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August Köhler

1866-03-04 – 1948-03-12

Portrait of August Köhler
August Köhler (March 4, 1866 – March 12, 1948) was a German professor and early staff member of Carl Zeiss in Jena, Germany. He is best known for his development of the microscopy technique of Köhler illumination, an important principle in optimizing microscopic resolution power by evenly illuminating the field of view. This invention revolutionized light microscope design and is widely used in traditional as well as modern digital imaging techniques today. Köhler remained an active staff member of Zeiss for 45 years, contributing numerous innovations during this time. These include the development of a microscope operating with ultraviolet light (together with his colleague Moritz von Rohr), pioneering what would become the starting point for fluorescence microscopy, and the discovery of grid illumination, a method that would later be used in the treatment of tumors. A suggestion by Köhler led to the development of parfocal lenses which allow the specimen to remain in focus when changing objectives on a microscope. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/August_Khler Images donated as part of a GLAM collaboration with Carl Zeiss Microscopy - please contact Andy Mabbett for details.Credit: ZEISS Microscopy from Germany

Life & Legacy

August Karl Johann Valentin Köhler (4 March 1866 – 12 March 1948), was a German professor and early staff member of Carl Zeiss AG in Jena, Germany. He is best known for his development of the microscopy technique of Köhler illumination, an important principle in optimizing microscopic resolution power by evenly illuminating the field of view. This invention revolutionized light microscope design and is widely used in traditional as well as modern digital imaging techniques today.

Occupation & Career

physicist, university teacher, inventor, zoologist, biologist, optician

Education

University of Giessen

Legacy Highlights

Employer

University of Jena

Education & Institutions

University of Giessen

Sources & Provenance

  1. Wikidata population candidate Q84814 — wikidata View source

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