EP1938138A1

EP1938138A1 - Microscopy system

Info

Publication number: EP1938138A1
Application number: EP06806441A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fritz STRÄHLE; Christoph Hauger
Original assignee: Carl Zeiss Surgical GmbH
Current assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
Priority date: 2005-10-20
Filing date: 2006-10-20
Publication date: 2008-07-02
Also published as: US8804236B2; JP5327792B2; US20080212171A1; US8054543B2; EP2463701A1; WO2007045500A1; JP2009512887A; DE102006012388A1; US20120120486A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a microscopy system for representing an object that can be placed on an object plane (1) of the microscopy system, the latter comprising a representation system (26) containing several optical elements for providing at least one optical representation path (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d). According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical elements comprise a plurality of optical lenses (4-8, 11, 13, 14), through which the optical representation path(s) (2a-2d) pass(es) in sequence and which represent the object plane (1) in an intermediate image (P). The optical lenses (4-8, 11) are configured in such a way that the representation of the object plane (1) in the intermediate image (P) is reduced a maximum 0.9 times, preferably a maximum 0.8 times, preferably a maximum 0.6 times, with 0.5 times being the preferred maximum reduction.

Description

microscopy system

The present invention relates to a microscopy system for imaging an object that can be arranged in an object plane of the microscopy system with the features of the preamble of the independent claim 1, 3 or 19.

The microscopy system comprises at least one imaging system which provides at least one imaging beam path for imaging an imaging field of the object plane.

Such microscopy systems are used, for example, in medical technology as surgical microscopes to observe an object arranged in an object plane.

Such a surgical microscope is known for example from German patent application DE 103 00 925 Al.

In general, it is desirable in surgical microscopes to achieve a compact design, that is, a low profile and a low volume. The reason is that, for example, the accessibility of a patient to a treating physician during surgery by a surgical microscope should not be unnecessarily limited.

As shown in FIG. 8, a surgical microscope is generally composed of a Kepler telescope 82, a zoom system 83, and a main lens 84. In FIG. 8, the Kepler telescope has a binocular tube. The Kepler telescope 82, the zoom system 83 and the main objective 84 are arranged serially along imaging beam paths 85a, 85b respectively guided through them and serve to image an object (not shown) arranged in an object plane 81. In order to realize a modular construction of the surgical microscope, afocal interfaces are arranged between the Kepler telescope 82, the zoom system 83 and the main objective 84, in which the imaging beam paths are respectively imaged to infinity. As shown in Figure 8, such are Surgical microscopes are often designed as stereomicroscopy systems. In stereomicroscopy systems, at least two imaging beam paths 85a and 85b are guided to include a non-zero stereo angle α in the object plane 81.

Furthermore, a beam splitter prism, not shown in FIG. 8, is frequently arranged between the Kepler telescope 82 and the zoom system 83 in order to pick out a secondary observer beam path.

In the prior art surgical microscopes, it is disadvantageous that they have a large height and a large volume of construction depending on a total magnification to be provided.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a microscopy system in which the imaging system required for achieving an overall magnification has a particularly compact construction.

The above object is achieved by a microscopy system with the combination of features of independent claims 1, 3 and 19. Advantageous developments can be found in the subclaims.

According to a first embodiment, the above object is achieved by a microscopy system for imaging an object that can be arranged in an object plane of the microscopy system, wherein the microscopy system comprises an imaging system with a plurality of optical elements for providing at least one imaging beam path. In this case, the plurality of optical elements comprise a plurality of optical lenses, which passes through the at least one imaging beam path in succession and which image the object plane into an intermediate image. Further, the optical lenses are configured such that the object plane is at most 0.9 times, and preferably at most 0.8 times, and more preferably at most 0.6 times, more preferably at most 0.5 times is shown reduced in the intermediate image. In this case, "reduced to not more than 0.9 times" means that the image of the object plane in the intermediate image is reduced by 0.1 (ie 10%) or more.

Thus, the microscopy system is designed to image an object arranged in the object plane initially reduced in an intermediate image. This intermediate image can then be magnified by a subsequent optics until a desired overall magnification is achieved. As a result of the reduced imaging of the object arranged in the object plane into the intermediate image, it is possible to make the optics following the intermediate image particularly compact, so that the microscopy system is particularly compact compared to a microscopy system of the prior art which causes the same overall magnification Structure has.

In this case, it may be advantageous if the plurality of optical elements of the imaging system provide at least one pair of imaging beam paths which include a first stereo angle in the object plane, wherein the imaging beam paths enclose a second stereo angle at the intermediate image, and wherein a ratio of the first stereo angle in the Object level to the second stereo angle at the intermediate image is less than 0.9 and preferably less than 0.8 and more preferably less than 0.6.

Thus, the stereo angle at the intermediate image is increased relative to the stereo angle in the object plane. Consequently, despite reduced imaging of an object arranged in the object plane, the imaging beam paths can be easily separated in the optical system following the intermediate image, so that a desired stereoscopic impression is ensured.

According to a further embodiment which can be combined with the first embodiment, the above object is also achieved by a microscopy system for imaging an object that can be arranged in an object plane of the microscopy system, wherein the microscopy system comprises an imaging system a plurality of optical elements for providing at least one pair of imaging beam paths including a first stereo angle in the object plane. In this case, the plurality of optical elements comprise a plurality of optical lenses, which passes through the at least one pair of imaging beam paths in succession and which image the object plane into an intermediate image. The imaging beam paths at the intermediate image include a second stereo angle. A ratio of the first stereo angle in the object plane to the second stereo angle on the intermediate image is less than 0.9, and preferably less than 0.8, and more preferably less than 0.6.

This enlargement of the stereo angle on the intermediate image relative to the stereo angle in the object plane facilitates a

Separation of the imaging beam paths by the intermediate image imaging optical elements. This can do that

Microscopy system to be made particularly compact, as the

Imaging beam paths over the prior art diverge more.

According to one embodiment, the optical lenses may be penetrated jointly by the imaging beam paths. Then, the imaging beam paths in the lenses may be guided so that the intermediate image is disposed between two areas in which a distance of stereo axes of the imaging beam paths from an optical axis defined by the lenses is maximum. The optical axis does not have to run along a single straight line, but can also be bent. The stereo axes are defined by the respective centers of the at least two (stereoscopic) imaging beam paths for an object point of the object-level object which corresponds to the center of the image produced by the microscope system.

According to a further embodiment, the at least one imaging beam path can be guided in the lenses so that the intermediate image is arranged between two regions in which a diameter of one in the at least one Imaging beam path guided beam is maximum.

Furthermore, between the intermediate image and a first of the two regions, at which a distance from stereo axes of the imaging beam paths to the optical axis and / or a diameter of a beam guided in the at least one imaging beam path is maximum, which first region is arranged between the intermediate image and the object plane is to be arranged a first group of optically effective surfaces of lenses. Furthermore, between the intermediate image and the second of the two regions a second group of optically active surfaces of lenses and between the first region and the object plane a third group of optically effective surfaces of lenses can be arranged. In this case, for example, all surfaces of an optical lens belong to a common group or to different groups.

Then it may be advantageous if a ratio of the total focal length (sum of the focal lengths) of the optically active surfaces of the first group to the total focal length of the optically active surfaces of the second group at least 1.1, and preferably at least 1.2 and more preferably at least 1.4.

It may also be advantageous if a ratio of the total focal length of the optically active surfaces of the first group to the total focal length of the optically active surfaces of the third group is between 0.2 and 0.6 and preferably between 0.3 and 0.5 and more preferably 0.4.

Further advantages can be achieved if a ratio of the total focal length of the optically active surfaces of the second group to the total focal length of the optically active surfaces of the third group is between 0, 1 and 0, 6 and preferably between 0, 2 and 0.5 and particularly preferably 0.3.

By the above-mentioned ratios of the total focal lengths of the groups of optically active surfaces can - -

a reduced image of an object that can be arranged in the object plane can be ensured in a particularly simple manner in the intermediate image.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous if a ratio of the respective distances of stereo axes of the imaging beam paths to the optical axis in the first region to the respective distances of stereo axes of the imaging beam paths to the optical axis in the second region is at most 1.1 and preferably at most 1.2 and particularly preferably at most 1.4.

Thus, ^'the imaging beam paths in the first region between the intermediate image and the object plane are spaced further apart than in the second region behind the intermediate image. By reducing this distance, the microscope system can be designed to be particularly compact.

In order to facilitate a modular construction of the microscopy system, the lenses may be formed, the imaging beam paths in at least one of the areas in which a distance of stereo axes of the imaging beam path to the optical axis and / or a diameter of a guided in the at least one imaging beam is maximum beam, to map to infinity.

According to one embodiment, the imaging system may include first, second, third and fourth mirror surfaces for deflecting the at least one imaging beam path, wherein the at least one imaging beam path is sequentially reflected on the first mirror surface, the second mirror surface, the third mirror surface and the fourth mirror surface. As a result of this multiple deflection of the imaging beam path, a particularly compact design of the microscopy system can be achieved.

In this case, the first mirror surface and the fourth mirror surface relative to each other can include an angle of between 80 ° and 100 ° and preferably 90 °, and the second mirror surface and the third mirror surface relative to each other an angle of between 80 ° and 100 ° and preferably 90 °, and the third mirror surface and the fourth mirror surface relative to each other enclose an angle of between 80 ° and 100 ° and preferably 90 °. As a result, the mirror surfaces act like a Porro system of the second kind.

According to one embodiment, the imaging system provides at least a pair of imaging beam paths including a stereo angle in the object plane, and the imaging system comprises a first subsystem comprising a plurality of optical lenses arranged along a common imaging beam path from both imaging beam paths of the at least one Pair of imaging beam paths are interspersed together.

In this case, the second and / or third and / or fourth mirror surface may be arranged along a folded optical axis of the first subsystem between optical lenses of the first subsystem.

In order to change an enlargement of the image of the object that can be arranged in the object plane and / or a working distance of the microscopy system, it may be advantageous if at least two lenses of the first subsystem can be displaced relative to one another along the imaging beam paths guided by them.

According to one embodiment, the imaging system comprises a second subsystem comprising a plurality of optical lenses, each traversed by only one imaging beam path of the at least one pair of imaging beam paths. The optical lenses of the second subsystem define the course of the imaging beam paths in the optical lenses of the first subsystem, and thus the course of the stereo axes, by the beam bundles guided by them.

It can be used to further adjust an enlargement of the image of the object that can be arranged in the object plane - o -

be advantageous if at least two lenses of the second subsystem along a common imaging beam path are displaced relative to each other.

According to a further embodiment, the above object is achieved by a microscopy system for imaging an object that can be arranged in an object plane of the microscopy system, which can build on the embodiments described above, and at least one imaging system for providing at least one pair of imaging beam paths, which include a stereo angle in the object plane , includes. In this case, the imaging system has a first subsystem, which comprises a plurality of optical lenses, which are penetrated jointly by the two imaging beam paths of the at least one pair of imaging beam paths. Furthermore, the imaging system has a second subsystem, which comprises a plurality of optical lenses, which are each penetrated by only one imaging beam path of the at least one pair of imaging beam paths. At least two lenses of the first subsystem and at least two lenses of the second subsystem can be displaced relative to one another along a common imaging beam path, in order to change an enlargement of the image of the object that can be arranged in the object plane.

Consequently, the total increase in the image of the object that can be arranged in the object plane within the microscopy system caused by the microscopy system can be divided into two serially arranged zoom systems, of which a first is arranged in the first subsystem and a second in the second subsystem.

In general, it may be advantageous if the microscopy system further comprises an illumination system with an illumination beam path for illuminating the object plane.

A microscopy system with the features described above is particularly good because of its compact design - y ^-

Stereomicroscope and in particular suitable as a surgical microscope.

In the following preferred embodiments of the forward lying ^■ invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numbers are used to refer to the same or similar elements. It shows

FIG. 1A schematically shows a beam path through an arrangement of essential elements of an imaging system of a microscopy system unfolded in a plane according to a preferred first embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 1B schematically shows a perspective view of a spatial arrangement of the essential elements of the imaging system from FIG. 1A,

FIG. 2A schematically enlarges a beam path through optical lenses of the imaging system of FIG.

FIG. 2B schematically shows a beam path through optical lenses which, as an alternative to FIG. 2A, can be used in the imaging system according to the first embodiment,

FIG. 3 shows by way of example a comparison of the sizes between lenses of a microscopy system according to the invention with corresponding lenses of a conventional microscopy system,

FIG. 4 shows by way of example a lens arrangement that can be used alternatively in the microscopy system from FIG. 1A,

FIG. 5 shows, by way of example, various operating states of a further lens arrangement which can be used alternatively in the microscopy system from FIG. 1A, FIG. 6 shows, by way of example, different operating states of a further lens arrangement which can be used alternatively in the microscopy system from FIG. 1A,

FIG. 7 shows schematically a beam path of an imaging system of a microscopy system according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and

FIG. 8 schematically shows the basic structure of a microscopy system according to the prior art.

In the following, a preferred first embodiment of the present invention is explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 1A schematically shows a beam path through an arrangement of essential elements of an imaging system 26 of a microscopy system unfolded in a plane according to the preferred first embodiment of the present invention.

The microscopy system according to the preferred first embodiment includes an imaging optical system 26 that provides a pair of imaging beam paths 2a, 2b. Alternatively, however, the imaging system 26 may also provide only one imaging beam path or more than one pair of imaging beam paths.

The imaging beam paths 2a and 2b respectively meet in pairs in the object plane 1. Stereo axes of the imaging beam paths 2a, 2b enclose a first stereo angle α1. Thus, the microscopy system forms a stereomicroscope. In FIG. 1A, the first stereo angle α1 is between 4 ° and 10 °, depending on the operating state of the microscope system. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned angular range. Rather, it is sufficient if the stereo angle is different from zero degrees. The imaging system 26 is formed by a first optical subsystem Tl and a second optical subsystem T2, which subsystems Tl and T2 each have a plurality of optical elements.

The first subsystem Tl has along a common optical axis A a first optical deflection element with a first optical mirror surface 3, a first, second, third, fourth and fifth optical lens 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, a second optical deflection element with a second optical mirror surface 9, a third optical deflecting element with a third optical mirror surface 10, a sixth optical lens 11, a fourth optical deflecting element with a fourth optical mirror surface 12 and a seventh and eighth optical lens 13 and 14. The lenses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13 and 14 of the first subsystem Tl are penetrated jointly by the two imaging beam paths 2a and 2b.

The imaging beam paths 2a and 2b are successively at the first mirror surface 3, the second mirror surface 9, the third

Mirror surface 10 and the fourth mirror surface 12 is reflected and deflected so. Visible is also the by the

Lenses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13 and 14 of the first subsystem Tl set common optical axis A several times by the mirror surfaces 3, 9, 10 and 12 bent.

As can be seen particularly well from FIG. 1B, normal vectors of the planes and normal vectors spanned by the first mirror surface 3 and the fourth mirror surface 12 close the planes and normal vectors spanned by the third mirror surface 10 and the fourth mirror surface 12 and through the second mirror surface 9 and the third mirror surface 10 spanned levels relative to each other at a constant angle of 90 °. However, the angle may also deviate from 90 ° and in particular be between 70 ° and 110 ° and preferably between 80 ° and 100 °.

This arrangement of the first to fourth mirror surface 3, 9, 10 and 12 acts optically in total like a Porro system of the second kind. That is, the first to fourth mirror surfaces 3, 9, 10 and 12 cause both image reversal and pupil interchange. Furthermore, a particularly compact construction of the imaging system 26 is achieved by this arrangement of the mirror surfaces 3, 9, 10 and 12 due to the multiple folding of the imaging beam paths 2a, 2b.

The optical lenses 4-8 and 11 are configured in this preferred first embodiment to reduce the object plane 1 to a factor of 0.36 (ie, reduced by 64%) to an intermediate image P. In this case, an intermediate image is understood to mean a plane which is optically conjugate to the object plane 1 (the plane can also be curved). The intermediate image P is disposed between the sixth and seventh lenses 11, 13, and more specifically, between the sixth lens 11 and the fourth mirror surface 12. It is emphasized that the present invention is not limited to a reduction of the object plane 1 by a 0.36-fold in the intermediate image P or the above exact arrangement of the intermediate image. Rather, it is sufficient if the object plane is reduced to at most 0.9 times, and preferably to at most 0.8 times and more preferably to at most 0.6 times, more preferably to at most 0.5 times, in the Intermediate image P is shown.

In view of the inherent task of a microscopy system to effect an enlarged image of an object that can be arranged in the object plane 1, it may come as a surprise that the object plane 1 in the microscopy system according to the preferred first embodiment of the present invention is not enlarged, but explicitly reduced in the intermediate image P. is. However, this brings considerable benefits, as will be explained.

At the intermediate image P, the imaging beam paths 2a and 2b enclose a second stereo angle α2, wherein a ratio of the first stereo angle α1 in the object plane 1 to the second stereo angle α.2 on the intermediate image P is smaller than 0.9 and preferably smaller than 0.8 and more preferably less than Is 0.6. In the present case, the second stereo angle α2 is equal to 19.6 °, with an object-side stereo angle αl = 7 °. Thus, the ratio is 0.36.

Furthermore, in each case an afocal interface AF1, AF2 is arranged downstream of the third optical lens 6 and the fourth optical lens 7 and the eighth optical lens 14, in which the imaging beam paths 2a, 2b are respectively imaged to infinity. The provision of the afocal interfaces AFI, AF2 enables a modular design of the imaging system 26 of the microscopy system. This afocal interface AFI is shown schematically enlarged in FIG. 2A.

As an alternative to the arrangement of the intermediate image P between the afocal interfaces AFI, AF2, the imaging beam paths 2a, 2b in the lenses 4-8, 11 and 13, 14 can also be guided such that the intermediate image P is arranged between two regions, in which a distance Da, Db of stereo axes of the imaging beam paths 2a, 2b from the optical axis A defined by the lenses 4-8, 11, 13, 14 is maximum in each case. Such a region AFI 'is shown schematically in FIG. 2B. These areas correspond in FIGS. 1A, 1B to the afocal interfaces AF1, AF2.

It can also be seen from FIGS. 2A, 2B that in the abovementioned regions, to which the afocal interfaces AFI, AF2 correspond in FIGS. 1A, 1B, a diameter Sa, Sb of a radiation beam guided in the imaging beam paths 2a, 2b has a maximum in each case.

These afocal interfaces AFI, AF2 and the abovementioned regions permit the optical lenses 4-8, 11, 13, 14 of the first subsystem T1 of the preferred first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B to be divided into three groups G1, G2, G3 divide.

The first group Gl, between the intermediate image P and a first of the two afocal interfaces AFI, which first afocal interface AFI is arranged between the intermediate image P and the object plane 1, comprises the lenses 7, 8 and 11 with the optically effective surfaces 7a, 7b, 7c, 8a, 8b, IIa and IIb. The total focal length of the first group G1 is 115.3 mm in the first embodiment shown.

The second group G2, which is arranged between the intermediate image P and the other second afocal interface AF2, comprises the lenses 13 and 14 with the optically effective surfaces 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b and 14c. The total focal length of the second group G2 is 82.3 mm in the first embodiment shown.

The third group G3, which is arranged between the first afocal interface AFI and the object plane 1, comprises the lenses 4, 5 and 6 with the optically effective surfaces 4a, 4b, 4c, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b and 6c. The total focal length of the third group G3 in the first embodiment shown is 322.5 mm.

By means of the groups Gl, G2 and G3 thus defined, it is possible to specify advantageous relationships for the focal lengths of optically effective surfaces of the lenses of the respective groups. In this case, an optically active surface is understood to mean a lens surface passed through by the imaging beam paths 2a, 2b with a radius of curvature of at most 10 ⁴ mm and preferably at most 5 * 10 ³ mm and particularly preferably at most 10 ³ mm. It is obvious that a lens can also belong to two different groups simultaneously if their optical surfaces belong to different groups.

For the desired according to the task compact design of the microscope system according to the invention in an overall magnification corresponding to the prior art, it has also proven to be particularly advantageous if a ratio of the total focal length (ie the sum of the focal lengths) of the optically active surfaces 7a, 7b, 7c, 8a, 8b, IIa and IIb of the lenses 7, 8 and 11 of the first group Gl to the total focal length of the optically effective surfaces 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b and 14c of FIG Lenses 13, 14 of the second group G2 is at least 1.1 and preferably at least 1.2 and more preferably at least 1.4. In the first embodiment shown in Figure IA, this ratio, which may also be referred to as the afocal magnification factor of the inverse system, is 1.40. The inversion system shown has the characteristics of comprising the optically active elements between the first afocal interface AFI and the second afocal interface AF2, causing image inversion and pupil interchange, and including intermediate image P. This afocal enlargement factor contributes significantly to the required overall magnification of the microscopy system.

An essential prerequisite for the required according to the task position compact design of the microscopy system is the reduction of the image of an object plane in the object 1 object in the intermediate image P or the magnification of the second stereo angle α2 in the intermediate image P with respect to the first stereo angle αl in the object plane 1.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous if a ratio of the total focal length of the optically effective surfaces 7a, 7b, 7c, 8a, 8b, IIa and IIb of the lenses 7, 8 and 11 of the first group Gl to the total focal length of the optically active surfaces 4a, 4b, 4c, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b and 6c of the lenses 4, 5 and 6 of the third group G3 between 0.2 and 0.6 and preferably between 0.3 and 0.5 and particularly preferably 0.4 is. In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, this ratio, which can also be referred to as the image scale for an object that can be arranged in the object plane 1 in the intermediate image P, is 0.36.

It brings additional advantages when a ratio of the total focal length of the optically effective surfaces 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b and 14c of the lenses 13, 14 of the second group G2 to the total focal length of the optically effective surfaces 4a, 4b, 4c, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b and 6c of the lenses 4, 5 and 6 of the third group G3 is between 0.1 and 0.6 and preferably between 0.2 and 0.5 and particularly preferably 0.3. In the one shown in Figure IA - -

In the first embodiment, this ratio is 0.255. This ratio consists of the magnification of the object plane 1 to infinity caused by the lenses 4, 5 and 6 of VLO = 250 mm / (focal length of the lenses 4, 5, 6) and the magnification of the intermediate image P caused by the lenses 13 and 14 to infinity of VLO = 250 mm / (focal length of the lenses 13, 14) together.

The ratio of the respective distances Da, Db of stereo axes of the imaging beam paths 2a, 2b to the optical axis A in the first afocal interface AFI and the first range to the respective distances of stereo axes of the imaging beam paths 2a, 2b to the optical axis A in the second afocal interface AF2 or the second region is at most 1.1 and preferably at most 1.2 and more preferably at most 1.4. With regard to the distances between the stereo axes and the optical axis defined by the respective lenses in the respective afocal interfaces or regions, reference is additionally made to FIGS. 2A, 2B.

The abovementioned relationships are all suitable for contributing to a reduced imaging of the object plane 1 in the intermediate image P and / or an enlargement of the second stereo angle α2 on the intermediate image P with respect to the first stereo angle αl in the object plane 1. However, it is not absolutely necessary that all the above conditions are fulfilled at the same time, as long as an image of the object plane 1 reduced to at most 0.9 times into the intermediate image P and / or an enlargement of the second stereo angle α2 on the intermediate image P relative to the latter first stereo angle αl in the object plane 1 is achieved at least 1.1 times. The stereo angles α 1, α 2 are respectively defined by the stereo base of the imaging system 26.

Also, the second subsystem T2 of the imaging system 26 has a plurality of optical lenses 16 '- 19' and 16 "- 19", in which the imaging beam paths 2a and 2b, however, are guided separately than in the first subsystem Tl, respectively. This means that the optical lenses 16 '- 19', 16 "- 19", 16 ' 19 '"and 16""-19""are interspersed in each case by an imaging beam path 2a or 2b.

The stereo axes are defined by the respective centers of the two (stereoscopic) imaging beam paths 2a and 2b for an object point of the object that can be arranged in the object plane 1, which corresponds to the center of the image caused by the microscope system. Instead of this object point, a point of the object plane 1, which corresponds to the center of the image effected by the microscopy system, can alternatively also be used directly for this purpose. This definition of the stereo axes is best understood with reference to Figures IA and IB. FIG. 1A shows beams of the two (stereoscopic) imaging beam paths 2a and 2b for imaging a point of the object plane 1 which corresponds to the center of the image produced by the microscope system. The center rays of the beams of these two imaging beam paths 2a and 2b define the two stereo axes. FIG. 1B shows radiation beams 2a, 2a ', 2a ", 2a'" and 2a "" of only one imaging beam path. In this case, a beam of the imaging beam path for the imaging of a point of the object plane 1, which corresponds to the center of the image caused by the microscope system, is designated as 2a representative of the entire imaging beam path. Mid beams of this beam 2a can be used to define the stereo axes. By contrast, the center beams of the peripheral beams 2a ', 2a ", 2a'" and 2a "" of the imaging beam path additionally shown in FIG. 1B can not be used to define the stereo axes. In this case, the optical lenses 16 '- 19' and 16 "- 19" of the second subsystem T2 also guide the course of the imaging beam paths 2a, 2b in the optical lenses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11 through the beam bundles guided by them , 13 and 14 of the first subsystem Tl and thus the course of the stereo axes fixed.

About the optical lenses 16 '- 19' and 16 "- 19" of the second subsystem T2 and the seventh and eighth lens 13, 14 of the second group G2 of the first subsystem Tl is the intermediate image P - -

shown enlarged. Since the object plane 1 is reduced in size in the intermediate image P and / or the second stereo angle α2 on the intermediate image P is increased compared to the first stereo angle α1 in the object plane 1, this enlarged image of the intermediate image P in the second subsystem T2 can be represented by optical elements. For example, lenses with smaller diameters and smaller relative distances from each other along a respective guided imaging beam path 2a, 2b done. Consequently, the imaging system 26 of the microscopy system according to the invention has a particularly compact construction.

FIG. 3 shows by way of example a size comparison between lenses 16 'to 19' of the second subsystem T2 of the microscopy system according to the invention (in FIG. 3 above) with corresponding lenses of a conventional microscopy system (in FIG. 3 below).

As indicated in FIG. 1B, each imaging beam path 2a and 2b of the second subsystem T2 may further comprise, for example, two optical lenses 20 'and 21' and one camera adapter 22 'for a digital camera (not shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B) for generating image data. Instead of separate digital cameras can be provided for both imaging beam paths 2a, 2b and a common stereo camera.

According to an alternative embodiment not specifically shown, instead of the optical lenses 20 'and 21' and the camera adapter 22 "for each imaging beam path 2a and 2b of the second subsystem T2, a tube with an eyepiece optics is provided for direct visual observation by a user.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, in the preferred first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, the first lens 4 is relative to the second lens 5 and the third lens 6 is relative to the fourth lens 7 along the optical axis A and thus also along the From them guided imaging beam paths 2a, 2b displaceable by a distance of the object plane 1 of the imaging system 26 of the microscopy system and thus to change a working distance and an enlargement of the image of an object that can be arranged in the object plane 1. At the same time it is automatically ensured by a suitable choice of the system data of these optical lenses 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the first optical subsystem that the imaging beam paths 2a and 2b, even after a shift of the lenses 4, 5, 6, 7 in the object plane of Include zero different stereo angles αl.

In addition, three spaces each between four lenses 16 '- 19' and 16 "- 19" of the second subsystem T2, which are arranged in a respective imaging beam path 2a and 2b along a common optical axis, relative to each other along the optical axis and thus along of the respective common imaging beam path 2a, 2b displaceable, in order to effect a change in an enlargement of the image respectively caused by the second subsystem T2 in the respective imaging beam paths 2a and 2b.

Alternatively, variable-power optical elements, such as liquid lenses, may be used instead of displaceable lenses.

Thus, the microscopy system according to the invention shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B has two zoom systems arranged serially, of which a zoom system of optical lenses of the first subsystem T1 and the second zoom system of optical lenses of the second subsystem T2 are provided and their effects complement one another.

The optical system data of the stereomicroscope shown in Figure IA are as follows: - -

- -

In FIGS. 1A and 1B, the lenses 4, 5 and 6 form a partial varioscope. Alternatively, however, a retrofocus varioscope can also be used. A corresponding structure is shown schematically in FIG.

Furthermore, the microscope system according to the preferred first embodiment provides a secondary beam path 24, which passes through the first mirror surface 3 of the first deflection element in a central region. This central area may preferably lie between beam cross-sectional areas of the imaging beam paths 2a and 2b. This is ensured in particular when the optical lenses of the first subsystem Tl cause a pupil image in the region of the first mirror surface. For this purpose, the first mirror surface 3 has a recess 25 shown in FIG. 1B. As an alternative to providing a recess, however, it is sufficient, for example, for the first mirror surface 3 to have at least a region of transparency for radiation of the secondary beam path 24, which is greater than a transparency for radiation of the imaging beam paths 2a, 2b. The coupling of the secondary beam path 24 can alternatively be done in a different way. The microscopy system shown in FIG. 1A thus has a 0 ° illumination for an object that can be arranged in the object plane 1.

In FIG. 1A, the secondary beam path 24 is formed by an illumination optical unit 30 of an illumination system, wherein the illumination system further comprises a radiation source 23. This illumination system is not part of the imaging system 26.

Alternatively, in addition to or instead of the illumination optical system 30 and the radiation source 23, Illumination system and an infrared observation system (not shown) may be provided with an infrared imaging optics and an infrared camera, wherein the infrared imaging optics provides the secondary beam path 24. Furthermore, in addition to or instead of the illumination system, a laser (not shown) may also be provided with a beam guidance system (not shown) which provides the secondary beam path 24. Such a laser allows a therapy, for example for cancer treatment.

Furthermore, a beam splitter (not shown in the figures) may be provided which separates the imaging beam paths 2a, 2b by geometrical or physical beam splitting. If this beam splitter is arranged between the first subsystem T1 and the second subsystem T2 and thus in the region of the second afocal interface AF2, a freely swiveling co-observation tube with a largely independently adjustable magnification can be provided by way of example. A freely pivoting co-observation tube best meets the ergonomic requirements of a user of the microscopy system.

In the preferred first embodiment described above, the first, second, third and fourth deflecting elements are each an optical mirror. Alternatively, however, the deflecting elements may, for example, also be prisms, each having at least one mirror surface. Furthermore, the first, second, third and fourth deflecting elements can optionally each have separate mirror surfaces for deflecting the imaging beam paths 2a and 2b.

Alternatively, however, it is also possible to completely or partially dispense with a deflection of the imaging beam paths 2a, 2b. Also, the imaging beam path can be deflected, for example, only one, two or three times.

As a result, however, the structure of the microscopy system is sometimes significantly extended. Nevertheless, the microscopy system according to the invention also has a more compact construction than immediately folded microscopy system from the prior art. The reason is that the second subsystem T2 of the microscopy system according to the invention is made more compact with the same overall magnification of the microscopy systems than a corresponding second subsystem of the previously known microscopy system. As an alternative, it is also possible to deflect the imaging beam paths 2a, 2b more than four times.

The microscopy system according to the preferred first embodiment is particularly well suited for use as a surgical microscope, since the imaging system 26 has a particularly low overall height and a particularly low overall volume.

Figure IB schematically shows a perspective view to (in contrast to that in Figure IA unfolded in a plane

Arrangement) the actual spatial arrangement essential

To illustrate elements of the imaging system 26 of the microscopy system according to the preferred first embodiment. In the

For the sake of clarity, FIG. 1B shows only one imaging beam path 2a. In addition, a representation of the illumination system has been dispensed with in FIG. 1B.

In a microscope system in which it is possible as described above to set an image magnification and / or a working distance by displacement of optical lenses, it is disadvantageous that the extremely advantageous from the user's viewpoint variation of the working distance usually with a discrepancy of the focal length to the respective Working distance is connected. For example, in the case of a tele-varioscope system, the focal length is significantly greater than the working distance, whereas in the case of a retrofocus varioscope system, the focal length is significantly shorter than the respective working distance.

To solve this problem, the tripartite varioscope system shown in Figs. 5 and 6 is proposed. The three-part varioscope systems shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 each have three serial optical assemblies 51, 52 and - -

53 and 61, 62 and 63, which are penetrated by the at least one imaging beam path successively.

In Figs. 5 and 6, the first optical assemblies 51 and 61 are each formed by an optical lens. Further, the second optical assembly 52 and 62 are each formed by two optical lenses which are stationary relative to each other.

In Fig. 5, the third optical assembly 53 is also constituted by two optical lenses relatively spaced from each other by a constant distance, whereas in Fig. 6, the third optical assembly 63 is formed only by an optical lens.

By well-defined simultaneous change of air distances dl and d2 between the three optical assemblies 51, 52 and 53 and 61, 62 and 63, a varioscope system is provided with the properties of a fixed focal main lens to adjust the focal length to a working distance AA of a Object level 1 to ensure even after a variation of the working distance.

The system data of the retrofocus varioscope system shown in Figure 5 are as follows:

- -

Suitable distances d1 and d2 between the optical assemblies 51, 52 and 53 of the retrofocus varioscope system shown in Figure 5 are given in the following table:

For the tele-varioscope system shown in Figure 6, the system data is as follows:

- -

For given working distances AA from the object plane 1, the distances d1 and d2 between the optical assemblies 61, 62 and 63 are as follows:

Overall, the solution described above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 differs from conventional varioscope systems in that, for working distance variation, two air spacings d1 and d2 between the three optical assemblies 51, 52 and 53 or 61 and 62 and 63 are changed, whereas in conventional varioscopes For working distance change only one air gap must be changed. The fixed zoom varioscope systems described above are opposite conventional Varioskopsystemen according to the known tele principle and retrofocus principle, although not so compact design. However, this disadvantage can be largely compensated as such with a folded structure of the microscope system and is more than compensated for by the advantages achieved with the fixed focal length varioscope system. In addition, they provide a hitherto undisclosed solution to the problem of eliminating the discrepancy between working distance and focal length in a conventional varioscope system.

As a result, the fixed focal length zooming scope system shown in Figs. 5 and 6 is particularly well suited for the above-described microscopy system according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The following is by reference. FIG. 7 describes a second embodiment of a microscopy system according to the present invention. FIG. 7 schematically shows a beam path through an arrangement of essential elements of an imaging system 26 'of the microscopy system unfolded in a plane. The structure of the microscopy system according to the second embodiment substantially corresponds to the structure of the micro copy system according to the first embodiment described in detail above. Consequently, only differences between the first and second embodiments will be explained in detail.

The microscopy system according to the second embodiment also has an imaging system 26 'in order to image an object (not shown) that can be arranged in an object plane 1. The imaging system 26 'provides two pairs of imaging beam paths 2a, 2b and 2c, 2d. The imaging system 26 'is composed (as in the first embodiment described above) of a first subsystem Tl ¹ with a plurality of optical lenses 4-8, 11, in which the imaging beam paths 2a-2d are jointly guided, and a second subsystem T2' with a plurality optical lenses 16'-21 ', 22', 16 "-21", 22 ", 16 '" - 21'",22"'and 16 "" - 21 "", 22 "", in which the imaging beam paths 2 a- 2d separated, together. Again, there are lenses of the first and second subsystem Tl ', T2' for adjusting a working distance or for changing the image magnification relative to each other displaced. A more detailed description of these elements will be omitted.

Essential to the second embodiment shown in Figure 7 is that no deflecting elements are provided for deflecting the imaging beam paths 2a-2d. Only the imaging beam paths 2c and 2d are folded in a freely rotatable beam splitter 15 in order to separate them from the imaging beam paths 2a and 2b and to allow ergonomic adjustments of the imaging beam paths.

7 additionally shows two digital cameras 31 'and 31 "which generate image data from radiation conducted in the imaging beam paths 2a and 2b Further, two eyepiece optics 32'", 32 "" for direct visual observation of radiation guided in the imaging beam paths 2c and 2d provided by a user.

The zero-degree illumination is coupled in the second embodiment via an illumination mirror which is arranged in a pupil plane of the imaging beam paths 2a-2d between beam cross-sectional areas of radiation guided in the imaging beam paths 2a-2d.

Also, the microscopy system according to the second embodiment can be combined with a fixed focus zooming scope system as shown in Figs.

In summary, a microscopy system for imaging an object that can be arranged in an object plane of the microscope system is proposed, which, due to a reduced imaging of the object plane into an intermediate image and / or a stereo angle enlarged in relation to the stereoscopic angle in the object plane, has a particularly compact construction for an overall enlargement to be achieved having.

Claims

claims

1. Microscopy system for imaging an object plane (1) of the microscopy system can be arranged object, wherein the

Microscopy system includes:

an imaging system (26) having a plurality of optical elements for providing at least one imaging beam path (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d),

wherein the plurality of optical elements comprise a plurality of optical lenses (4-8, 11, 13, 14), which passes through the at least one imaging beam path (2a-2d) successively and which image the object plane (1) in an intermediate image (P),

characterized in that

the optical lenses (4-8, 11) are configured such that the object plane (1) is at most 0.9 times, and preferably at most 0.8 times, and more preferably at most 0.6 times, in particular preferably to a maximum of 0.5 times smaller in the intermediate image (P) is shown.

2. Microscopy system according to claim 1,

the plurality of optical elements of the imaging system (26) providing at least one pair of imaging beam paths (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) including a first stereo angle (αl) in the object plane (1),

wherein the imaging beam paths (2a-2d) at the intermediate image (P) include a second stereo angle (α2), and

wherein a ratio of the first stereo angle (αl) in the object plane (1) to the second stereo angle (α2) on the Intermediate image (P) is less than 0.9 and preferably less than 0.8, and more preferably less than 0.6.

3. Microscopy system for imaging an object plane (1) of the microscopy system can be arranged object, wherein the

Microscopy system includes:

an imaging system (26) having a plurality of optical elements for providing at least one pair of imaging beam paths (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) which include a first stereo angle (αl) in the object plane (1),

wherein the plurality of optical elements comprise a plurality of optical lenses (4-8, 11, 13, 14) which successively pass through the at least one pair of imaging beam paths (2a-2d) and which transform the object plane (1) into an intermediate image (P) depict, and

wherein the imaging beam paths (2a-2d) include a second stereo angle (α2) at the intermediate image (P),

characterized in that

a ratio of the first stereo angle (αl) in the object plane (1) to the second stereo angle (α2) on the intermediate image (P) is less than 0.9 and preferably less than 0.8 and particularly preferably less than 0.6.

4. Microscopy system according to one of claims 2 or 3,

wherein the optical lenses (4-8, 11, 13, 14) of the imaging beam paths (2a-2d) are interspersed together, and

wherein the imaging beam paths (2a-2d) in the lenses (4-8, 11, 13, 14) are guided so that the intermediate image (P) between two areas (AFI, AF2) is arranged, in which a distance of stereo axes of the imaging beam paths (2a-2d) from an optical axis (A) defined by the lenses (4-8, 11, 13, 14) is in each case maximum.

5. Microscopy system according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one imaging beam path (2a-2d) in the lenses (4-8, 11, 13, 14) is guided so that the intermediate image (P) between two areas (AFI , AF2), in which a diameter of a radiation beam guided in the at least one imaging beam path (2a-2d) is in each case maximum.

6. microscopy system according to claim 4 or 5,

between the intermediate image (P) and a first of the two regions (AFI), at which a distance of stereo axes of the imaging beam paths (2a-2d) to the optical axis (A) and / or a diameter of one in the at least one imaging beam path (2a) 2d) guided beam is in each case a maximum, which first region (AFI) between the intermediate image (P) and the object plane (1) is arranged, a first group (Gl) of optically active surfaces of lenses (7, 8, 11) is arranged .

wherein a second group (G2) of optically effective surfaces of lenses (13, 14) is arranged between the intermediate image (P) and the second of the two regions (AF2), and

wherein between the first region (AFI) and the object plane (1), a third group (G3) of optically active surfaces of lenses (4, 5, 6) is arranged.

7. Microscopy system according to claim 6, wherein a ratio of the total focal length of the optically active surfaces of the first

Group to the total focal length of the optically active surfaces of the second group is at least 1.1 and preferably at least 1.2 and more preferably at least 1.4.

8. Microscopy system according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein a ratio of the total focal length of the optically active surfaces of the first group to the total focal length of the optically active surfaces of the third group between 0.2 and 0.6 and preferably between 0, 3rd and 0, 5, and more preferably 0.4.

9. Microscopy system according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein a ratio of the total focal length of the optically active surfaces of the second group to the total focal length of the optically active surfaces of the third group between 0.1 and 0.6 and preferably between 0.2 and 0.5, and more preferably 0, 3.

10. Microscopy system according to one of claims 4 to 9, wherein a ratio of the respective distances of stereo axes of the imaging beam paths (2a-2d) to the optical axis (A) in the first region (AFI) to the respective distances of stereo axes of the imaging beam paths (2a-2d ) to the optical axis (A) in the second region (AF2) is at most 1.1 and preferably at most 1.2 and more preferably at most 1.4.

11. Microscopy system according to one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the lenses (4-8, 11, 13, 14), the imaging beam paths

(2a-2d) in at least one of the regions (AFI, AF2) in which a distance of stereo axes of the imaging beam paths (2a-2d) to the optical axis (A) and / or a diameter of one in the at least one imaging beam path (2a-2d ) guided beam is maximum, after infinity map.

12. Microscopy system according to one of the preceding claims,

the imaging system (26) having first, second, third and fourth mirror surfaces (3, 9, 10, 12) for deflecting the at least one imaging beam path (2a-2d); and wherein the at least one imaging beam path (2a-2d) successively at the first mirror surface (3), the second mirror surface (9), the third mirror surface. (10) and the fourth mirror surface (12) is reflected.

13. Microscopy system according to claim 12, wherein the first mirror surface (3) and the fourth mirror surface (12) relative to each other enclose an angle of between 80 ° and 100 ° and preferably 90 °, and the second mirror surface (9) and the third mirror surface ( 10) relative to each other include an angle of between 80 ° and 100 ° and preferably 90 °, and the third mirror surface (10) and the fourth mirror surface (9) relative to each other enclose an angle of between 80 ° and 100 ° and preferably 90 °.

14. Microscopy system according to one of the preceding claims,

the imaging system (26) providing at least one pair of imaging beam paths (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) including a stereo angle (αl) in the object plane (1); and

wherein the imaging system (26) comprises a first subsystem (T1) comprising a plurality of optical lenses (4-8, 11, 13, 14) disposed from both imaging beam paths (2a-2d) of the at least one pair of imaging beam paths (2a -2d) are jointly enforced.

15. Microscopy system according to claim 14, wherein the second and / or third and / or fourth mirror surface (9, 10, 12) between optical lenses (4-8, 11, 13, 14) of the first subsystem (Tl) is arranged.

16. Microscopy system according to one of claims 14 or 15, wherein at least two lenses (4, 5, 6) of the first

Subsystem (Tl) along the guided by them imaging beam paths (2a-2d) are displaced relative to each other.

17. Microscopy system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the imaging system (26) comprises a second subsystem (T2) having a plurality of optical lenses (16'-21 ', 16 "-21", 16 "' - 21" \ 16 "" -21 ""), which are respectively penetrated by only one imaging beam path (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) of the at least one pair of imaging beam paths (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d).

18. Microscopy system according to claim 17, wherein at least two lenses (16'-19 ', 16 "-19", 16 "' - 19 '", 16 "" - 19 "") of the second

Subsystem (T2) along a common imaging beam path (2a-2d) are displaced relative to each other.

19. Microscopy system for imaging an object plane (1) of the microscope system can be arranged object, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the microscopy system comprises:

an imaging system (26) for providing at least one pair of imaging beam paths (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) which include a stereo angle (αl) in the object plane (1),

wherein the imaging system (26) comprises a first subsystem (T1) comprising a plurality of optical lenses (4-8, 11, 13, 14) which extend from both imaging beam paths (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) of the at least one pair of imaging beam paths (2a-2d) are interspersed together, and

said imaging system (26) comprising a second subsystem (T2) comprising a plurality of optical lenses (16'-21 ', 16 "-21", 16 "' - 21 '", 16 "" - 21 "") which are respectively penetrated by only one imaging beam path (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) of the at least one pair of imaging beam paths (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d),

characterized in that - -

at least two lenses (4, 5, 6) of the first subsystem (T1) and at least two lenses (16'-19 \ 16 "-19", 16 "'- 19'", 16 "" - 19 "") of the second Subsystem (T2) along a common imaging beam path (2a-2d) are displaced relative to each other, in each case to change an enlargement of the image of the object plane (1) can be arranged object.

20. Microscopy system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the microscopy system further comprises a lighting system (23, 30) with an illumination beam path (24) for illuminating the object plane (1).

21. Microscopy system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the microscope system is a stereomicroscope and preferably a surgical microscope.