Device for optical examination of a specimen, method for examining a specimen and method for transferring a device into an operation-ready state

A device for optical examination of a specimen, comprising:

• a cryo-immersion objective,
• a stative, to which the cryo-immersion objective is fixed,
• wherein the cryo-immersion objective has a plurality of optical components, and
• wherein the cryo-immersion objective has an optical front component which is in contact during operation with a coolable immersion liquid,
• a specimen carrier for a specimen to be examined,
• means for providing a cooled immersion liquid between the optical front component and the specimen to be examined on or against the specimen carrier,
• characterized in that
• insulating means are present for interrupting a heat transition between the stative and the optical front component, and
• two cryo-immersion objectives are present which are orientated coaxially and counter relative to each other.

A method, comprising:

• providing a device for optical examination of a specimen, including:
• a cryo-immersion objective,
• a stative, to which the cryo-immersion objective is fixed,
• wherein the cryo-immersion objective has a plurality of optical components, and
• wherein the cryo-immersion objective has an optical front component which is in contact during operation with a coolable immersion liquid,
• a specimen carrier for a specimen to be examined,
• means for providing a cooled immersion liquid between the optical front component and the specimen to be examined on or against the specimen carrier,
• characterized in that
• insulating means are present for interrupting a heat transition between the stative and the optical front component, and
• transferring the device into an operation-ready state,
• wherein the components, cooled in operation, of the cryo-immersion objective are cooled with a coolant,
• wherein the immersion liquid is cooled with a coolant, and
• wherein thereafter the cooled components of the cryo-immersion objective are brought into contact with an immersion liquid.