阅读说明：本技术 用于光传送的光学装置 (Optical device for light transmission ) 是由 J·S·布鲁克 H·马 于 2020-01-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种光学装置,包括：第一光学路径和第二光学路径；光反射表面；和连杆系统。所述第一光学路径沿着第一光学轴线限定。所述第二光学路径沿着第二光学轴线限定。所述光反射表面限定于所述第一光学路径和第二光学路径之间。所述第一轴线和第二轴线分别限定了与所述反射表面的法线所成的第一倾斜角度和第二倾斜角度。所述连杆系统将所述第一光学路径和第二光学路径与所述光反射表面连接起来,使得在所述第一光学路径相对于所述第二光学路径的移动期间,所述第一倾斜角度保持与所述第二倾斜角度相同。(An optical device, comprising: a first optical path and a second optical path; a light reflective surface; and a linkage system. The first optical path is defined along a first optical axis. The second optical path is defined along a second optical axis. The light reflecting surface is defined between the first optical path and the second optical path. The first and second axes define first and second angles of inclination, respectively, with a normal to the reflective surface. The linkage system connects the first and second optical paths with the light reflecting surface such that the first tilt angle remains the same as the second tilt angle during movement of the first optical path relative to the second optical path.)

1. An optical device (100) comprising:

a first optical path (11), the first optical path (11) being defined along a first optical axis (111);

a second optical path (12), the second optical path (12) being defined along a second optical axis (121);

a light reflecting surface (21), said light reflecting surface (21) being defined between said first and second optical paths, said first (111) and second (121) axes defining a first (118) and a second (128) inclination angle, respectively, with a normal to said reflecting surface (21); and

a linkage system (3), the linkage system (3) connecting the first and second optical paths with the light reflective surface such that the first tilt angle (118) remains the same as the second tilt angle (128) during movement of the first optical path (11) relative to the second optical path (12).

2. The optical arrangement according to claim 1, in which the link system (3) comprises: a first bar (31), a second bar (32), a third bar (33) and a fourth bar (34),

wherein the first and second bars (31, 32) are pivotally connected at a first joint (51), the third and fourth bars (33, 34) are pivotally connected at a second joint (52), the first and third bars (31, 33) are pivotally connected at a third joint (53), and the second and fourth bars (32, 34) are pivotally connected at a fourth joint (54),

wherein during said movement of said first optical path (11) relative to said second optical path (12), a line extending from said first joint (51) to said third joint (53) remains parallel to a line extending from said fourth joint (54) to said second joint (52), and a line extending from said first joint (51) to said fourth joint (54) remains parallel to a line extending from said third joint (53) to said second joint (52),

wherein the first optical axis (111) and the second optical axis (121) intersect at the first joint (51) and on the light-reflecting surface (21), and

wherein the movement of the second joint (52) is limited to a first sliding structure (411) such that the first optical axis (111) and the second optical axis (121) pivot about the first joint (51) and such that the first tilt angle (118) remains the same as the second tilt angle (128) during the movement of the first optical path (11) relative to the second optical path (12).

3. The optical device of claim 2, wherein the first sliding structure comprises: a rod and a sliding tube slidable along the rod; a channel and a slide block slidable along the channel; or a track and wheels slidable along the track.

4. The optical device of claim 2, wherein the first sliding structure comprises: an arch having two feet secured to a mirror; a rod extending from a top of the arch, the rod being perpendicular to the light reflecting surface of the mirror.

5. The optical device of claim 2, wherein the second joint is constrained to move perpendicular or parallel to the reflective surface of the mirror.

6. Optical device according to claim 2, wherein the linkage system comprises a fifth rod (35) and a sixth rod (36),

wherein the fifth bar (35) and the sixth bar (36) are pivotally connected at a fifth joint (55), the first bar (31) and the sixth bar (36) are pivotally connected at a seventh joint (57), and the second bar (52) and the fifth bar (55) are pivotally connected at a sixth joint (56),

wherein a line extending from the first joint (51) to the seventh joint (57) is parallel to a line extending from the sixth joint (56) to the fifth joint (55), and a line extending from the first joint (51) to the sixth joint (56) is parallel to a line extending from the seventh joint (57) to the fifth joint (55).

7. The optical arrangement according to claim 6, in which the fifth joint (55) is constrained to a second sliding structure (412).

8. An optical device, comprising:

a microscope comprising a light source; and

at least one optical device configured to direct light from the light source;

wherein the optical device comprises:

a first optical path (11), the first optical path (11) being defined along a first optical axis (111);

a second optical path (12), the second optical path (12) being defined along a second optical axis (121);

a light reflecting surface (21), said light reflecting surface (21) being defined between said first and second optical paths, said first (111) and second (121) axes defining a first (118) and a second (128) inclination angle, respectively, with a normal to said reflecting surface (21); and

a linkage system (3), the linkage system (3) connecting the first and second optical paths with the light reflective surface such that the first tilt angle (118) remains the same as the second tilt angle (128) during movement of the first optical path (11) relative to the second optical path (12).

9. The optical apparatus of claim 8, wherein the microscope or the optical device is mounted on a hexapod providing six degrees of freedom.

10. The optical apparatus of claim 9, wherein the optical device is combined with a conventional rotary joint, a linear sliding tube, and/or an additional revolute joint to allow control of up to six degrees of freedom of the transmission of the light.

11. The optical apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of the optical devices connected together in series and configured to direct the light from the light source to a target.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to an optical device for light delivery.

Background

In optical systems where there is relative motion in the optical path, rotary joints and mirrors in these joints may be used to allow deflection of light to a targeted direction. Typically, each rotary joint may provide only one degree of freedom of movement in the optical path. In some cases, a large number of rotary joints and mirrors are used to direct the light to the targeted direction. This may increase the space required for the overall system and may reduce the amount of light until it reaches the target location due to multiple reflections at the mirrors.

Therefore, there is a need for an optical system such that space of the optical system can be saved and/or reduction in the amount of light can be suppressed.

Disclosure of Invention

One embodiment of the present invention provides an optical device. The optical device includes: a first optical path and a second optical path; a light reflective surface; and a linkage system. The first optical path is defined along a first optical axis. The second optical path is defined along a second optical axis. A light reflecting surface is defined between the first optical path and the second optical path. The first and second axes define first and second angles of inclination, respectively, with the normal to the reflective surface. The linkage system connects the first optical path and the second optical path with the light reflective surface such that the first tilt angle remains the same as the second tilt angle during movement of the first optical path relative to the second optical path.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides an optical apparatus. The optical apparatus includes: a microscope including a light source; and an optical device. The optical device includes: a first optical path and a second optical path; a light reflective surface; and a linkage system. The first optical path is defined along a first optical axis. The second optical path is defined along a second optical axis. A light reflecting surface is defined between the first optical path and the second optical path. The first and second axes define first and second angles of inclination, respectively, with the normal to the reflective surface. The linkage system connects the first optical path and the second optical path with the light reflective surface such that the first tilt angle remains the same as the second tilt angle during movement of the first optical path relative to the second optical path. The optical device is configured to direct light from the light source.

Drawings

Fig. 1A-1C show schematic diagrams of optical systems with corresponding tilt angles according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 2 and 3 show front views of optical devices with corresponding tilt angles according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 4 and 5 show front views of optical devices with corresponding tilt angles according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 6 and 7 show front views of optical devices with corresponding tilt angles according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are photographs of optical devices with corresponding tilt angles according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a microscope mounted on a hexapod according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a hexapod according to one embodiment.

Detailed Description

The description of the illustrative embodiments in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of the embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is only intended for convenience of description, and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any way. Relative terms, such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal," "vertical," "above," "below," "upper," "lower," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.), should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as "attached," "connected," "coupled," "interconnected," and the like refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Furthermore, the features and benefits of the present disclosure are illustrated by reference to the illustrated embodiments. Thus, the present disclosure should not be expressly limited to such exemplary embodiments, which illustrate some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may be present alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims appended hereto.

The present disclosure describes one or more best modes of practicing the disclosure as presently contemplated. This description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense, but provides examples of the disclosure which are presented for purposes of illustration only and to suggest themselves to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure and the structure herein disclosed. Like reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

It is important to note that the disclosed embodiments are only examples of the many advantageous uses of the innovative teachings herein. In general, statements made in the specification of the present application do not necessarily limit any of the various claimed disclosures. Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventive features but not to others. In general, unless otherwise indicated, singular elements may be in the plural and vice versa with no loss of generality.

Fig. 1A-1C show schematic diagrams of an optical system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The optical systems shown in fig. 1A-1C may be configured to allow deflection of light to a targeted direction. In this embodiment, the optical system may transmit light through free space, which follows the movement of the optomechanical system. In the present disclosure, light may include, but is not limited to, visible light, ultraviolet light, infrared light, laser beams in and outside the visible region, optical images, any combination thereof, and other types of light.

The systems of fig. 1A-1C may be configured to tilt the incident path relative to the reflected path, and vice versa. The system may include an optical path 101 and a mirror 102, the mirror 102 including a reflective surface 103. In one example, optical pathway 101 may include, but is not limited to, lens tubes and other types of optical pathways. If there is an angular change θ, then the reflective surface 103 of the mirror 102 may therefore need to be rotated by θ/2 to deflect the image or light along the tilted optical axis. For example, in FIG. 1A, the initial angle of the reflective surface 103 of the mirror 102 is 45. As shown in FIG. 1B, when an optical path 101 is tilted by an angle θ₁The reflective surface 103 of the mirror 102 may need to be tilted by beta₁. As shown in FIG. 1C, when an optical path 101 is tilted by an angle θ₂The reflective surface 103 of the mirror 102 may need to be tilted by beta₂. To ensure that the light follows the tilt, the reflective surface 103 of the mirror 102 may need to be tilted at an angle such that β₁＝1/2θ₁，β₂＝1/2θ₂. In other words, the angle between the optical axis of one optical path 101 and the normal to the reflective surface 103 of the mirror 102 may have to remain the same as the angle between the optical axis of the other optical path 101 and the normal to the reflective surface 103 of the mirror 102. The following examples in the views of fig. 2-7 may satisfy such requirements.

Fig. 2 and 3 show front views of an optical device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The optical device 100 of fig. 2 and 3 may include a first optical path 11, a second optical path 12, a mirror 2, and a linkage system 3. In one example, light 881 may enter first optical path 11. The light 881 may then travel along a first optical path 11, be reflected by the mirror 2, and then travel along a second optical path 12. Then, the light 881 may exit the second optical path 12. In another example, light may enter the second optical path 12, be reflected by the mirror 2, and exit the first optical path 11. The first optical path 11 may be defined along a first optical axis 111. The second optical path 12 may be defined along a second optical axis 121. The second optical path 12 may be moved relative to the first optical path 11. The mirror 2 may comprise a reflective surface 21. The reflective surface 21 may be flat and may be defined between the first path 11 and the second optical path 12. The first axis 111 and the second optical axis 121 may define a first angle of inclination 118 and a second angle of inclination 128, respectively, with a normal 211 to the reflective surface 21. The linkage system 3 may connect the first optical path 11 and the second optical path 12 with the light reflecting surface 21 such that the first tilt angle 118 remains the same as the second tilt angle 128 during movement of the first optical path 11 relative to the second optical path 12.

In the illustrated example of fig. 2 and 3, the linkage system 3 may include a first rod 31, a second rod 32, a third rod 33, a fourth rod 34, a fifth rod 35, and a sixth rod 36. In one embodiment, rods 31-34 may form a parallelogram and rods 31-32 and 35-36 may form another parallelogram. Each of the rods may comprise the shape of: such as, but not limited to, straight shapes, curved shapes, combinations thereof, and other types of shapes.

In fig. 2 and 3, bars 31 and 32 are pivotally connected at a first joint 51, bars 33 and 34 are pivotally connected at a second joint 52, bars 31 and 33 are pivotally connected at a third joint 53, bars 32 and 34 are pivotally connected at a fourth joint 54, bars 35 and 36 are pivotally connected at a fifth joint 55, bars 34 and 35 are pivotally connected at a sixth joint 56, and bars 31 and 36 are pivotally connected at a seventh joint 57.

In the example shown, the first connector 51 may be connected to the reflective surface 21, such as but not limited to at the center of the reflective surface 21. The first optical axis 111 and the second optical axis 121 may intersect at the first joint 51 and on the reflective surface 21. The third joint 53 may be connected to the first optical path 11. The second joint 52 may be connected to the first sliding structure 411. Therefore, the second joint 52 may be slidably moved by the first sliding structure 411. In fig. 2-3, the first slide structure 411 may include a rod 4111 and a slide tube 4112. The rod 4111 may, for example, extend parallel or perpendicular to the reflective surface 21 of the mirror 2. In the example shown, the rod 4111 may be connected to the mirror 2 and extend parallel to the reflective surface 21 of the mirror 2. A sliding tube 4112 may be connected to the first sliding structure 411 and is slidable along the rod 4111. In other examples (not shown), the first sliding structure may include: a channel and a slide block slidable along the channel; a track and a wheel slidable along the track; or other similar linear sliding mechanism.

In the example shown, the sixth junction 56 may be connected to the second optical path 12. The fifth joint 55 may be connected to the second sliding structure 412. Accordingly, the fifth joint 55 may be slidably moved by the second sliding structure 412. The second sliding structure 412 may have the same or similar configuration as the first sliding structure 411 discussed above.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the second joint 52 may be constrained by the first sliding structure 411, and the fifth joint 55 may be constrained by the second sliding structure 412, so that the rods 31 and 32 may pivot about the first joint 51. In the example shown, the second joint 52 and the fifth joint 55 may be constrained to move parallel to the reflective surface 21 of the mirror. As shown in fig. 2 to 3, when the rods 31 and 32 pivot about the first joint 51, the first optical path 11 and the second optical path 12 may pivot about the first joint 51. During the movement of the first optical path 11 relative to the second optical path 12, the line 711 extending from the first joint 51 to the third joint 53 may remain parallel to the line 712 extending from the fourth joint 54 to the second joint 52. During the movement of the first optical path 11 relative to the second optical path 12, the line 713 extending from the first joint 51 to the fourth joint 54 may remain parallel to the line 714 extending from the third joint 53 to the second joint 52.

Similar to the line 711 and 714, the line 715 extending from the first joint 51 to the seventh joint 57 may remain parallel to the line 716 extending from the sixth joint 56 to the fifth joint 55 during the movement of the first optical path 11 relative to the second optical path 12. During movement of the first optical path 11 relative to the second optical path 12, the line 717 extending from the first joint 51 to the sixth joint 56 may remain parallel to the line 718 extending from the seventh joint 57 to the fifth joint 55.

As discussed, the pairs of wires 711 and 718 may remain parallel, and the first optical axis 111 and the second optical axis 121 may pivot about the first joint 51 positioned on the reflective surface 21. Thus, the first tilt angle 118 and the second tilt angle 128 may remain the same during movement of the first optical path 11 relative to the second optical path 12. Thus, the chance that light 881 does not translate from the optical path (e.g., second optical path 12) or is off-center from the optical path (e.g., second optical path 12) may be reduced.

Further, since the present embodiment may define the desired incident angle and reflection angle of the light 881 without employing a plurality of joints and mirrors, the space of the optical system may be saved and/or the reduction in the amount of light to the target position may be suppressed.

Fig. 4 and 5 show front views of optical devices according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

The optical device 100a of fig. 4 and 5 may include a first optical path 11, a second optical path 12, a mirror 2, and a linkage system 3 a. The optical paths 11 and 12 and the mirror 2 in fig. 4 and 5 are the same as or similar to those of fig. 2 and 3. In the embodiment of fig. 4 and 5, the linkage system 3a may include a first rod 31a, a second rod 32a, a third rod 33a, and a fourth rod 34 a. In one embodiment, the rods 31a-34a may form a parallelogram.

In fig. 4 and 5, rods 31a and 32a are pivotally connected at first joint 51a, rods 33a and 34a are pivotally connected at second joint 52a, rods 31a and 33a are pivotally connected at third joint 53a, and rods 32a and 34a are pivotally connected at fourth joint 54 a.

In the example shown, the first connector 51a may be connected to the reflective surface 21, such as but not limited to at the center of the reflective surface 21. The first optical axis 111 and the second optical axis 121 may intersect at the first joint 51a and on the reflective surface 21. The second joint 52a may be connected to the sliding structure 411 a. Therefore, the second joint 52a may be slidably moved by the sliding structure 411 a. In fig. 4 and 5, the sliding structure 411a may include a rod 4111a and a sliding tube 4112 a. The rod 4111a may, for example, extend parallel or perpendicular to the reflective surface 21 of the mirror 2. In the example shown, the rod 4111a may be connected to the mirror 2 (in a non-limiting example, at the bottom of the mirror 2) and extends perpendicular to the reflective surface 21 of the mirror 2. A sliding tube 4112a may be connected to the sliding structure 411a and slidable along the rod 4111 a. In other examples, the first sliding structure may include: a channel and a slide block slidable along the channel; a track and a wheel slidable along the track; or other similar linear sliding mechanism.

In one embodiment, the second joint 52a may be constrained by the sliding structure 411a such that the rods 31a and 32a may pivot about the first joint 51 a. In the example shown, the second joint 52a may be constrained to move perpendicular to the reflective surface 21 of the mirror. As shown in fig. 4 to 5, when the rods 31a and 32a pivot about the first joint 51a, the first optical path 11 and the second optical path 12 may pivot about the first joint 51 a. During the movement of the first optical path 11 relative to the second optical path 12, the line 711a extending from the first joint 51a to the third joint 53a may remain parallel to the line 712a extending from the fourth joint 54a to the second joint 52 a. During the movement of the first optical path 11 relative to the second optical path 12, the line 713a extending from the first joint 51a to the fourth joint 54a may remain parallel to the line 714a extending from the third joint 53a to the second joint 52 a.

In this embodiment, the pairs of wires 711a-714a may remain parallel, and the first optical axis 111 and the second optical axis 121 may pivot about the first joint 51a positioned on the reflective surface 21. Thus, the first tilt angle 118a and the second tilt angle 128a may remain the same during movement of the first optical path 11 relative to the second optical path 12. Thus, the chance that light 881 does not translate from the optical path (e.g., second optical path 12) or is off-center from the optical path (e.g., second optical path 12) may be reduced. In addition, space of the optical system can be saved, and/or reduction in the amount of light to the target position can be suppressed. Furthermore, the link system 3a of fig. 4 and 5 may have a simplified structure compared to the link system 3 of fig. 2 and 3. In addition, the lower portion of the rod of the link system 3a may be cut away to reduce the overall size.

Fig. 6 and 7 show front views of optical devices according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

The optical device 100b of fig. 6 and 7 may include a first optical path 11, a second optical path 12, a mirror 2, and a linkage system 3 b. The optical paths 11 and 12 and the mirror 2 in fig. 6 and 7 are the same as or similar to those of fig. 2 and 3. In the embodiment of fig. 6 and 7, the linkage system 3b may include a first rod 31b, a second rod 32b, a third rod 33b, and a fourth rod 34 b. In one embodiment, the rods 31b-34b may form a parallelogram.

In fig. 6 and 7, bars 31b and 32b are pivotally connected at a first joint 51b, bars 33b and 34b are pivotally connected at a second joint 52b, bars 31b and 33b are pivotally connected at a third joint 53b, and bars 32b and 34b are pivotally connected at a fourth joint 54 b.

In the example shown, the first connector 51b may be connected to the reflective surface 21, such as but not limited to at the center of the reflective surface 21. The first optical axis 111 and the second optical axis 121 may intersect at the first joint 51b and on the reflective surface 21. The second joint 52b may be connected to the sliding structure 411 b. Therefore, the second joint 52b may be slidably moved by the sliding structure 411 b. In fig. 6-7, the sliding structure 411b may include a rod 4111b, a sliding tube 4112b, and an arch 4113 b. The two feet of arch 4113b may be secured to mirror 2. Arch 4113b may have a slot to allow light to pass through and allow optical paths 11 and 12 to tilt freely. The rod 4111b may, for example, extend parallel or perpendicular to the reflective surface 21 of the mirror 2. In the example shown, rod 4111b may be connected to arch 4113 b. The rod 4111b may extend perpendicular to the reflective surface 21 of the mirror 2, such as but not limited to extending from the top of the arch 4113 b. Sliding tube 4112b may be connected to rod 4111b and may be slidable along rod 4111 b. In other examples, the first sliding structure may include: a channel and a slide block slidable along the channel; a track and a wheel slidable along the track; or other similar linear sliding mechanism.

In one embodiment, the second joint 52b may be constrained by a sliding structure 411b such that the rods 31b and 32b may pivot about the first joint 51 b. In the example shown, the second joint 52b may be constrained to move perpendicular to the reflective surface 21 of the mirror. As shown in fig. 6 to 7, when the rods 31b and 32b pivot about the first joint 51b, the first optical path 11 and the second optical path 12 may pivot about the first joint 51 b. During the movement of the first optical path 11 relative to the second optical path 12, the line 711b extending from the first joint 51b to the third joint 53b may remain parallel to the line 712b extending from the fourth joint 54b to the second joint 52 b. During the movement of the first optical path 11 relative to the second optical path 12, the line 713b extending from the first joint 51b to the fourth joint 54b may remain parallel to the line 714b extending from the third joint 53b to the second joint 52 b.

In this embodiment, the pairs of wires 711b-714b may remain parallel, and the first optical axis 111 and the second optical axis 121 may pivot about the first joint 51b positioned on the reflective surface 21. Thus, the first tilt angle 118b and the second tilt angle 128b may remain the same during movement of the first optical path 11 relative to the second optical path 12. Thus, the chance that light 881 does not translate from the optical path (e.g., second optical path 12) or is off-center from the optical path (e.g., second optical path 12) may be reduced. In addition, space of the optical system can be saved, and/or reduction in the amount of light up to the target position can be suppressed. Furthermore, the linkage system 3b of fig. 6-7 may have a larger gap at the bottom of the mirror 2 than the linkage system 3 of fig. 2-3 or the linkage system 3a of fig. 4-5.

Fig. 8-9 each show a prototype of an optical device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the prototype of fig. 8 to 9 is based on the optical device 100 of fig. 2 to 3. In fig. 8-9, the bottom left is a laser pointer that generates a collimated beam of light through a first optical path (such as a prism tube). To the right of the pictures of fig. 8-9 is a second optical path, such as an output lens tube. At the end of the second optical path (such as a lens tube), a piece of tape is provided as a screen. When the second optical path (such as a lens tube) is tilted with respect to the first optical path (such as a lens tube), the laser spot may reside at the same position on the screen (see fig. 9).

Each of the optical devices 100,100a, and 100b of fig. 2-7 (which may be revolute joints) may have one degree of rotational freedom. The range of angular movement may be limited by the size of the mirror 2. However, each of the optical devices 100,100a, and 100b may be combined with conventional rotary joints, linear sliding tubes, and/or additional revolute joints to allow up to six degrees of freedom control for optical transport. According to the present structure, the number of mirrors required can be reduced to provide the same degree of freedom control of light.

In a non-limiting example, the optical devices 100,100a, and 100b of fig. 2-7 may be used in an optical apparatus that includes a microscope having a light source. In a non-limiting example, the optical devices 100,100a, and 100b can direct light from a light source toward a desired location by causing the light to travel along a first optical path 11 and a second optical path 12 (see fig. 2-7). The microscope and/or optical device 100,100a,100b may be mounted on a hexapod that provides six degrees of freedom. One example of such a microscope mounted on a hexapod is shown in fig. 10. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the hexapod of fig. 11.

FIG. 10 shows one non-limiting example: the microscope is mounted on an adjustable stage so that the entire microscope is movable. The table may include a hexapod that may provide six degrees of freedom (see fig. 11). While the microscope is shown mounted in an upright position, it is also possible to mount the microscope in an inverted position or in a sideways or angled position.

While the present disclosure has been described at some length and with some particularity with respect to the several described embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to any such details or embodiments or any specific embodiments, but rather should be construed with reference to the appended claims to provide the broadest possible interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and, therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the disclosure.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art; and are to be understood as not being limited to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Moreover, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure.