JP2007133419A - Confocal microscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a confocal microscope which simply sets an image desired by an observer and which is excellent in operability. <P>SOLUTION: A computer 50 controls driving devices 34, 36, 37 and 38 to set a wavelength selection device 12, a light-dividing device 21, an objective optical system 24 and a fluorescence selection device 26 to device conditions which conform to input from an observer. In this case, the computer 50 automatically computes other device conditions from the above fundamental device conditions. Firstly, the computer 50 determines the size of a pinhole which gives resolution expected as a confocal microscope from the input magnification and numerical aperture of an objective 24a. Then, it determines the laser power of excitation light from the kind of an input or selected fluorescent pigment on the conditions that the fluorescence does not remarkably lose its color during an experiment time input before. Finally, it determines detection sensitivity so that an adequate-luminance image may be acquired when the already determined laser beam intensity and size of the pinhole are used at a concentration of the pigment actually incorporated into an input or selected sample. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a confocal microscope, and more particularly to a confocal microscope in which observation conditions can be easily set.

  In a laser scan type confocal microscope, in order to obtain an image with optimum resolution and image quality and reproducibility, device settings such as laser illumination intensity, detector sensitivity, and pinhole size are appropriately set. I have to.

  These various device settings depend largely on the brightness of the detection light from the sample and what the observer expects most from the image, so the individual settings are left to the observer. It is. As a result, if the observer is not familiar with the characteristics of the confocal microscope, the apparatus settings are often inappropriate and the performance of the microscope apparatus cannot be fully exhibited.

  In particular, in the case of a confocal microscope for fluorescence observation, the fluorescence emitted from a sample is extremely weak light and the sample is often a living organism. In such a case, there is a difficulty in operation of the microscope apparatus in that the image quality is greatly deteriorated unless the above three settings are performed well.

  The apparatus setting for obtaining the optimum image for the observer will be described with a specific example. When the effect of confocal is emphasized, the pinhole size is reduced, but the detected light quantity is reduced accordingly, so that the S / N ratio of the image is deteriorated. If it is desired to obtain the resolution as much as possible, the laser irradiation power is increased and the S / N ratio of the image is ensured with the knowledge of the damage to the biological sample and the fading phenomenon of the fluorescent dye. On the other hand, when observing a phenomenon over a long period of time, the laser irradiation power must be suppressed as much as possible, and the resolution is somewhat sacrificed to prevent a decrease in the amount of detected light and a decrease in the S / N ratio of the image. Increase the pinhole size with your knowledge.

  However, the above apparatus setting is one of the main factors that make it difficult for an observer unfamiliar with a confocal microscope to understand an appropriate operation method of the microscope apparatus.

  In view of such a conventional problem, an object of the present invention is to provide a confocal microscope with good operability that can easily set an image required by an observer.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a confocal microscope of the present invention is provided with a light source, an objective lens switching device that holds a plurality of objective lenses and is selectively disposed in a microscope optical path, and is disposed in the light source and the microscope optical path. A scanning device that is arranged between the objective lens and the objective lens disposed in the optical path of the microscope and irradiates the sample with illumination light, and light emitted from the sample by scanning of the illumination light. Is detected at a position optically conjugate with the imaging surface of the objective lens disposed in the microscope optical path, and a detection device that detects the detection lens through the objective lens disposed in the microscope optical path and the scanning device. In a confocal microscope provided with a pinhole for limiting light from the sample incident on the apparatus and an opening member capable of changing the diameter of the pinhole, An input device for inputting information on the confocal microscope device conditions and the type of fluorescent dye, and the optimum pinhole diameter is automatically set based on the device conditions input by the input device. And a control device that determines the detection sensitivity of the detection device based on information on the type of the fluorescent dye.

  In a preferred aspect, the apparatus conditions are information on the wavelength of the illumination light that is excitation light and information on the numerical aperture of the objective lens.

  In a preferred aspect, the control device determines the output of the excitation light based on information on the type of the fluorescent dye.

  In a preferred aspect, the control device has a look-up table for setting an optimum diameter of the pinhole.

  In a preferred aspect, the control device includes a lookup table for determining a laser power of the excitation light and a lookup table for determining the detection sensitivity.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the confocal microscope with sufficient operativity which can set the image which an observer calculates | requires easily can be provided.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an embodiment of a laser scan type confocal microscope.

  This confocal microscope has, as a microscope main body, a laser light source 11 that generates illumination laser light, a wavelength selection device 12 that selects excitation light of a specific wavelength from the laser light emitted from the laser light source 11, and the intensity of the excitation light. A light adjusting device 13 for adjusting the beam diameter, a beam expander 14 for expanding the beam diameter of the excitation light, a light splitting device 21 for separating the excitation light applied to the sample SP and the fluorescence generated from the sample SP, and excitation A scanner module 22 which is a scanning device for two-dimensionally scanning light at the sample SP position, a relay lens 23, an objective optical system 24 for condensing excitation light at the sample SP position, and the sample SP are supported. A stage 25 that can be moved in three dimensions, and a light beam emitted from the sample SP and passing through the light splitting device 21 through the objective optical system 24, the relay lens 23, and the scanner module 22. A fluorescence selection device 26 that removes noise light from the fluorescence, a condensing lens 27 that collects the fluorescence that has passed through the fluorescence selection device 26, a pinhole module 28 that is an opening member for producing a confocal effect, and a pin And a detector 29 that detects fluorescence that has passed through the hall module 28.

  The laser light source 11 is, for example, a multi-line type Kr—Ar laser that generates a plurality of laser beams having wavelengths of 488 nm, 568 nm, and 647 nm.

  The wavelength selection device 12 includes a plurality of bandpass filters 112a and 112b having different transmission wavelength characteristics. These band pass filters 112a and 112b are fixed to a turret plate 112 as a switching device, and can be alternatively arranged on the optical path. By appropriately rotating the turret plate 112 by an electric motor or the like provided in the driving device 34, the wavelength of the excitation light applied to the sample SP can be appropriately selected according to the type of fluorescent dye used.

  The light control device 13 incorporates an ND filter of a type whose density changes continuously in the circumferential direction. By rotating the ND filter by an electric motor or the like provided in the driving device 35, the laser power of the excitation light irradiated on the sample SP, that is, the light source output can be adjusted.

  The light splitting device 21 includes a plurality of dichroic mirrors having different wavelength characteristics (in the figure, only a single dichroic mirror 121 is shown for convenience). These dichroic mirrors are fixed to a turret plate (not shown) and can be arranged alternatively on the optical path. By appropriately rotating the turret plate by the driving device 36, it is possible to select an appropriate dichroic mirror according to the wavelength of the excitation light applied to the sample SP and arrange it on the optical path.

  The objective optical system 24 includes a plurality of objective lenses 24a, 24b, and 24c having different magnifications. These objective lenses 24a, 24b, and 24c are similarly fixed to a revolver (not shown) and can be arranged alternatively on the optical path. By appropriately rotating the revolver by the driving device 37, the magnification for obtaining the fluorescent image of the sample SP can be adjusted as appropriate.

  Although not shown, the fluorescence selection device 26 includes a plurality of barrier filters having different wavelength characteristics. These barrier filters are fixed to a turret plate (not shown) and can be selectively arranged on the optical path. By appropriately rotating the turret plate by the driving device 38, it is possible to arrange an appropriate barrier filter on the optical path according to the fluorescence wavelength when detecting the fluorescence image of the sample SP.

  The pinhole module 28 incorporates a turret plate 128 in which a plurality of pinholes 128a and 128b having different diameters are formed. The turret plate 128 is appropriately rotated by the driving device 39, whereby the pinhole 128a having a diameter corresponding to the fluorescence wavelength to be observed and the numerical aperture of the objective lens 24a can be selected and disposed on the optical path. . The pinhole module 28 may be an iris diaphragm type pinhole and the pinhole size may be changed continuously.

  The detector 29 is composed of, for example, a photomultiplier tube, and the sensitivity adjustment device 46 can adjust the detection sensitivity of the fluorescent image.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific structure of the objective optical system 24 as an example. A revolver 124 is rotatably attached to the lower end of the lens barrel 31. By appropriately rotating the revolver 124 by the actuator 37a, any one of the objective lenses 24a, 24b, and 24c fixed to the revolver 124 can be disposed on the optical path OP. In the revolver 124, a magnet 43 representing an address for identifying each objective lens 24a, 24b, 24c is embedded corresponding to the position of each objective lens 24a, 24b, 24c. On the other hand, on the lens barrel 31 side, a hall element 32 for detecting the address of the objective lens 24a is provided. By detecting the address using the Hall element 32, it is possible to recognize the set state of which objective lenses 24a, 24b, and 24c are on the optical path OP. The address detection result by the hall element 32 is input to the computer 50 as the control device via the driving device 37 shown in FIG.

  Although not shown, the wavelength selection device 12 is also provided with an address detection Hall element that indicates the set state of which band pass filters 112a and 112b are arranged on the optical path, and the address detection result. Is input to the computer 50 via the drive unit 34. In addition, the light splitting device 21 and the fluorescence selection device 26 are also provided with address detecting Hall elements that indicate these setting states, and the address detection results are sent to the computer 50 via the driving devices 36 and 38, respectively. Is input. The pinhole module 28 is also provided with an address detection hall element indicating the set state, and the address detection result is input to the computer 50 via the drive device 39. Further, the light control device 13 is also provided with an encoder for detecting the rotational position of the ND filter, and the detection result is input to the computer 50 via the drive device 35.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the microscope main body will be described. The excitation light emitted from the laser light source 11 is appropriately adjusted in wavelength and intensity by the wavelength selection device 12 and the light control device 13, and the beam expander 14 expands the beam diameter to the extent that the pupil of the objective lens 24 a is filled. The excitation light that has passed through the beam expander 14 is reflected by a dichroic mirror 121 incorporated in the light splitting device 21, and is applied to one objective lens 24 a incorporated in the objective optical system 24 via the scanner module 22 and the relay lens 23. Then, the sample SP is scanned two-dimensionally. Here, the relay lens 23 plays a role of mapping the pair of scanner mirrors 22a and 22b incorporated in the scanner module 22 onto the pupil plane of the objective lens 24a. The fluorescence emitted from the sample SP travels backward through the objective lens 24a, the relay lens 23, and the scanner module 22 and passes through the dichroic mirror 121. The fluorescence transmitted through the dichroic mirror 121 passes through the fluorescence selection device 26, passes through a pinhole 128 a having an appropriate size as a condensing spot via a condensing lens 27, and is detected by a detector 29 adjusted to an appropriate sensitivity. It is photoelectrically converted.

  Hereinafter, the control system of the confocal microscope will be described. This confocal microscope drives a wavelength selection device 12, a light control device 13, a light splitting device 21, an objective optical system 24, a fluorescence selection device 26, and a pinhole module 28 as control systems, and sets their setting states. Driving devices 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 for detecting, a sensitivity adjusting device 46 for adjusting the sensitivity by driving the detector 29, and an image for performing appropriate image processing on the signal detected by the detector 29 A processing device 47, an image monitor 48 that displays the signal processed by the image processing device 47 as an image, a computer 50 that performs overall control thereof, and a computer 50 for inputting numerical values and commands necessary for the operation of the confocal microscope. And an input device 49 such as a keyboard.

  The computer 50 controls the excitation wavelength for illuminating the sample SP and the fluorescence wavelength detected from the sample SP via the driving devices 34, 36, and 38 according to the command from the input device 49, and the like via the driving device 37. The magnification of the sample SP is controlled. Further, the computer 50 controls the laser power applied to the sample SP via the driving device 35, controls the pinhole size via the driving device 39, and detects the fluorescent image of the sample SP via the sensitivity adjustment device 46. Control sensitivity.

  The computer 50 also determines a look-up table 51 for determining the laser power applied to the sample SP, a look-up table 52 for determining the pinhole size, and the detection sensitivity of the fluorescent image of the sample SP. The lookup table 53 is stored therein. These look-up tables 51, 52 and 53 are standardized on the condition of the apparatus in advance assuming a general observer on the microscope manufacturer side.

  Further, the computer 50 determines the wavelength selection device 12, the light control device 13, the light splitting device 21, the objective optical system 24, and the fluorescence selection device based on the address detection results by the drive devices 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39. 26 and a storage device 55 for storing setting states of the pinhole module 28, respectively. Specifically, the excitation wavelength, laser power, fluorescence wavelength, numerical aperture (magnification), and pinhole size corresponding to the detected address are stored.

  Hereinafter, reading of a fluorescence image using the confocal microscope of FIG. 1 will be described.

  In order to capture an image of the sample SP, the observer first inputs the type of fluorescent dye to be used, the experiment duration, and the magnification into the computer 50 as setting of basic apparatus conditions.

  More specifically, the observer inputs the type of fluorescent dye to be used and the concentration of the dye actually introduced into the sample SP to the computer 50 as sample information. The sample information related to the type and concentration of the fluorescent dye can be directly input the corresponding numerical value via the input device 49, but the corresponding sample information is appropriately selected from the table stored in the computer 50. It is also possible to input indirectly.

  In addition, the observer inputs an experiment continuation time for capturing an image of the sample SP (in the case of intermittent image acquisition, the total time during which the sample is exposed to excitation light) to the computer 50 via the input device 49. To do. In addition, the excitation wavelength of the laser light applied to the sample SP is input to the computer 50 via the input device 49.

  Further, the observer inputs the magnification and numerical aperture of the objective lens 24 a to be used to the computer 50 through the input device 49. The magnification of the objective lens 24a to be used can be selected from a table stored in the computer 50. Furthermore, the magnification and the numerical aperture of the objective lens 24a selected by rotating the revolver 124 by the observer may be automatically detected.

  Based on the information input as described above, the computer 50 controls the driving devices 34, 36, 37, and 38 while performing the address detection described above to control the wavelength selecting device 12, the light splitting device 21, and the objective optical system 24. The fluorescence selection device 26 is set to device conditions corresponding to the input information.

  At the same time, the computer 50 automatically calculates other device conditions from the basic device conditions input as described above.

  First, the pinhole size that gives the expected resolution as a confocal microscope is determined from the numerical aperture of the input objective lens 24a and the excitation wavelength of the laser beam. Specifically, the computer 50 determines the standard value of the pinhole size according to the lookup table 52 stored therein, and selects an appropriate pinhole 128a by the drive device 39 that drives the pinhole module 28. The pinhole size is automatically set to this standard value. In this determination, the optimum pinhole size is determined by, for example, the Airy disk size (λ / NA) on the pinhole surface determined by the numerical aperture of the objective lens 24a and the excitation wavelength of the laser beam. Note that such a pinhole size can be arbitrarily re-determined by the observer.

  Next, the laser power of the excitation light is determined based on the type of the input fluorescent dye so that a sufficient contrast can be obtained in the fluorescent image under the condition that the fluorescence does not significantly fade during the previously input experiment time. . Specifically, the computer 50 determines a standard value of the laser power according to a lookup table 52 stored as an empirical value therein, and appropriately rotates the ND filter by the driving device 35 that drives the light control device 13. The laser power is automatically set to this standard value. The standard value of such laser power is determined to be 70% of the maximum output, for example. Such laser power can be arbitrarily determined by the observer.

  Finally, the detection sensitivity is determined based on the type and concentration of the input fluorescent dye so that an image having an appropriate luminance can be obtained when the laser power and pinhole size already determined are used. Specifically, the computer 50 determines the standard value of the laser power according to the look-up table 53 stored therein, and adjusts the voltage applied from the driving device 46 to the detector 29 to adjust the detection sensitivity to the aforementioned standard. Automatically set to value. For example, the detection sensitivity is set in advance in the computer as a detection sensitivity such that the average luminance of the image displayed on the image monitor 48 is half of the luminance dynamic range (the luminance value is 128 when the image luminance resolution is 8 bits). Is determined from the lookup table 53 stored in. Note that such detection sensitivity can be arbitrarily set by the observer.

  According to the above embodiment, the observer automatically inputs the uniquely determined information such as sample information, experiment duration, and objective lens information, and the apparatus automatically determines initial conditions for image capture. Willing to. Of course, the above automatic settings do not immediately give the image that the observer wants, and it may be necessary to make adjustments from this stage, but at least you don't have to start with the wrong settings. It is possible to avoid wasting time, and to prevent wasteful damage to the sample SP and fading of the fluorescent dye.

  Although the present invention has been described based on the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, in the above embodiment, the pinhole size, the laser power, and the detection sensitivity are calculated as specific standard values based on the sample information, the experiment duration, and the objective lens information. It is also possible to calculate the detection sensitivity as an adjustment range having a certain width. At this time, the operations of the driving devices 35, 39, and 46 are controlled so that the pinhole size, the laser power, and the detection sensitivity are within such an adjustment range, and the light control device 13, the pinhole module 28, and the detector 29 are controlled. Can be locked within a predetermined setting range.

  In the above embodiment, the measurement of the sample using the fluorescent dye has been described. However, when the reflected image of the sample SP is measured without using the fluorescent dye, the setting of the pinhole size and the like is automated as described above. Can do. In this case, a beam splitter is used instead of the dichroic mirror 121, and the fluorescence selection device 26 is removed. Usually, the pinhole size is set based on the numerical aperture of the objective lens 24a.

  In the above embodiment, specific standard values are calculated for pinhole size, laser power, and detection sensitivity based on sample information, experiment duration, and objective lens information. It is also possible to calculate standard values such as pinhole size, laser power, detection sensitivity, etc.

  As described above, according to the confocal microscope of the present invention, the control device determines the pinhole diameter based on the information on the wavelength of the illumination light and the information on the numerical aperture of the objective lens arranged in the microscope optical path. Since the standard value is calculated, if an apparatus condition is set based on the standard value, even an observer who is not familiar with the operation of the confocal microscope can easily obtain a desired sample image.

  In addition, since the control device calculates a predetermined adjustment range for the pinhole diameter based on information on the numerical aperture of the objective lens arranged in the microscope optical path and the wavelength of the illumination light, such a predetermined adjustment is performed. By adjusting the pinhole diameter within the range and shifting from the standard value, a sample image reflecting the intention of the observer can be obtained more easily.

  In addition, since the range in which the pinhole diameter can be changed by operating the opening member by the control device is limited within the adjustment range, it is possible to reliably obtain a sample image that reflects the intention of the observer.

  Further, the light source generates excitation light for exciting the fluorescent dye to be introduced into the sample as the illumination light, and the control device includes the type and amount of the fluorescent dye, and the fluorescence from the fluorescent dye. Based on the information setting related to the experiment time when observing the detection with the detection device, the standard value of the output of the light source is calculated, and the type and amount of the fluorescent dye, the standard value of the output of the light source, and the pin Since the standard value of the detection sensitivity of the detection device is calculated based on the standard value of the hole diameter, if the device conditions are set based on these standard values, a sample image desired by the observer can be obtained more easily. be able to.

  In addition, since the control apparatus further includes an input device for inputting information on the type and introduction amount of the fluorescent dye and information on the experiment time, the operability of the confocal microscope is improved.

  Further, since the input device can input information on the numerical aperture of the objective lens arranged in the microscope optical path and information on the wavelength of the illumination light to the control device, the operability of the confocal microscope is improved. .

  In addition, the wavelength selection device has a filter switching device that selectively arranges a plurality of wavelength selection filters in the microscope optical path, and a filter detection device that detects information on the type of wavelength selection filter arranged in the microscope optical path. The objective lens switching device includes an objective lens detection device that detects information related to the objective lens disposed in the microscope optical path, and the control device includes information related to a selection wavelength of the plurality of wavelength selection filters and the plurality of wavelength selection filters. A storage device that stores information relating to the numerical aperture of the objective lens, and relates to the wavelength of the illumination light from information stored in the storage device based on detection information from the filter detection device and the objective lens detection device Since information and information on the numerical aperture of the objective lens arranged in the microscope optical path are selected, the filter switching device and Serial automatically recognize and observer settings objective lens switching device it is possible to obtain a sample image to be desired.

  Further, since the opening member is controlled and the pinhole diameter is changed based on the standard value of the pinhole diameter calculated by the control device, the operability of the confocal microscope is further improved.

  Further, since the output of the light source and the detection sensitivity of the detection device are changed based on the standard value of the output of the light source calculated by the control device and the standard value of the detection sensitivity of the detection device, the operation of the confocal microscope Sexuality increases.

It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the confocal microscope which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the objective optical system of the confocal microscope of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Laser light source 12 Wavelength selection apparatus 13 Light control apparatus 14 Beam expander 21 Light splitting apparatus 22 Scanner module 23 Relay lens 24 Objective optical system 26 Fluorescence selection apparatus 27 Condensing lens 28 Pinhole module 29 Detector 34,35,36, 37, 38, 39, 46 Drive device 47 Image processing device 48 Image monitor 50 Computer 49 Input device

Claims (5)

A light source;
An objective lens switching device that holds a plurality of objective lenses and is arranged alternatively in the microscope optical path;
Disposed between the light source and the objective lens disposed in the microscope optical path;
A scanning device that two-dimensionally scans illumination light applied to the sample via an objective lens disposed in the microscope optical path;
A detection device that detects light emitted from the sample by scanning of the illumination light through the objective lens disposed in the optical path of the microscope and the scanning device;
Arranged at a position optically conjugate with the imaging surface of the objective lens arranged in the microscope optical path,
In the confocal microscope provided with a pinhole that restricts light from the sample incident on the detection device and an opening member that can change the diameter of the pinhole,
An input device for inputting information on the apparatus conditions of the confocal microscope and the type of fluorescent dye;
The optimum pinhole diameter is automatically set based on the device conditions input by the input device, and the detection sensitivity of the detection device is determined based on information on the type of the fluorescent dye. A control device;
A confocal microscope characterized by comprising:   2. The confocal microscope according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus condition is information on a wavelength of the illumination light that is excitation light and information on a numerical aperture of the objective lens.   The confocal microscope according to claim 2, wherein the control device determines an output of the excitation light based on information on a type of the fluorescent dye.   The confocal microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control device includes a lookup table for setting an optimal diameter of the pinhole.   5. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a lookup table for determining a laser power of the pumping light, and a lookup table for determining the detection sensitivity. The confocal microscope according to item.

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