JP2006343490A - Observation device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an observation device such as a microscopic observation device capable of always being set in optimum lighting conditions. <P>SOLUTION: The observation device is equipped with: a light source 10 which generates light for irradiating a sample S; observation optical systems 8(9) which observe the light from the sample S and comprise objective lenses 6a(6b) and imaging lenses 7a(7b); a turret 5 which selectively switches the observation optical systems 8(9) onto an observation optical axis (a) with respect to the sample S; fibers 14(16) which are set in the optimum lighting conditions with respect to the observation optical systems 8(9) respectively and irradiate the sample S with the light from the light source 10; and reflecting mirrors 12a(12b) which introduce the light from the light source 10 into the fibers 14(16) according to the observation optical systems 8(9) selected onto the observation optical axis (a) by the turret 5. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an observation apparatus such as a microscope observation apparatus.

  Conventionally, what is disclosed by patent document 1 is known as an observation apparatus, for example, a microscope observation apparatus. This microscope observation apparatus has an objective lens arranged opposite to the sample, and an imaging lens that forms an enlarged image on an imaging means such as a CCD camera. Further, between these objective lens and the imaging lens, A variable power relay lens that can change the magnification continuously over a predetermined magnification range is arranged.

In this case, the magnifications of the objective lens and the imaging lens are fixed, and the observation magnification can be changed by changing the magnification of the variable power relay lens.
However, since the thing of such patent document 1 uses the same objective lens altogether from low magnification to high magnification, especially in the case of low magnification, a numerical aperture becomes too small and is acquired. There is a problem that the resolution of an image is extremely lowered, and it is difficult to change the magnification over a wide magnification range.

  Accordingly, a plurality of objective lenses having different magnifications are prepared, and the plurality of objective lenses can be switched by the objective lens switching mechanism, and a plurality of imaging lenses having different magnifications are prepared. An observation apparatus is considered in which an imaging lens can be switched by an imaging lens switching mechanism.

If such a configuration is adopted, the objective lens switching mechanism is operated to switch the magnification of the objective lens, and at the same time, the imaging lens switching mechanism is operated to select an imaging lens suitable for the objective lens, which is low. The numerical aperture is not excessively reduced even at the magnification, and an image can be acquired with high resolution.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-104192

  By the way, with such a configuration, when observing at a low magnification, it is necessary to illuminate a wide range in order to observe a wide range of the sample. On the other hand, when observing at a high magnification, a low magnification is required. With the same illumination, only a dark observation image can be obtained, so a brighter illumination is required. In this case, a method such as providing a variable magnification relay lens in the illumination means for illuminating the sample is conceivable. However, if there is a wide magnification range from low magnification to high magnification, the wide illumination required for low magnification is required. There is a problem that it is difficult to achieve both the range and the bright illumination required at high magnification.

  On the other hand, in such an observation apparatus, as an illumination method for the sample, an oblique illumination that irradiates the sample with illumination light having an angle with respect to the observation optical axis may be used. Wants to make the angle of the illumination light with respect to the observation optical axis as small as possible in order to reduce the shadow caused by illuminating the unevenness of the sample surface obliquely. However, since the objective lens with a low magnification generally has a wide gap between the lens tip and the sample, and the objective lens with a high magnification has a narrow gap with the sample, the angle of the illumination light should be uniformly reduced from a low magnification to a high magnification. Is difficult.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an observation apparatus that can always obtain optimum illumination conditions.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a light source that generates light to irradiate a sample, a plurality of observation optical systems that observe light from the sample, and the plurality of observation optical systems are selected on an observation optical axis for the sample Switching means, a plurality of illumination means for irradiating the sample with light from the light source set to optimum illumination conditions for each of the plurality of observation optical systems, and selection on the observation optical axis by the switching means And a selection unit that selects the illumination unit according to the observation optical system.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the plurality of observation optical systems each form an objective lens that collects light from the sample, and an image of the objective lens on the sample. It is characterized by comprising an imaging lens and the magnification of the objective lens being different.

  A third aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the switching means comprises a turret to which the plurality of observation optical systems are attached.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the plurality of illuminating units irradiate the sample with light within a range that satisfies an observation range of the objective lens of the corresponding observation optical system. It is characterized by.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the selection unit is configured to change the illumination unit corresponding to the observation optical system switched on the observation optical axis by the switching unit from the light source. It is characterized by having an optical member for introducing the light.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the observation apparatus which can always obtain optimal illumination conditions can be provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIGS. 1A and 1B and FIGS. 2A and 2B show a schematic configuration of a microscope observation apparatus to which the first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

  In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a base. The base 1 includes a first base 1a installed on a horizontal installation surface, and a second base 1b arranged in parallel above the first base 1a at a predetermined interval. It has. Between the first base 1a and the second base 1b, a plurality of spacing members 2 for determining the distance between the first base 1a and the second base 1b are provided.

  A stage 3 is arranged on the first base 1a. On this stage 3, a sample S made of an experimental small animal such as a mouse is placed. In this case, the stage 3 can move the placed sample S in the horizontal direction, that is, the XY direction and the vertical direction.

  The support 4 is provided upright on the second base 1b. A turret 5 as switching means is rotatably supported on the support column 4. In the turret 5, a disc-shaped objective lens support plate 5a and an imaging lens support plate 5b are arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval. The objective lens support plate 5a and the imaging lens support plate 5b are rotated together by rotating the turret 5.

  On the objective lens support plate 5a, a plurality of, in the illustrated example, two objective lenses 6a and 6b are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. In this case, the objective lens 6a has a high magnification and the objective lens 6b has a low magnification. Further, a plurality of imaging lenses 7a and 7b in the illustrated example are arranged on the imaging lens support plate 5b at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. In this case, the high-magnification objective lens 6a and the imaging lens 7a are arranged on the same optical axis to form the first observation optical system 8, and the low-magnification objective lens 6b and the imaging lens 7b are the same. The second observation optical system 9 is arranged on the optical axis. The first observation optical system 8 and the second observation optical system 9 are selectively disposed on the observation optical axis a with respect to the sample S by rotating the turret 5.

  In addition to the objective lenses 6a and 6b, the objective lens support plate 5a may be provided with many objective lenses having different magnifications. In this case, imaging lenses corresponding to these objective lenses having different magnifications are arranged on the imaging lens support plate 5b. Further, instead of using the objective lenses 6a (6b) having different magnifications, a zoom mechanism may be provided between the objective lens and the imaging lens.

  On the other hand, 10 is a light source, and this light source 10 generates illumination light for illuminating the sample S. A fiber 11 is disposed in the optical path of light emitted from the light source 10 via a condensing lens (not shown). At a position facing the emission end 11a of the fiber 11, optical members as selection means, here, reflection mirrors 12a and 12b as reflection members are arranged. These reflecting mirrors 12a and 12b are arranged on the objective lens support plate 5a in the relationship shown in FIG. 1B. Here, as shown in FIG. 1A, the first observation optical system is used. In a state in which 8 is positioned on the observation optical axis a, the reflection mirror 12a corresponds to the emission end 11a of the fiber 11, and the second observation optical system 9 is on the observation optical axis a as shown in FIG. In this state, the reflection mirror 12 b corresponds to the emission end 11 a of the fiber 11.

An incident end 14a of the fiber 14 is disposed via a condenser lens 13 as an illuminating means in the reflection light path of the reflection mirror 12a (see FIG. 1B) corresponding to the emission end 11a of the fiber 11.
The condenser lens 13 collects the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 12 a and appropriately adjusts the light, and enters the incident end 14 a of the fiber 14. The fiber 14 emits the light incident from the incident end 14a with a predetermined spread angle from the output end 14b. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1A, the fiber 14 emits bright light in a relatively narrow range that satisfies the observation range of the objective lens 6a that is higher than the exit end 14b.

In addition, an incident end 16a of the fiber 16 is disposed via a condenser lens 15 as another illumination means in the reflected light path of the reflection mirror 12b (see FIG. 2B) corresponding to the emission end 11a of the fiber 11. Yes.
The condensing lens 15 collects the light reflected by the reflecting mirror 12 b and appropriately adjusts it, and enters the incident end 16 a of the fiber 16. The fiber 16 emits light incident from the incident end 16a with a predetermined divergence angle from the output end 16b. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2A, the fiber 16 emits illumination light in a wide range that satisfies the observation range of the objective lens 6b that is lower than the exit end 16b.

  A CCD camera 18 is disposed at the tip of the column 4 as an imaging means via a support member 17. The CCD camera 18 is arranged on the observation optical axis a, and takes an image on the sample S that is enlarged through the objective lens 6a (6b) and the imaging lens 7a (7b).

  In such a configuration, when performing low magnification observation, the turret 5 is rotated, and the second observation optical system 9 including the low magnification objective lens 6b and the imaging lens 7b is positioned on the observation optical axis a. (FIG. 2 (a)).

  In this state, when illumination light is emitted from the light source 10, the illumination light is incident on the fiber 11 via a condensing lens (not shown). Further, the light emitted from the emission end 11 a of the fiber 11 is reflected by the reflection mirror 12 b and enters the incident end 16 a of the fiber 16 via the condenser lens 15. And the light radiate | emitted from the output end 16b is irradiated from the sample S top. In this case, the light emitted from the output end 16b has a spread angle that satisfies the range observed by the low-magnification objective lens 6b as shown in FIG. A range is obtained.

  Next, when performing high magnification observation, the turret 5 is rotated, and the first observation optical system 8 including the high magnification objective lens 6a and the imaging lens 7a is positioned on the observation optical axis a (FIG. 1A). ).

  In this state, the illumination light emitted from the light source 10 enters the fiber 11 via a condensing lens (not shown). Further, the light emitted from the emission end 11 a of the fiber 11 is reflected by the reflection mirror 12 a and enters the incident end 14 a of the fiber 14 via the condenser lens 13. And the light radiate | emitted from the output end 14b is irradiated from the sample S top. In this case, the light emitted from the emission end 14b has a spread angle that satisfies the range observed by the high-magnification objective lens 6a as shown in FIG. can get.

  Hereinafter, similarly, the turret 5 is rotated, and the first observation optical system 8 including the high-magnification objective lens 6a and the imaging lens 7a or the second observation optical system including the low-magnification objective lens 6b and the imaging lens 7b. By selectively positioning the system 9 on the observation optical axis a, it is possible to perform sample observation under illumination conditions optimal for these low-magnification or high-magnification observations.

  Therefore, in this way, it is possible to easily obtain the optimum illumination conditions for observing with a low or high magnification objective lens. That is, when the high-magnification objective lens 6a is used, illumination with optimum brightness having a spread angle that satisfies the observation range of the high-magnification objective lens 6a can be obtained from the exit end 14b of the fiber 14. When the low-magnification objective lens 6b is used, it is possible to obtain a wide range of illumination that satisfies a lower-magnification observation range than the emission end 16b of the fiber 16. This makes it possible to illuminate a wide range that is incompatible with the brightness of the observation image, for example, exceeding φ50 mm, particularly when the high-magnification objective lens 6a is used. In addition, such switching of illumination conditions can be linked to the observation magnification, that is, switching of the objective lenses 6a and 6b having different magnifications, so that the user can set the optimal illumination conditions by simply switching the observation magnification. Can be easily obtained.

  In addition, since the illumination conditions for the objective lenses 6a and 6b are set using the fibers 14 and 16, fine adjustment can be easily performed, so that the optimum illumination conditions can always be maintained. In the above-described embodiment, in order to optimally illuminate the range observed by the objective lens 6a (6b), the exit end of the fiber 14 (16) is set to an optimum position. A condensing lens may be arranged at the end to set the illumination range.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIGS. 3A and 3B show a schematic configuration of a microscope observation apparatus to which the second embodiment is applied, and the same parts as those in FIG.

  In this case, the reflection mirror 20 as an optical member provided in place of the reflection mirror 12b on the objective lens support plate 5a moves in the direction of the arrow along the optical axis l of the light emitted from the emission end 11a of the fiber 11. The first position A and the second position B can be selected. An incident end 22a of the fiber 22 is disposed in the reflected light path at the first position A of the reflection mirror 20 via a condenser lens 21 as illumination means. In addition, an incident end 24 a of the fiber 24 is disposed in the reflected light path at the second position B of the reflection mirror 20 via another condenser lens 23 as another illumination means.

  The output end 22b of the fiber 22 is formed in an annular shape, and light is emitted from the whole of the annular output end 22b. The annular emission end 22b is disposed above the sample S, and the entire sample S can be illuminated almost uniformly by light emitted from the entire emission end 22b. The fiber 24 emits light incident from the incident end 24a toward the sample S from a predetermined direction with a predetermined spread angle from the output end 24b.

  According to such a configuration, if the first position A is selected by moving the reflection mirror 20, the illumination light emitted from the light source 10 is reflected by the reflection mirror 20, and the fiber 22 through the condenser lens 21. The entire sample S can be illuminated substantially uniformly by light emitted from the entire annular exit end 22b. If the second position B is selected, the illumination light emitted from the light source 10 is reflected by the reflection mirror 20, introduced into the fiber 24 via the condenser lens 23, and emitted from the emission end 24b. A wide range of the sample S can be illuminated from a predetermined direction.

  As a result, different shadows (observation states) can be obtained on the sample S when the entire sample S is illuminated uniformly and when the sample S is illuminated over a wide range from a predetermined direction. Can be observed under a microscope.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  4 (a) and 4 (b) show a schematic configuration of a microscopic observation apparatus to which the third embodiment is applied, and the same parts as those in FIG.

  In this case, on the objective lens support plate 5a, the optical axis of the illumination light emitted from the emission end 11a of the fiber 11, that is, the first position A and the second position B on the illumination optical axis l are respectively optically transmitted. Reflective mirrors 31a and 31b are arranged as members. These reflecting mirrors 31a and 31b are movable in the directions of the arrows, respectively, and can be inserted into and removed from the illumination optical axis l. In the state where the reflection mirror 31a is inserted at the first position A on the illumination optical axis l, the incident end 22a of the fiber 22 passes through the condenser lens 21 as the illumination means in the reflection optical path of the reflection mirror 31a. Is arranged. In addition, in a state where the reflection mirror 31b is inserted at the second position B on the illumination optical axis l, the fiber 24 is incident on the reflection optical path of the reflection mirror 31b via the condenser lens 23 as another illumination means. An end 24a is disposed.

  A half mirror (or dichroic mirror) 32 as another optical member is disposed on the illumination optical axis l. The half mirror 32 is disposed between the objective lens 6b and the imaging lens 7b of the turret 5 so as to be detachable with respect to the intersection of the illumination optical axis l and the observation optical axis a, and the reflection mirrors 31a and 31b. Are retracted from the illumination optical axis l, the illumination light of the illumination optical axis l is incident, the illumination light is reflected, and the sample S is passed from above the sample S via the objective lens 6b along the observation optical axis a. Irradiate. The half mirror 32 transmits the reflected light from the sample S and makes it incident on the CCD camera 18 through the imaging lens 7b. The half mirror 32 does not need to be retracted from the illumination optical axis l as long as an observation image with sufficient brightness can be obtained.

  According to such a configuration, if the reflection mirror 31 a is inserted at the first position A on the illumination optical axis l, the illumination light emitted from the light source 10 is reflected by the reflection mirror 31 a and passes through the condenser lens 21. Thus, the entire sample S can be uniformly illuminated by the light introduced into the fiber 22 and emitted from the entire annular emission end 22b. If the reflection mirror 31b is inserted at the second position B on the illumination optical axis l, the illumination light is reflected by the reflection mirror 31b, introduced into the fiber 24 via the condenser lens 23, and from the emission end 24b. The sample S can be illuminated from a predetermined direction by the emitted light. Further, when both of the reflection mirrors 31a and 31b are retracted from the illumination optical axis l, the illumination light emitted from the light source 10 is reflected by the half mirror 32 and irradiated onto the sample S from above through the objective lens 6b. .

  Therefore, in this way, different illumination conditions can be obtained by selectively inserting / removing the reflection mirrors 31a, 31b and the half mirror 32 to / from the illumination optical axis l. In this case, the same effects as described in the second embodiment can be obtained by inserting and removing the reflecting mirrors 31a and 31b.

Further, since the coaxial mirror that illuminates from directly above the sample S via the objective lens 6b can be obtained by the half mirror 32, it is also possible to perform observation with illumination that is less likely to cause a shadow in the observation direction.
Furthermore, if the illumination light irradiated through the fiber 11 is set appropriately, even if a zoom mechanism is provided between the objective lens 6b and the imaging lens 7b and the zoom operation is performed, it is appropriate. Lighting can be obtained.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, In the implementation stage, it can change variously in the range which does not change the summary. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a fiber is used as a means for guiding illumination light to a sample, but the same effect can be obtained even if an optical member such as a reflection member or a relay lens is used. In the above-described embodiment, the microscope observation apparatus that generates illumination light for illuminating the sample from the light source has been described. However, the microscope observation apparatus can be applied to, for example, a fluorescence observation apparatus. In this case, for example, a laser light source is used as the light source, laser light excitation light is generated from the laser light source, the excitation light is guided to the sample to excite the fluorescence, and the excited fluorescence is imaged by a CCD camera or the like. It becomes like this. In this case, an excitation filter or the like is built in the laser light source to generate laser light having a predetermined wavelength. Such a fluorescence observation apparatus can also be realized by the same configuration as described in the first to third embodiments.

  Furthermore, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the embodiment, the problem described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and is described in the column of the effect of the invention. If the above effect is obtained, a configuration from which this configuration requirement is deleted can be extracted as an invention.

  In addition, the following invention is also contained in embodiment mentioned above.

(1) In the observation apparatus according to claim 4, the plurality of illuminating means further includes means for irradiating light to the entire sample.

(2) In the observation apparatus according to claim 4, the plurality of illuminating means use fibers as means for irradiating the sample with light.

(3) The observation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the light source generates illumination light.

(4) The observation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the light source generates excitation light.

The figure which shows schematic structure of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows schematic structure of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows schematic structure of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows schematic structure of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

S ... sample, a ... observation optical axis, l ... illumination optical axis 1 ... base, 1a ... first base, 1b ... second base 2 ... interval member, 3 ... stage 4 ... post 5, 5 ... turret 5a ... objective lens support Plate, 5b ... Imaging lens support plate 6a. 6b ... objective lens, 7a. 7b ... imaging lens 8 ... first observation optical system, 9 ... second observation optical system 10 ... light source, 11 ... fiber 11a ... output end, 12a. 12b ... Reflection mirror 13 ... Condensing lens, 14 ... Fiber 14a ... Incident end, 14b ... Outgoing end 15 ... Condensing lens, 16 ... Fiber 16a ... Incident end, 16b ... Outgoing end 17 ... Support member, 18 ... CCD camera 20 ... Reflecting mirror, 21 ... Condensing lens 22 ... Fiber, 22a ... Incoming end 22b ... Outgoing end, 23 ... Condensing lens 24 ... Fiber, 24a ... Incoming end, 24b ... Outgoing end 31a. 31b ... reflecting mirror, 32 ... half mirror

Claims (5)

A light source that generates light to irradiate the sample;
A plurality of observation optical systems for observing light from the sample; and switching means for selectively switching the plurality of observation optical systems on an observation optical axis for the sample;
A plurality of illumination means for irradiating the sample with light from the light source set to optimum illumination conditions for each of the plurality of observation optical systems;
An observation apparatus comprising: a selection unit that selects the illumination unit according to the observation optical system selected on the observation optical axis by the switching unit. Each of the plurality of observation optical systems includes an objective lens that collects light from the sample and an imaging lens that forms an image on the sample of the objective lens, and the magnification of the objective lens is different. The observation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The observation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit includes a turret to which the plurality of observation optical systems are attached. The observation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of illumination units irradiate the sample with light in a range that satisfies an observation range of an objective lens of a corresponding observation optical system. The said selection means has an optical member which introduces the light from the said light source with respect to the said illumination means corresponding to the said observation optical system switched on the said observation optical axis by the said switching means. The observation apparatus according to 1.

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