Optical Microscope Technology in Japan

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PeteM
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Optical Microscope Technology in Japan

#1 Post by PeteM » Thu Jan 05, 2023 2:42 am

I recently stumbled upon a 2017 article others may find interesting or useful: https://sts.kahaku.go.jp/diversity/docu ... /101_e.pdf

The author (Nagano) covers four main topics:

1) An introduction to the fundamentals of microscope optics as background, going back to the earliest innovations and covering a lot of territory in relatively few pages. You'll find Snell's law, Abbe, various types of optical glasses, various types of aberrations described and so on. The author has an academic background in optics and worked in Olympus R&D.

2) A history of Japanese microscopes (prepared for a major exhibition) going back to the earliest days (what brought me to the article was a Google search trying to figure out which Japanese company made the "Eliza" phase contrast system).

3) The competitive aspects, covering especially the competition between German and Japanese makers after WWII and the competition between Tiyoda and especially Olympus and Nikon to near the present day. Nagano also served as secretary of the Japanese optical manufacturers society.

4) A chronology of microscope development (by model). You'll find the Nikon S-Ke was the first Kohler-equipped microscope made in Japan and then follow through to its latest infinity models. Similarly for Olympus from the early gray-bodied microscopes through the BH, CH, BH2, and a dozen or so BX infinity models.

Sure Squintsalot
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Re: Optical Microscope Technology in Japan

#2 Post by Sure Squintsalot » Thu Jan 05, 2023 5:22 am

fairly dense/dry synopsis.

Perfect for us insomniacs.

tpruuden
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Re: Optical Microscope Technology in Japan

#3 Post by tpruuden » Sun Jan 15, 2023 5:48 am

Nice overview publication, lot of info condensed.

mikemarotta
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Re: Optical Microscope Technology in Japan

#4 Post by mikemarotta » Sun Jan 15, 2023 11:28 pm

Thanks. This was fascinating.
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Michael E. Marotta
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imkap
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Re: Optical Microscope Technology in Japan

#5 Post by imkap » Mon Jan 16, 2023 12:31 am

Thanks for this.

Hobbyst46
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Re: Optical Microscope Technology in Japan

#6 Post by Hobbyst46 » Mon Jan 16, 2023 8:43 am

Thanks PeteM. Even on first look it seems attractive reading.

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