleeve 302 is translated directly by lever 123 and optical system support 105 is translated indirectly via actuator sleeve 302, the direct abutment between lever 123 and leaf spring 141 against optical system support 105 is effective in reducing tolerance errors accumulated in the tolerance chain.

[0124] 1 also shows a microscope 159 comprising an embodiment of the optical adjustment device 101 of the present invention. The microscope 159 comprises a light outlet 161 adapted to output light 163 to an imaging device 165.

[0125] Furthermore, in addition to the first light outlet 161, the microscope 159 has a second light outlet 167 adapted to output the light 163 of the microscope 159 but also adapted to output to a second imaging device 169.

[0126] An embodiment of the optical adjustment device 101 of the present invention may be provided either between the first image capture device 165 and the first light outlet 161 or between the second image capture device 169 and the second light outlet 167. This allows for synchronization of the first image 171 and the second image 173 recorded by the first image capture device 165 and the second image capture device 169, respectively.

[0127] Images 171 and 173 may be synchronized in terms of image field of view and focal position by translational actuator assembly 111 and translational actuator assembly 112 and axial translational actuator assembly 153, respectively. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 101 Optical adjustment device 103 Housing 105 Optical system support 107 Optical Elements 109 Optical axis 111 Translational Actuator Assembly 111a First translational actuator assembly 112 Second Translational Actuator Assembly 113 Horizontal 115 First Linear Actuator 115a micrometer screw 117 Second Linear Actuator 119 First operating direction 121 Second operating direction 123 Lever 123a Mounting means 123b Screw 123c Film Hinge 125 parts 125a Fixed end 129 Operating Section 131 Slider 131a First slider 131b Second slider 133 Sliding surface 133a first sliding surface 133b second sliding surface 135 Sliding member 135a first sliding member 135b second sliding member 137 Spring Assembly 139 Optical system support side 141 Leaf spring 145 Axial direction 147 Axial position 149 Notch 151 External surface 155 Third Linear Actuator 157 Axially deflectable spring element 159 Microscope 161 light exit 163 light 165 Imaging Device 167 Second light exit 169 Second imaging device 171a First Tile 171b Second Tile 171c Third Tile 173 Spring Force 175 angle 177 First Spring 177a First spring force 179 Second Spring 179a Second spring force 181 Tension spring 183 Tension members 223d Lever arm 223e Lever Arm 223f Fulcrum 243 Bearing point 300 Axial Translation Actuator Assembly 301 Pressure Ring 302 Actuator Sleeve 303 Rotatable Ring 304 thread 305a Tool Receptacle 306 First Slide 308 Second Slide / First Counter Slide 403 first housing part 405 Second housing part 407 Receptacle 409 Circumferential notch 411 Third Slide 413 Fourth Slide / Second Counter Slide 415 External thread of optical support 417 Female thread on actuator sleeve L Lever length L1 Lever arm length L2 lever arm length

Claims

1. An optical adjustment device (101), The optical adjustment device (101) comprises a housing (103) and an optical system support (105), the optical system support (105) being at least partially translatably supported by the housing (103), the optical system support (105) further comprising at least one optical element (107) having an optical axis (109), and the optical adjustment device (101) further comprises a translation actuator assembly (111) adapted to translate the optical system support (105) relative to the housing (103) along a lateral direction (113) substantially perpendicular to the optical axis (109). Optical adjustment device (101).

2. The translational actuator assembly (111) comprises a linear actuator (115) partially fixed relative to the housing (103), the linear actuator (115) having an actuation direction (119) substantially perpendicular to the optical axis (109), the linear actuator (115) adapted to displace the optical system support (105) relative to the housing (103) along the actuation direction (119) substantially perpendicular to the optical axis (109). The optical adjustment device (101) according to claim 1.

3. the optical adjustment device (101) comprises a pivotable lever (123) having a portion (125) fixed relative to the housing (103), the lever adapted to be deflected by the linear actuator (115), the lever (123) comprising an actuating section (129) adapted to abut against the optical system support (105) and displace the optical system support (105) upon actuation of the linear actuator (115); The optical adjustment device (101) according to claim 2.

4. The optical adjustment device (101) comprises a slider (131) slidably positioned relative to the optical system support (105). The optical adjustment device (101) according to claim 2.

5. a spring assembly (137) on a side (139) of the optical system support (105) opposite the translational actuator assembly (111), the spring assembly (137) adapted to bias the optical system support (105) toward the translational actuator assembly (111); The optical adjustment device (101) according to claim 1.

6. the spring assembly (137) is adapted to act on the optical system support (105) at at least two bearing points (243) spaced apart from one another in an axial direction (145), the axial direction (145) being oriented parallel to the optical axis (109); The optical adjustment device (101) according to claim 5.

7. The translational actuator assembly (111) comprises a linear actuator (115) partially fixed relative to the housing (103), the linear actuator (115) having an actuation direction (119) substantially perpendicular to the optical axis (109), the linear actuator (115) adapted to displace the optical system support (105) relative to the housing (103) along the actuation direction (119) substantially perpendicular to the optical axis (109); the optical adjustment device (101) comprises a pivotable lever (123) having a portion (125) fixed relative to the housing (103), the lever adapted to be deflected by the linear actuator (115), the lever (123) comprising an actuating section (129) adapted to abut against the optical system support (105) and displace the optical system support (105) upon actuation of the linear actuator (115); The optical adjustment device (101) comprises a slider (131) slidably positioned relative to the optical system support (105); In the axial direction (145), the axial position (147) of the working section (129) and / or the axial position (147) of the slider (131) is located between the at least two bearing points (243).

7. An optical adjustment device (101) according to claim 6.

8. The optical system support (105) has a notch (149) provided in an outer surface (151) of the optical system support (105) in a circumferential direction around the optical axis (109), and the leaf spring (141) is accommodated in the notch (149).

7. An optical adjustment device (101) according to claim 6.

9. the translational actuator assembly (111) is a first translational actuator assembly (111a), the actuation direction (119) is a first actuation direction, the optical adjustment device (101) comprises, in addition to the first translational actuator assembly (111a), a second translational actuator assembly (112), the second translational actuator assembly (112) comprising a second linear actuator (117) supported on the housing (103), the second linear actuator (117) having a second actuation direction (121) different from the first actuation direction (119) that is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis (109), the second linear actuator (117) being adapted to displace the optical system support (105) relative to the housing (103) along the second actuation direction (121) substantially perpendicular to the optical axis (109); The optical adjustment device (101) according to claim 2.

10. the first actuation direction (119) and the second actuation direction (121) are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other; The optical adjustment device (101) according to claim 9.

11. The optical adjustment device (101) comprises a slider (131) slidably positioned relative to the optical system support (105), the slider (131) is a first slider, the second translational actuator assembly (112) includes a second slider in addition to the first slider, and the second slider is slidably positioned relative to the optical system support (105); The optical adjustment device (101) according to claim 9.

12. The optical adjustment device (101) further comprises an axial translation actuator assembly (153) adapted to translate the optical system support (105) relative to the housing (103) along an axial direction (145), the axial direction (145) being oriented parallel to the optical axis (109). The optical adjustment device (101) according to claim 1.

13. the axial translation actuator assembly (153) comprises an actuator sleeve (302) at least partially enclosing the optical system support (105) and supported by the housing (103), the optical system support (105) being rotatable about the axis and adapted to translate rotation into movement of the optical system support (105) itself along the axis (145), the actuator sleeve (302) being supported relative to the housing (103) by an axially deflectable spring element (157); The optical adjustment device (101) according to claim 12.

14. A microscope (159) equipped with an optical adjustment device (101) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the optical adjustment device (101) is disposed in an optical path between a light outlet (161) of the microscope (159) and an imaging device (165), the light outlet (161) being adapted to output light (163) to the imaging device (165); Microscope (159).

15. A microscope (159) comprising a light outlet (161), the light outlet being a first light outlet (161), and an imaging device (165), the imaging device being a first imaging device (165), the microscope (159) further comprises, in addition to the first light outlet (161), a second light outlet (167), the second light outlet (167) being adapted to output the light (163) of the microscope (159) to a second imaging device (169); The optical adjustment device (101) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 is arranged in the optical path between the first light outlet (161) and the first image capture device (165) or in the optical path between the second light outlet (167) and the second image capture device (169). Microscope (159).

Images