Illumination system, esp. for microscope - contains light source and optical imaging system with prismatic reflector rod forming secondary source, giving uniform illumination

An illumination system consists of a light source and an optical, imaging system whereby a secondary light source is formed in the aperture stop. The base surface of a straight rod-shaped prismatic reflector with inward reflecting surfaces between the source and imaging system is illuminated by the light source. The base surface forms the secondary light source. The reflector dimensions are derived from the aperture angle to be transferred for the secondary light beam from the dimensions of the geometry of the arrangement and the refractive index inside the reflector. USE/ADVANTAGE - For illumination in optical precision equipment, esp. microscopes. Compact arrangement provides very good uniform illumination.