Patent Description:
Sample carriers for use in microscopy may comprise a lid for sealing a sample received in the sample carrier from the environment. The lid prevents accidental contamination of the sample as well as spillage when the sample is handled by a user. In order to allow a microscopic examination of the sample, the lid is optically transparent. However, in order to manipulate the sample, e.g. by injecting a reagent into the sample, the lid must be removed which typically requires a manual action by the user. This need for human interaction decreases the walk-away time of an experiment, and thus, the efficiency of the experiment. Further, if contamination either of the sample or of the environment is a critical issue, the lid needs to be removed in a sterile or semi-sterile environment such as a sterile cabinet. This time consuming procedure further decreases the efficiency of the experiment.

Document <CIT> discloses a box-type microscope having a culture chamber. The culture chamber comprises a mounting member for receiving a petri dish. The microscope further comprises a manipulator for removing a lid from the petri dish.

<CIT> discloses a climate chamber for microscopes. The climate chamber is configured to create a uniform flow. Further reference is made to <CIT>.

It is therefore an object to provide a microscope that allows for more efficient experiment designs and a higher throughput.

The aforementioned object is achieved by the subject-matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims and the following description.

The sample carrier may for example be a microscope slide, a petri dish or a multiwell plate configured to receive multiple samples. The sample carrier handling device automates removing the lid from the sample carrier in order to provide access to the sample for manipulation. Thereby, the need for human intervention is eliminated and the microscope can easily be integrated into a workflow design, in particular by means of software such as an experiment designer. Further, the sample carrier is received in the sample chamber and thereby shielded against the environment. This prevents contamination of the sample and/or the environment if the lid is removed. The possibility of automation combined with the reduced risk of contamination means the microscope can provide a long walk-away time resulting in more efficient experiment designs and a higher throughput.

In a preferred embodiment, the sample carrier handling device comprises an arm that is arranged inside the sample chamber and that is configured to engage with the lid of the sample carrier. The arm is a flexible mechanism for handling the lid. In particular, the arm can be designed such that a number of different lids of various sizes and shapes can be engaged with. Thereby a number of different formfactors of sample carrier can used with the proposed microscope.

In another preferred embodiment, the arm comprises a gripper, sliding mechanism, a key and lock feature or a suction cup that is configured to engage with the lid. In this embodiment, the lid can be securely attached to the arm. This prevents loss of the lid inside the sample chamber, which would require the user to retrieve the lid and thereby interrupt the experiment.

In another preferred embodiment, the arm is movable along a direction perpendicular to a top surface of the microscope stage on which the sample carrier is to be arranged. In other words, the arm can be moved vertically. Thereby, the lid can be lifted from the sample carrier without the risk of toppling the sample carrier which would disrupting the experiment.

In another preferred embodiment, the arm is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the top surface of the microscope stage and/or rotatable around at least one axis parallel to the top surface of the microscope stage. This allows for a much finer articulation of the arm and thus a more precise handling of the lid.

In another preferred embodiment the microscope comprises a stage drive configured to laterally move the microscope stage in a plane which is parallel to the top surface of the microscope stage. Preferably, the microscope is an X-Y-table. This allows for example to select an individual cavity of a multiwell plate or selecting a specific region of interest of a single sample for observation.

In another preferred embodiment, the microscope stage is configured to move the sample carrier between at least two of the following positions: an initial position in which the sample carrier is first received in the sample chamber, a lid-removal position in which the lid of the sample carrier can be removed by the sample carrier handling device, an examination position in which the sample can be microscopically examined, and a manipulation position in which the sample can be manipulated. The sample carrier is loaded into the microscope in the initial position, either manually or automatically. The sample carrier is then moved to either to the examination position for examination or the lid-removal position. If the sample carrier is moved to the lid-removal position, the lid is removed and the sample carrier is further moved to the manipulation position, where the sample or the samples received in the sample carrier are manipulated. Following the manipulation, the sample carrier can be moved to the examination position for examination of the manipulated sample or samples. In this embodiment, a number of different experiments can be automated very easily and thus making the microscope more versatile.

In another preferred embodiment the microscope comprises a pipetting device for pipetting the sample, in particular an injector device configured to inject a liquid into the sample, and/or a micromanipulator device configured to manipulate the sample. In this embodiment, the sample or the samples can be pipetted and/or manipulated within the shielded environment of the sample chamber, after the lid has been removed. In particular, the sample or the samples can be pipetted and/or manipulated while they are being microscopically examined. This allows a number of experiments to be performed that would otherwise not be possible, for example tracking the neuronal activities of neurons that have been activated by an injected reagent.

In another preferred embodiment, the sample chamber is an incubated sample chamber containing an incubation atmosphere and/or a sterile sample chamber containing a sterile atmosphere. The shielded environment of the sample chamber can be used to provide an incubation atmosphere for incubating the sample. This allows for example for the long time observation of cell cultures without the need of an external incubator. When an external incubator is used, the sample has to be moved through a potentially non-favorable environment such as a laboratory environment. This not only stresses the sample but takes additional time as well.

Further, the shielded environment of the sample chamber can be used to provide a sterile or at least semi-sterile atmosphere. In this embodiment, even samples that are extremely sensitive to contamination can be manipulated with the microscope.

The microscope comprises a first fan assembly configured to blow atmosphere into the sample chamber through at least one first opening of the sample chamber, and a second fan assembly configured to drain atmosphere from the sample chamber through at least one second opening of the sample chamber. This provides a directed flow of atmosphere in the sample chamber. This flow can entrain any particles, like dust, dirt, and germs, entering the sample chamber and transport them to an exit opening. This allows for a sterile or semi-sterile work environment inside the sample chamber. Further, in case of an incubated sample chamber, it is possible to recycle incubation atmosphere. Incubation atmosphere drained out of the sample chamber may be recycled and blown back into the sample chamber. A part of the incubation atmosphere may be refreshed or replenished. This saves incubation atmosphere volume and energy after opening and closing of the door of the sample chamber.

In another preferred embodiment, the at least one first opening and the at least one second opening are arranged on opposite sides of the sample chamber, in particular a top side and a bottom side of the sample chamber. In this embodiment, a laminar flow of the atmosphere inside the sample chamber may be created.

The first fan assembly, the at least one first opening and the at least one second opening are configured to generate a laminar flow inside the sample chamber. The laminar flow acts like a shield or curtain preventing atmosphere from escaping the sample chamber and preventing external atmosphere from entering the sample chamber.

In another preferred embodiment the microscope comprises a sample carrier identification unit configured to identify the sample carrier. The sample carrier identification unit can be used to uniquely identify the sample carrier, and thus the sample or sample contained therein. Thereby, multiple sample carrier can be automatically examined and/or manipulated one after the other. This further enhances the walk-away time of the microscope.

In another preferred embodiment, the sample carrier identification unit comprises a camera, barcode reader and/or RFID-reader. The camera can be used to uniquely identify the sample carrier based on a tag such as a barcode or a QR code, or based on a handwritten label. The barcode reader can be used to uniquely identify the sample carrier based on a barcode. The RFID-reader can be used to uniquely identify the sample carrier based on an RFID-tag.

In another preferred embodiment the microscope comprises a box-type microscope housing defining the sample chamber, the housing having a door for providing access to the sample chamber. Box-type microscopes comprise a housing in which all the microscopes components are arranged. The housing typically comprises one or more openings for accessing the inside of the microscope. Due to the enclosed or even sealed nature of the housing, box-type microscopes are especially suited for precisely controlling the environment of the samples, for example by a climate control unit. In this embodiment, the sample chamber is located inside the box-type microscope housing. This means, that the environment of the sample chamber can be precisely controlled.

In another preferred embodiment, the box-type microscope housing defines a component space below the microscope stage, the component space including a plurality of microscope components. The component space may include a power source of the microscope, an optical imaging system, an illumination system, filters, an environmental control unit, or an incubation control unit.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a microscope <NUM> not covered by the subject-matter of the claims. The microscope <NUM> is exemplary formed as a box-type microscope.

Conventional microscopes comprise a microscope stand which holds all microscope components. The open nature of the conventional microscope allows easy access to all its components. However, due to the open nature samples arranged on a conventional microscope are exposed to the environment. Further, the microscope stand typically blocks access to the sample from one side.

In contrast thereto, the box-type microscope <NUM> shown in <FIG> is completely enclosed inside a microscope housing <NUM>. In particular, the microscope housing <NUM> forms a sample chamber <NUM> configured to receive a sample carrier <NUM> having an optically transparent lid <NUM> (c. <FIG>) in which one or more sample are arranged. The lid <NUM> shields a sample or samples received in the sample carrier <NUM> from the environment and thus prevents contamination and prevents the sample from drying out. The lid <NUM> also prevents spillage when the sample carrier <NUM> is handled by a user. By enclosing the sample carrier <NUM> inside the microscope housing <NUM>, a precise control over the sample's environment is possible, for example via a incubation control unit <NUM> (c. <FIG>) for controlling temperature, humidity and gas composition of the sample chamber <NUM>. The enclosed samples are also shielded against the environment even if the lid <NUM> is removed, and thus both the sample and the environment are protected against accidental contamination. Further, the sample chamber <NUM> can easily be made into an incubation chamber and/or a sterile environment, if an experiments demands it.

The sample carrier <NUM> is positioned atop a microscope stage <NUM> that is arranged below the sample chamber <NUM>. The microscope stage <NUM> is movable along two orthogonal directions, i.e. the microscope stage <NUM> is a so called X-Y-table. Thus, moving the microscope stage <NUM> allows for example for selecting an individual cavity or well of the sample carrier <NUM> or selecting a specific region of interest of a single sample for observation.

The microscope <NUM> according to <FIG> is exemplary formed as a transmitted light microscope <NUM>. Imaging optics <NUM> for imaging the samples are exemplary arranged below the microscope stage <NUM> in a component space <NUM> and an illumination system <NUM> for illuminating the samples is arranged above the microscope stage <NUM> inside the sample chamber <NUM>. The optical axis of the imaging optics <NUM> and the optical axis of the illumination system <NUM> are aligned. Thereby, illumination light emitted by the illumination system <NUM> passes through the samples before entering the imaging optics <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the positions of the imaging optics <NUM> and the illumination system <NUM> may be reversed. In another alternative embodiment, both the imaging system and the illumination system <NUM> are arranged on the same side of the microscope stage <NUM>. Additional components such as a power source or various filters may be arranged in the component space <NUM>.

In order to remove the lid <NUM> from the sample carrier <NUM> and to allow access to the samples from the top for manipulation, the microscope <NUM> comprises a sample carrier handling device <NUM>. The sample carrier handling device <NUM> exemplary comprises a base <NUM> that is arranged next to the microscope stage <NUM> inside the sample chamber <NUM>, and an arm <NUM> that is connected to the base <NUM>. In the embodiment according to <FIG>, the arm <NUM> comprises a gripper <NUM> for engaging with the lid <NUM> of the sample carrier <NUM>. However, other elements for engaging with the lid <NUM>, such as a key and lock feature or a suction cup <NUM> (c. <FIG>), are also possible. The arm <NUM> can be rotated around the base <NUM> and moved along a vertical axis A. This is indicated in <FIG> by two double-headed arrows P1, P2 and described in more detail below with reference to <FIG>. Additional components of the sample carrier handling device <NUM> such as one or more motors for moving the arm <NUM> and the gripper <NUM>, and a control unit for controlling the arm <NUM> may be arranged in the component space <NUM> below the sample chamber <NUM>. The sample carrier handling device <NUM> will be described in more detail in the following with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a top view of the sample chamber <NUM> of the microscope <NUM> according to <FIG>. In <FIG>, the arm <NUM> of the sample carrier handling device <NUM> is rotated away from the sample carrier <NUM> in a resting position.

The sample carrier <NUM> is exemplary formed as a multi well plate having <NUM> wells arranged in <NUM> rows and <NUM> columns. The rows are labelled A to D and the columns are labelled <NUM> to <NUM> in order to uniquely identify each well. In <FIG> the lid <NUM> is arranged atop the sample carrier <NUM>.

As can be seen <FIG>, the arm <NUM> comprises an arm joint <NUM> around which the gripper <NUM> can be rotated. This provides the arm <NUM> with articulation for a finer control. The gripper <NUM> comprises two L-shaped gripper arms <NUM> each having a gripping portion <NUM> that can engage the lid <NUM> of the sample carrier <NUM> from opposite sides and thereby grab the lid <NUM>. The process of grabbing the lid <NUM> is described in more detail below with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is another top view of the sample chamber <NUM> of the microscope <NUM> according to <FIG>. In <FIG>, the arm <NUM> of the sample carrier handling device <NUM> is rotated such that the gripper arms <NUM> can engage with the lid <NUM> of the sample carrier <NUM> in a lid-gripping position. The gripping portions <NUM> of the gripper arms <NUM> are moved towards each other in order to grab the lid <NUM> of the sample carrier <NUM>. In a next step, the arm <NUM> is lifted upwards in order to lift the lid <NUM> off the sample carrier <NUM>.

<FIG> is another top view of the sample chamber <NUM> of the microscope <NUM> according to <FIG>. In <FIG>, the arm <NUM> of the sample carrier handling device <NUM> is holding the lid <NUM> of the sample carrier <NUM> and is rotated away from the sample carrier <NUM> in a lid-holding position. In the lid-holding position the lid <NUM> is not located above the sample carrier <NUM>. Thus, the samples arranged in the sample carrier <NUM> are accessible from the top for manipulation. Manipulation of the sample will be described in the following with Reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a top view of the sample chamber <NUM> of a microscope <NUM> according to an embodiment not covered by the subject-matter of the claims. The microscope <NUM> according to <FIG> is distinguished from the microscope <NUM> according to <FIG> in having a pipetting device <NUM> for pipetting the samples. Pipetting the samples may for example comprise introducing various liquid reagents into the samples.

The pipetting device <NUM> comprises a rectangular frame <NUM> that is arranged parallel to the top surface of the microscope stage <NUM>. The frame <NUM> holds one or more injection nozzles <NUM>, of which only two injection nozzles <NUM> are shown in <FIG>. Each injection nozzle <NUM> is connected via a fluid line <NUM> to a liquid reservoir outside the sample chamber <NUM>. The frame <NUM> is moveable inside the sample chamber <NUM> by means of an injector drive. Thus, the injection nozzles <NUM> can target individual wells of the sample carrier <NUM> for pipetting.

<FIG> is a top view of the sample chamber <NUM> of the microscope <NUM> according to another embodiment not covered by the subject-matter of the claims.

The microscope <NUM> according to <FIG> is distinguished from the microscope <NUM> according to <FIG> in having a sample carrier identification unit <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the lid <NUM> is pictured having a handwritten label <NUM>, an RFID-tag <NUM>, a QR-code <NUM>, and a barcode <NUM> each forming a unique identifier that uniquely identifies the sample carrier <NUM>. The sample carrier identification unit <NUM> is configured to read at least of these unique identifiers. The sample carrier identification unit <NUM> may for example comprise a camera and a control unit. The camera is configured to capture an image of the lid <NUM>, if the arm <NUM> is in the lid-holding position, and to transmit said image to the control unit. The control unit is exemplary configured for handwritten text recognition. Thus, control unit is able to translate the handwritten label <NUM> into machine readable text and thereby identify the sample carrier <NUM>. Alternatively, or additionally, the control unit is configured to translate the QR-code <NUM> and/or the barcode <NUM> into machine readable text in order to identify the sample carrier <NUM>. The sample carrier identification unit <NUM> may also comprise a dedicated barcode reader or an RFID-reader configured to identify the sample carrier <NUM> base 118d on the RFID-tag <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view of the sample chamber <NUM> of the microscope <NUM> according to an embodiment not covered by the subject-matter of the claims.

The arm <NUM> of the sample carrier handling device <NUM> comprises an arm driver <NUM> that wraps around the base <NUM>. The arm driver <NUM> comprises a first motor that engages with a rail <NUM> of the base <NUM> in order to move the arm <NUM> along the vertical axis A. The arm driver <NUM> further comprises a second motor configure to rotate the arm driver <NUM>, and thereby the whole arm <NUM>, around the base <NUM>. A cable <NUM> connects the arm driver <NUM> to the component space <NUM> below the sample chamber <NUM>. The cable <NUM> comprises electric and control lines in order to provide the two motors of arm driver <NUM> as well as actuators of the arm joint <NUM> and the gripper <NUM> with electric power and control signals.

<FIG> is a side view of the sample carrier handling device <NUM> according to an embodiment not covered by the subject-matter of the claims. The sample carrier handling device <NUM> according to <FIG> is distinguished from the sample carrier handling device <NUM> according to the <FIG> by having a lock and key mechanism <NUM> for engaging with the lid <NUM> of the sample carrier <NUM>.

The lock and key mechanism <NUM> comprises a first holding feature <NUM> that is arranged on the lid <NUM> of the sample carrier <NUM> and a second holding feature <NUM> that is arranged on a downside of the arm <NUM> of the sample carrier handling device <NUM>. The second holding feature <NUM> is configured to attach to and detach from the first holding feature <NUM>. When the second holding feature <NUM> is attached to the first holding feature <NUM>, the arm <NUM> can be moved upwards in order to lift the lid <NUM> from the sample carrier <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view of the sample carrier handling device <NUM> according to another embodiment not covered by the subject-matter of the claims.

The sample carrier handling device <NUM> according to <FIG> is distinguished from the sample carrier handling device <NUM> according to the <FIG> by having a suction cup for engaging with the lid <NUM> of the sample carrier <NUM>.

The suction cup is arranged on a downside of the arm <NUM> of the sample carrier handling device <NUM>. When the suction cup touches a top surface of the lid <NUM>, air can be removed from the center of the suction cup in order to attach the lid <NUM> to the suction cup and thereby to the arm <NUM>. The air can be removed by moving the arm <NUM> downwards, thereby pressing the suction cup against the top surface of the lid <NUM> and forcing the air out of the center of the suction cup. Alternatively, the air can be removed by a small pump from the center of the suction cup. When air is let into the center of the suction cup again, for example by means of a controllable valve, the lid <NUM> is detached from the arm <NUM> again.

<FIG> is a schematic side view of the microscope <NUM> according to an embodiment having means for controlling the atmosphere inside the sample chamber <NUM>.

A front door <NUM> for accessing the sample chamber <NUM> is arranged on the right side of the sample chamber <NUM> in <FIG>. Other or additional doors may be provided as desired.

A first fan assembly <NUM> comprising two fans is arranged on an upper side of the sample chamber <NUM> for blowing atmosphere into the sample chamber <NUM> through a first opening <NUM> of the sample chamber <NUM>. The opening is formed to receive a filter system which may be a filter <NUM> extending through the entire opening. It is, however, also possible to provide single openings for each of the fans of the first fan assembly <NUM>, and to optionally arrange filters in each of these openings. A plurality of second openings <NUM> (c. <FIG>) are arranged on lower side of the sample chamber <NUM> for allowing atmosphere from inside the sample chamber <NUM> to exit the sample chamber <NUM> (also called "exit openings").

When the first fan assembly <NUM> is activated, a directed flow of atmosphere from the upper side of the sample chamber <NUM> down to the exit openings in the lower side wall is generated. Atmosphere escaping from the interior of the sample chamber <NUM> on its lower side passes through the interior of the microscope housing <NUM> and is sucked in by the first fan assembly <NUM> and again blown into the sample chamber <NUM>. Thus, a steady flow of atmosphere is created that is indicated in <FIG> by a set of black arrows. The directed flow of atmosphere is a laminar flow.

The microscope <NUM> further comprises a second fan assembly <NUM> arranged on the lower side of the sample chamber <NUM>. The second fan assembly <NUM> includes one single fan for sucking in atmosphere flowing through at least one second opening <NUM>. Thus, the second fan assembly <NUM> supports circulation of atmosphere through the inside of the microscope housing <NUM> and through the inside of the sample chamber <NUM>.

A second filter system <NUM> is arranged at an opening or leak of the microscope housing <NUM>. Such an opening/leak may allow fresh air from outside the microscope <NUM> to be conducted into the inside of the microscope housing <NUM>. Such air is filtered by the second filter system and sucked into the second fan assembly <NUM> as shown by a single dotted arrow P4.

The microscope <NUM> according to <FIG> further comprises an incubation control unit <NUM> for controlling and adjusting parameters of the incubation atmosphere circulating between the interior of the sample chamber <NUM> and the outside of the sample chamber <NUM> within the microscope housing <NUM> as indicated by the set of black arrows.

Suitable incubation atmospheres comprise air with a predefined content of H<NUM>O (relative humidity) and a predefined content of CO<NUM> (carbon dioxide). It is also desirable to conduct hypoxia experiments with a deficiency of oxygen in the atmosphere. Typically, the temperature of the incubation atmosphere can be set in a range between the ambient temperature and up to <NUM>° C, the CO<NUM>-range is typically set between <NUM> to <NUM>%, and the O<NUM>-range is between <NUM> to <NUM>%. The humidity must be balanced to ensure that potential condensation is avoided or at least does not harm <NUM> neither the microscope <NUM> components nor the sample itself. It is preferred to control at least the temperature, the humidity and the CO<NUM>-content on its own. In hypoxia experiments, the O<NUM>-content is controlled by introduction of N<NUM> (nitrogen). These parameters of the incubation atmosphere can be controlled and adjusted by the incubation control unit <NUM>. In order to control the above parameters, it is preferred to arrange corresponding sensors in the sample chamber <NUM> and/or inside the microscope housing <NUM> and/or at the microscope stage <NUM>, preferably close to the sample.

A control unit may be used to regulate the power of the second fan assembly <NUM> in order to control its suction pressure. The control unit may be connected to the incubation control unit <NUM> for best results in this regard.

<FIG> is a schematic perspective view of the microscope <NUM> according to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows the distribution of the second (exit) openings <NUM> along two edges of the lower side of the sample chamber <NUM>. The laminar flow acts as a shield or curtain around one side of the microscope stage <NUM>. This shield/curtain of atmosphere prevents intrusion of particles including germs into the sample chamber <NUM>, particularly onto the sample itself, and simultaneously prevents atmosphere from inside the sample chamber <NUM> to escape from the same and atmosphere from outside the sample chamber <NUM> to invade the sample chamber <NUM>.

When a user moves their arm <NUM> into the sample chamber <NUM> via the door <NUM> the laminar flow is only interrupted in a small region around the user's arm <NUM> such that the remaining flow of atmosphere still acts as a protective shield. Further, any contamination brought in by the user's arm <NUM> can be entrained by the flow of atmosphere and transported to the exit openings in the lower side wall of the sample chamber <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a method, which is not covered by the subject-matter of the claims, for examining a sample with the microscope <NUM> detailed above.

In step S1200 the process is started. In step S1202 the sample chamber <NUM> is opened and the sample container with the lid <NUM> is placed in the microscope stage <NUM>. The sample chamber <NUM> is then closed. In step S1204 the incubation for the sample chamber <NUM> is started or reinitiated. When the sample chamber <NUM> has acquired sterile or semi sterile conditions according to user preference, step S1206 is performed. In step S1206 a de lid-removal command is given to the microscope <NUM> either by user input or a control unit, for example a computer, that performs an automated workflow. The microscope stage <NUM> then moves the sample carrier <NUM> to a predefined lid-removal position. The arm <NUM> of the sample carrier handling device <NUM> is then moved into the lid-gripping position, engages the lid <NUM> and lifts the lid <NUM> off the sample carrier <NUM>. The arm <NUM> is then moved to the lid-holding position.

In step S1208 the sample carrier <NUM> is moved to an examination position in which the sample can be microscopically examined, or to a manipulation position in which the sample can be manipulated. The examination position and the manipulation position may also be identical. Following the manipulation and/or examination of the sample, step S1210 is performed. In step S1210 a lid-attachment command is given to the microscope <NUM> either by user input or by the control unit. The microscope stage <NUM> then moves the sample carrier <NUM> to the lid-removal position. The arm <NUM> of the sample carrier handling device <NUM> is then moved into the lid-gripping position, lowers the lid <NUM> the lid <NUM> onto the sample carrier <NUM> and then disengages from the lid <NUM>. The arm <NUM> is then moved to the resting position. The process is then ended in step S1212 or the steps S1202 to S1210 are repeated for additional sample carrier <NUM>.

Identical or similarly acting elements are designated with the same reference signs in all Figures.

Claim 1:
A microscope (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for examining a sample received in a sample carrier (<NUM>) having a lid (<NUM>), comprising:
a sample chamber (<NUM>) configured to receive the sample carrier (<NUM>);
a microscope stage (<NUM>) arranged at the bottom of the sample chamber (<NUM>), the microscope stage (<NUM>) being configured to have the sample carrier (<NUM>) arranged thereon; and
a sample carrier handling device (<NUM>) that is at least partially arranged within the sample chamber (<NUM>) and that is configured to remove the lid (<NUM>) from the sample carrier (<NUM>) in order to provide access to the sample,
wherein the microscope (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a first fan assembly (<NUM>) configured to blow atmosphere into the sample chamber (<NUM>) through at least one first opening (<NUM>) of the sample chamber (<NUM>),
wherein the sample chamber (<NUM>) comprises at least one second opening (<NUM>),
characterised in that
the microscope (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a second fan assembly (<NUM>) configured to drain atmosphere from the sample chamber (<NUM>) through the at least one second opening (<NUM>) of the sample chamber (<NUM>),
and
that the first fan assembly (<NUM>), the at least one first opening (<NUM>) and the at least one second opening (<NUM>) are configured to generate a laminar flow inside the sample chamber (<NUM>).