Rotary objective changer for optical instruments

Abstract

Rotary objective changer systems with individual objective stage assemblies improve the accuracy of an optical system incorporating multiple microscope objectives. These systems can also be more space-efficient while reducing the cost of drive mechanisms and other common issues with conventional systems. In this rotational system, individual objective stage assemblies can also be more efficiently accessed for adding or removing objectives and other routine maintenance.

Description

ROTARY OBJECTIVE CHANGER FOR OPTICAL INSTRUMENTSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is being filed as a PCT International application and claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 677,811 , filed July 31 , 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Optical systems that focus at a variety of different magnitudes, such as microscopes, often employ multiple objectives in order to change the magnification and performance of the optical system. Microscope objectives and their associated hardware are relatively heavy compared to many other optical components, requiring manual adjustment or, in automated systems, drives capable of aligning and focusing the structures involved. Multiple objectives are often mounted in a circle on an angled table (also called a turret). In these systems, each position on the turret must be machined at a high accuracy relative to the optical system to maintain the proper orientation of the objective, as the table typically incorporates detents to repeatably return an objective to a desired imaging position. The objectives in these systems can be selected and then the system can be focused through the selected objective by moving the sample stage (that is, the turret and all connected objectives) to adjust the focal distance relative to the sample. As the number of objectives increases so does the complexity and cost of the drive needed to provide efficient and accurate focusing capabilities, because of the increased number of objectives and accompanying increased weight and complexity of the turret.SUMMARY

[0003] According to an embodiment, a rotational objective changer for an optical instrument includes an actuator and a rotational objective changer table arranged along a plane. The rotational objective changer table is coupled to the actuator such that the actuator causes a rotational movement of the rotational objective changer table in the plane. Objective stage assemblies are each mechanically coupled to the rotationalobjective changer table, each of the plurality of objective stage assemblies oriented orthogonal to the plane.

[0004] Each of the plurality of objective stage assemblies can be individually adjustable relative to the rotational objective changer table along an optical axis that is orthogonal to the plane. Each of the plurality of objective stage assemblies can include a vertical bearing stage; and an objective mechanically coupled to the vertical bearing stage. The objective can be mechanically coupled to a mounting plate, and a relative position of the objective to the mounting plate is determined by a plurality of screw adjusters around a pivot ball. Activation of the screw adjusters would then cause a tip rotation of the objective stage assembly, a tilt rotation of the objective stage assembly, or both. The objective can be an immersion objective, and may include at least one fluid management adapter. The rotational objective changer table can be mechanically coupled to a roller bearing. The rotational objective changer table can define detents such that the actuator can rotate the rotational objective changer table between positions defined by the plurality of detents, each of the positions defined by the plurality of detents corresponding to rotational position at which one of the objective stage assemblies is arranged along the optical axis.

[0005] According to another embodiment, an objective stage assembly includes a vertical bearing stage optically alignable to six degrees of freedom relative to a mounting plate, and an objective mechanically coupled to the vertical bearing stage.

[0006] The mounting plate can be arranged primarily along an XY plane, and the objective is mechanically coupled to the vertical bearing stage in a direction primarily orthogonal to the plane along a Z axis. The vertical bearing stage can be mechanically coupled to a pivot ball and screw adjusters. The pivot ball and screw adjusters can rotate the objective stage assembly about the optical axis direction while the vertical bearing stage remains stationary. The objective stage assembly can also include fine motors arranged to translate the objective stage assembly along the optical axis direction. Activation of the screw adjusters can cause a tip rotation of the objective stage assembly, a tilt rotation of the objective stage assembly, or both. The objective can be an immersion objective, and can further include at least one fluid management adapter. The objective stage assembly can have six degrees of freedom comprise a tip direction, a tilt direction, and the optical axis direction.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Aspects and advantages of the embodiments provided herein are described with reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers may be re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. The drawings are provided to illustrate example embodiments described herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotational objective changer for an optical instrument.

[0009] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the rotational objective changer of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 3A is a detailed view of an objective stage assembly of the rotational objective changer of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of the objective stage assembly of FIG. 3A.

[0012] While various embodiments are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Optical systems, such as microscopes, employ multiple objectives in order to change the magnification and performance of the optical system. Objectives and their associated hardware are relatively heavy, requiring drives capable of aligning and focusing the structures involved. As the number of objectives increases, so does the complexity and cost of the drive. Furthermore, optical systems may be mounted within a complicated, high precision instrument, such as a life sciences imaging device, which may complicate access to the optical system or individual objectives for routine maintenance or repair procedures, and prevent manual manipulation of the objectives.

[0014] Disclosed herein are systems providing a high performance rotational objective changer and focusing mechanisms for use in optical systems. These systems can be implemented in any optical system including high-precision diagnostic or lifescience imaging devices. This system can be implemented in any automated or manual optical system such as: completely automated systems, completely manual systems, systems incorporating automated focusing, or systems incorporating manual focusing. An example of this system will be described with reference to example FIGS. 1 - 3B.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotational objective changer 1000 for an optical instrument. FIG. 1 shows a plurality, six objective stage assemblies 100, each of which has a corresponding objective 101. In various embodiments there could be any number of objectives 101 each held in a corresponding objective stage assembly 100.

[0016] FIG. 1 also depicts fluid management adapters 102 and wiring and fluid tubing 103. The fluid management adapter 102 and fluid tubing 103 are not necessary in all embodiments. Rather, they are usable for objectives 101 that are used in immersion imaging. Immersion imaging is described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 10,948,707 B2, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In various embodiments, there may be one or more objectives 101 that are used in immersion microscopy or there may not be. For an immersion microscopy objective 101 there will typically be a fluid management adapter 102 and fluid tubing 103, while objectives 101 that are not used for immersion imaging will typically not.

[0017] In the example shown in FIG. 1, a set of six objective stage assemblies 100 are arranged on the rotational objective changer 1000. Each of the objective stage assemblies 100 is mechanically coupled to the rotational objective changer table 105 (shown in the exploded view of FIG. 2) such that the objectives 101 therein are substantially evenly spaced about the circumference of the rotational objective changer table 105.

[0018] Use of objective stage assemblies 100 as shown in FIG. 1 allows for the optical alignment of the different objectives 101 to be adjusted individually, as described in more detail below.

[0019] The rotational objective changer table 105 extends substantially along a plane. The rotational objective changer table 105 can be rotated within that plane based upon a selected objective 101 that is positioned within an optical axis 160 or pathway (see FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B). For example, the rotational objective changer table 105 can rotate to provide one objective 101 to an imaging position along the optical axis 160 at a time, to allow, for example, a change in magnification or performance of an optical instrument. In other examples, the rotational objective changer table 105 can rotate to provide more than one objective 101 to more than one imaging positions.

[0020] As described in more detail below, the individual objectives 101 can be moved in a direction orthogonal to the plane defined by the rotational objective changer table 105. This is described in more detail, for example, with respect to FIG. 2, in which the optical axis 160 is shown. Objectives 101 can be moved along the optical axis 160, while the rotational objective changer table 105 extends along a plane that extends perpendicular to the optical axis 160, and rotates within that plane.

[0021] In use, the rotational objective changer table 105 can be rotated by a motor or other actuator within an optical system to select which objective(s) 101 are positioned along an optical axis 160 at any given time, as described in more detail below with respect to the actuator 109 of FIG. 2. Additionally, in use, it may be desirable to remove, replace, or add objectives 101, such as between different types of sample analysis. The rotational configuration of rotational objective changer 1000 can allow for easier access to the individual objectives 101 within the optical instrument, as compared to a conventional turret where the objectives 101 are arranged at an angle to the plate on which they are mounted. Another advantage of this configuration is that it is space efficient and customizable, thus allowing for a greater or lesser number of objective stage assemblies 100 and objectives 101 to be incorporated in a given implementation. For example, in other embodiments, fewer than six or greater than six objective stages assemblies 100 can be arranged on the rotational objective changer 1000. An example rotational objective changer 1000 will be described in further detail with respect to FIG. 2.

[0022] Still in reference to FIG. 1, in this example, each of the objective stage assemblies 100 is mechanically coupled to the rotational objective changer 1000 by a vertical bearing stage 104 (depicted in FIG. 3 A and described in more detail therein). Use of the vertical bearing stage 104 allows the relatively large mass of the rotational objective changer 1000 or a given objective stage assembly 100 to be decoupled from a drive mechanism for the individual obj ectives 101 for focusing thereof, described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B below. This decoupling facilitates individual adjustment of one objective 101 independent of the other objectives 101. In other words, the vertical position of each individual objective 101 can be adjusted by the vertical bearing stage 104 without having to control the movement of any additional mass beyond that of the objective 101 and its associated objective stage assembly 100.

[0023] Returning to FIG. 1, advantageously, this independence allows for highly precise adjustments relative to the optical axis 160 of each objective 101. For example, by separating each objective stage assembly 100, one objective stage assembly 100 canbe focused and aligned relative to an optical axis 160 at one time rather than the entire rotational objective changer 1000. Additionally, due to the reduced load for adjusting one objective 101 at a time, this arrangement allows for the use of simple, inexpensive, high resolution motor drivers to achieve high resolution focus capabilities for each objective 101. For example, a small, high speed, high resolution voice coil drive may be used to adjust each objective stage assembly 100 to achieve focus of each objective 101. An example objective stage assembly 100 will be described in further detail with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0024] Still referencing FIG. 1, each of the objective stage assemblies 100 of FIG. 1 can include an objective 101 that is mechanically coupled to the objective stage assembly 100. Advantageously, this independent arrangement allows for a number of different objectives 101 to be used at one time, as well as replacement or reconfiguration of the objectives 101 that are used at different times.

[0025] In some embodiments, the objectives 101 may each have a different magnification power. In some examples, the objectives 101 may be different types of objectives 101 such as standard objectives or immersion objectives. Immersion objectives that can be used can include water or oil immersion objectives. In some embodiments, the use of immersion objectives mechanically coupled in one or more of the objective stage assemblies 100 cam be achieved by a fluid management adapter 102.

[0026] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1 , each of the obj ectives 101 can be vertically mechanically coupled. In some embodiments, the objectives 101 can be mechanically coupled in different vertical directions to allow for focusing on subjects at any given focal distance away from the rotational objective changer 1000.

[0027] The rotational objective changer 1000 shown in FIG. 1 further includes wiring or fluid tubing 103 that is fed through a hole in the center of the assembly and can be connected to one or more of the individual objective stage assemblies 100. Advantageously, this adaptivity further enables the use of a custom array of different types of objectives 101, including standard or immersion objectives, as described above. In some embodiments, custom wiring or fluid tubing 103 can be supplied to each of the objective stage assemblies 100. In other embodiments, standard infrastructure (such as fluid management adapter 102 and fluid tubing 103) can be provided at each objective stage assembly 100 so that it will be usable with any obj ective 101 that is arranged therein that may require it.

[0028] In all, FIG. 1 shows a system that benefits from interchangeability of objectives 101, including objectives of different types, while maintaining an orientation that is all parallel so that any objective 101 is accessible from the side even when inserted into a complex optical system.

[0029] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the rotational objective changer 1000 of FIG. 1, illustrating more details that could not be seen in the unexploded view of that figure. FIG. 2, like FIG. 1, shows objectives 101 (though for simplicity in FIG. 1, only three objectives are shown, two in their objective stage assemblies 100 and one removed).

[0030] In addition to those features described above with respect to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 also shows vertical bearing stages 104, which were briefly described with respect to FIG.1. Vertical bearing stages 104 provide for upward and downward movement of each corresponding objective stage assembly 100 (and the objective 101 therein, if any) relative to the rest of the rotational objective changer 1000.

[0031] FIG. 2 also shows rotational objective changer table 105, roller bearing 106, rolling element 107, table mechanically coupled detents 108, actuator 109, pinion 110, and driver gear 111.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, multiple vertical bearing stages 104 are mechanically coupled on top of the rotational obj ective changer table 105. Rotational obj ective changer table 105 has a central aperture about which it can be rotated, and a substantially flat surface that is mechanically coupled to each of the objective stage assemblies 100, via intermediate structures such as motors, arms, and bearings (not separately called out with reference numbers). Rotational objective changer table 105 forms the platform upon which these additional structures are built.

[0033] The rotational objective changer table 105 is in turn mechanically coupled to a roller bearing 106. In some embodiments, the roller bearing 106 can be a high-precision cross roller bearing. In this example, a rolling element 107 is usable to rotate the table along the roller bearing 106, and a plurality of detents 108 in the table allow for positional accuracy and repeatability of objective positions along an optical axis 160. In some embodiments, rolling element 107 can be a spring mechanically coupled ball. In some embodiments, more than one rolling element 107 and a plurality of detents 108 may be incorporated into the overall rotational objective changer 1000.

[0034] The rotational objective changer 1000 therefore incorporates several interrelated features that enable precise and controlled manipulation of the objective stage assemblies 100 relative to the optical axis 160. The actuator 109 can rotate theobjective changer table 105 within a plane perpendicular to the optical axis 160. Objective stage assemblies 100, each equipped with a vertical bearing stage 104 and an objective 101, are perpendicularly attached to the rotational objective changer table 105. The vertical bearing stage 104 of each objective stage assembly 100 is further enhanced with roller bearing 106 and corresponding rolling element 107 and multiple screw adjusters 113 (see FIG. 3 A) for fine positional adjustments. Integration of detents 108 within the rotational objective changer table 105 can be used to create corresponding predefined stops that correspond to specific rotational positions of the rotational objective changer table 105, such that each objective stage assembly 100 can be aligned along the optical axis 160 when the rotational objective changer table 105 is rotated. The actuator 109 works in tandem with these detents 108 to accurately position the rotational objective changer table 105, allowing for quick and accurate selection and alignment of different objectives 101 during operation.

[0035] Still in reference to the example shown in FIG. 2, the rotational objective changer table 105 is rotated by a actuator 109. In some examples, the actuator 109 can be a stepper motor driven gearbox. In that embodiment, the actuator 109 is positioned through a pinion 110 and driver gear 111 which are coupled to the rotational objective changer table 105. Alternative gear systems may also be used to adjust the rotational objective changer table 105. In some embodiments, a wheel and axel or a pulley system may be used to adjust the rotatable table. It should be understood that while FIG. 2 shows one way to rotate the rotational objective changer 1000, there are a multitude of other ways that the rotation can be accomplished.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, any objective 101 mounted in a corresponding objective stage assembly 100 of the rotational objective changer 1000 can be placed into alignment with the optical axis 160, by rotating the rotational objective changer table 105 using the actuator 109. Once in position along the optical axis 160, individual focus adjustments can be made by moving the objective 101 vertically (referring to the direction along the optical axis 160) by raising or lowering the corresponding objective stage assembly 100 for that objective 101 along its corresponding vertical bearing stage 104. This movement does not require movement of the entire rotational objective changer 1000 along the vertical direction, but can instead be accomplished on an objective-by- objective basis.

[0037] Moving the individual objectives 101 along the vertical axis can be used to better focus on a sample (not shown), or to better receive input that is to be focused onthe sample (e.g., in transmission mode microscopy) where the backplane of the objective 101 should generally be at the focal point of an input signal. Various off-focus implementations could be used as well, in which an objective 101 may be moved off- focus by movement of the corresponding objective stage assembly 100 along its vertical bearing stage 104 to create some desired optical effect, such as to create a spot size of a certain diameter in transmission-mode microscopy, or when there are different features in the sample at different vertical positions to be captured.

[0038] FIG. 3 A is a detailed view of an objective stage assembly 100 of the rotational objective changer 1000 of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3 A shows objective 101, vertical bearing stage 104, pivot ball 112, a plurality of screw adjusters 113, and mounting plate 114.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3 A, objective 101 can face upwards along an optical axis 160, which is to say in the Z-direction. In alternative embodiments, objective 101 can face downwards along the optical axis 160. As discussed in more detail above, the objective 101 can be a standard objective or an immersion objective.

[0040] Still in reference to FIG. 3 A, the objective 101 is mechanically coupled to a vertical bearing stage 104. Vertical bearing stage 104 is shown in more detail in FIG. 3A than was visible in the other drawings discussed above. In this example, the vertical bearing stage 104 moves only in the vertical direction, though in other embodiments it may be desirable to move in other directions, such as for alignment with an optical axis 160 or other components. The vertical bearing stage 104 provides a mechanism for individually focusing its corresponding objective 101 relative to a specimen, by moving along the optical axis 160 (referred to herein as moving vertically, along the Z axis shown in FIG. 3 A, and perpendicular the X-Y plane along which the rotational objective changer table 105 primarily extends). In FIG. 3 A, vertical bearing stage 104 includes a sliding arrangement that permits movement along the optical axis 160. Movement can be accomplished by an integrated motor within objective stage assembly 100, or by a magnetic drive, for example, neither of which are shown in detail herein but which will be readily understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. The movement can be accomplished via fast reaction linear voice coil motor which favors a low mass vertical bearing stage 104. Focus could be accomplished by moving with any manner of linear or rotary stepper or servo motors coupled to the vertical bearing stage 104.

[0041] In the example shown in FIG. 3 A, the vertical bearing stage 104 can also be aligned in a “tip” direction 150 and a “tilt” direction 152 as shown with arrows. Whenadded to the vertical adjustment described above, this means that the objective 101 can be adjusted optically to six degrees of freedom (rotating to change focal position along the X-axis, rotating to change focal position along the Y-axis, and translating along the Z-axis).

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3A, to accomplish tilt and tip (i.e., change the focal position of the objective along the X axis and the Y axis), the vertical bearing stage 104 uses a pivot ball 112 and two screw adjusters 113 to tilt and tip the vertical bearing stage 104 relative to the mounting plate 114. In this example, the screw adjusters 113 are high resolution screw adjusters. To translate along the X-axis and Y-axis, the mounting plate 114 is designed to be adjusted in X and Y directions on the rotational objective changer table 105. Finally, to focus on a specimen, the vertical bearing stage 104 can translate along the Z-axis, which is parallel to the optical axis 160, using fine motors. The direction parallel the optical axis 160 is referred to herein as the optical axis direction. In some embodiments, one or more of the alignment and focusing process are performed using an automated system. In some embodiments, one or more of the alignment and focusing mechanisms are performed manually.

[0043] As used throughout this disclosure, the term “tip” refers to the angular adjustment of an optical component, such as an objective 101 or objective lens, in a specific plane around an axis that is perpendicular to the optical axis 160. In the context of optical systems, tipping an objective 101 changes its orientation and focal position along one principal axis, for example, the X-axis. This adjustment allows for the precise alignment of the optical pathway and ensures that the optical axis 160 of the objective 101 is properly centered with respect to the specimen or other components within the system. In FIG. 3 A, the vertical bearing stage 104 incorporates mechanisms, such as screw adjusters, to control the tip of the objective 101, enabling fine-tuned rotational adjustments that contribute to improved focus and image clarity.

[0044] The term “tilt,” on the other hand, is used throughout this disclosure to refer to the angular adjustment of an optical component in a plane that is orthogonal to the plane used for tipping as well as the optical axis direction. That is, tilt refers to rotating around an axis that is also perpendicular to the optical axis 160 but distinct from the one used for tipping. For instance, tilting an objective 101 might involve changing its orientation and focal position along the Y-axis. Tilt adjustments are essential for correcting angular misalignments and ensuring that the optical element is level and parallel to the plane of observation. In the described optical system, the tilt direction 152is managed by the vertical bearing stage 104, which uses components like pivot balls 112 and screw adjusters 113 to precisely control the angle of the objective 101 relative to a mounting plate 114.

[0045] The combination of a vertical bearing stage 104, screw adjusters 113 for tipping, and screw adjusters 113 for tilting, each objective 101 has a complete six degrees of freedom of movement in positioning and focusing relative to the mounting plate 114.

[0046] FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of the objective stage assembly 100 shown in FIG. 3A. As described in FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B also shows objective 101, vertical bearing stage 104, and mounting plate 114.

[0047] This disclosure described some examples of the present technology with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only some of the possible examples were shown. Other aspects can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Rather, these examples were provided so that this disclosure was thorough and complete and fully conveyed the scope of the possible examples to those skilled in the art.

[0048] Although specific examples were described herein, the scope of the technology is not limited to those specific examples. One skilled in the art will recognize other examples or improvements that are within the scope of the present technology. Therefore, the specific structure, acts, or media are disclosed only as illustrative examples. Examples according to the technology may also combine elements or components of those that are disclosed in general but not expressly exemplified in combination, unless otherwise stated herein. The scope of the technology is defined by the following claims and any equivalents therein.

[0049] ASPECTS

[0050] Aspect 1. A rotational objective changer for an optical instrument, the rotational objective changer comprising:

[0051] an actuator;

[0052] a rotational objective changer table arranged along a plane, the rotational objective changer table coupled to the actuator such that the actuator causes a rotational movement of the rotational objective changer table in the plane; and

[0053] a plurality of objective stage assemblies each mechanically coupled to the rotational objective changer table, each of the plurality of objective stage assemblies oriented orthogonal to the plane.

[0054] Aspect 2. The rotational objective changer of aspect 1, wherein each of the plurality of objective stage assemblies is individually adjustable relative to the rotational objective changer table along an optical axis that is orthogonal to the plane.

[0055] Aspect 3. The rotational objective changer of aspect 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of objective stage assemblies comprise a vertical bearing stage; and an objective mechanically coupled to the vertical bearing stage.

[0056] Aspect 4. The rotational objective changer of aspect 3, wherein the objective is mechanically coupled to a mounting plate, and a relative position of the objective to the mounting plate is determined by a plurality of screw adjusters around a pivot ball.

[0057] Aspect 5. The rotational objective changer of aspect 4, wherein activation of the screw adjusters causes a tip rotation of the objective stage assembly.

[0058] Aspect 6. The rotational objective changer of aspect 4 or aspect 5, wherein activation of the screw adjusters causes a tilt rotation of the objective stage assembly.

[0059] Aspect 7. The rotational objective changer of aspect 3, wherein the objective is an immersion objective.

[0060] Aspect 8. The rotational objective changer of aspect 7, further comprising at least one fluid management adapter.

[0061] Aspect 9. The rotational objective changer of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the rotational objective changer table is mechanically coupled to a roller bearing.

[0062] Aspect 10. The rotational objective changer of aspect 4, wherein the rotational objective changer table defines a plurality of detents such that the actuator is configured to rotate the rotational objective changer table between positions defined by the plurality of detents, each of the positions defined by the plurality of detents corresponding to rotational position at which one of the plurality of objective stage assemblies is arranged along the optical axis.

[0063] Aspect 11. An objective stage assembly, the objective stage assembly comprising:

[0064] a vertical bearing stage optically alignable to six degrees of freedom relative to a mounting plate; and

[0065] an objective mechanically coupled to the vertical bearing stage.

[0066] Aspect 12. The objective stage assembly of aspect 11 , wherein the mounting plate is arranged primarily along a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, and the objective is mechanically coupled to the vertical bearing stage in a direction primarily orthogonal to the plane along an optical axis direction.

[0067] Aspect 13. The objective stage assembly of aspect 12, wherein the vertical bearing stage is mechanically coupled to a pivot ball and screw adjusters.

[0068] Aspect 14. The objective stage assembly of aspect 13, wherein the pivot ball and screw adjusters rotate the objective stage assembly about the optical axis direction while the vertical bearing stage remains stationary.

[0069] Aspect 15. The objective stage assembly of aspect 14, further comprising fine motors arranged to translate the objective stage assembly along the optical axis direction.

[0070] Aspect 16. The objective stage assembly of aspect 13, wherein activation of the screw adjusters causes a tip rotation of the objective stage assembly.

[0071] Aspect 17. The objective stage assembly of aspect 13 or aspect 16, wherein activation of the screw adjusters causes a tilt rotation of the objective stage assembly.

[0072] Aspect 18. The objective stage assembly of any of aspects 11-17, wherein the objective is an immersion objective.

[0073] Aspect 19. The objective stage assembly of aspect 18, further comprising at least one fluid management adapter.

[0074] Aspect 20. The objective stage assembly of aspect 11, wherein the six degrees of freedom comprise a tip direction, a tilt direction, and an optical axis direction.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A rotational objective changer for an optical instrument, the rotational objective changer comprising: an actuator; a rotational objective changer table arranged along a plane, the rotational objective changer table coupled to the actuator such that the actuator causes a rotational movement of the rotational objective changer table in the plane; and a plurality of objective stage assemblies each mechanically coupled to the rotational objective changer table, each of the plurality of objective stage assemblies oriented orthogonal to the plane.

2. The rotational objective changer of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of objective stage assemblies is individually adjustable relative to the rotational objective changer table along an optical axis that is orthogonal to the plane.

3. The rotational objective changer of claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of objective stage assemblies comprise a vertical bearing stage; and an objective mechanically coupled to the vertical bearing stage.

4. The rotational objective changer of claim 3, wherein the objective is mechanically coupled to a mounting plate, and a relative position of the objective to the mounting plate is determined by a plurality of screw adjusters around a pivot ball.

5. The rotational objective changer of claim 4, wherein activation of the screw adjusters causes a tip rotation of the objective stage assembly.

6. The rotational objective changer of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein activation of the screw adjusters causes a tilt rotation of the objective stage assembly.

7. The rotational objective changer of claim 3, wherein the objective is an immersion objective.

8. The rotational objective changer of claim 7, further comprising at least one fluid management adapter.

9. The rotational objective changer of any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotational objective changer table is mechanically coupled to a roller bearing.

10. The rotational objective changer of claim 4, wherein the rotational objective changer table defines a plurality of detents such that the actuator is configured to rotate the rotational objective changer table between positions defined by the plurality of detents, each of the positions defined by the plurality of detents corresponding to rotational position at which one of the plurality of objective stage assemblies is arranged along the optical axis.

11. An objective stage assembly, the objective stage assembly comprising: a vertical bearing stage optically alignable to six degrees of freedom relative to a mounting plate; and an objective mechanically coupled to the vertical bearing stage.

12. The objective stage assembly of claim 11 , wherein the mounting plate is arranged primarily along a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, and the objective is mechanically coupled to the vertical bearing stage in a direction primarily orthogonal to the plane along an optical axis direction.

13. The objective stage assembly of claim 12, wherein the vertical bearing stage is mechanically coupled to a pivot ball and screw adjusters.

14. The objective stage assembly of claim 13, wherein the pivot ball and screw adjusters rotate the objective stage assembly about the optical axis direction while the vertical bearing stage remains stationary.

15. The objective stage assembly of claim 14, further comprising fine motors arranged to translate the objective stage assembly along the optical axis direction.

16. The objective stage assembly of claim 13, wherein activation of the screw adjusters causes a tip rotation of the objective stage assembly.

17. The objective stage assembly of claim 13 or claim 16, wherein activation of the screw adjusters causes a tilt rotation of the objective stage assembly.

18. The objective stage assembly of any of claims 11-17, wherein the objective is an immersion objective.

19. The objective stage assembly of claim 18, further comprising at least one fluid management adapter.

20. The objective stage assembly of claim 11, wherein the six degrees of freedom comprise a tip direction, a tilt direction, and an optical axis direction.

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