Sample carrier interface and method

A sample carrier interface for mounting a sample carrier on a microscope stage, the sample carrier interface comprising:

• a frame configured to receive the sample carrier and to be positioned atop an opening of the microscope stage;
• and
• a locking device configured to exert a lateral force to the sample carrier when the locking device is in a locked state in order to keep the sample carrier suspended above the opening when the sample carrier is received in the frame and the frame is positioned atop the opening of the microscope stage,
• wherein the locking device is further configured to hold the sample carrier in place when the sample carrier interface is moved to and from the microscope stage, and when the locking device is in the locked state, and
• wherein the locking device comprises an adjusting element for switching between the locked state and an unlocked state in which the locking device does not exert the lateral force to the sample carrier.