JP2008139613A - Optical microscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a more compact optical microscope. <P>SOLUTION: The center of the curvature of one of first to third slits 55 to 57, which corresponds to an objective lens disposed on the optical path of transmission light, is made to face the center of an aperture part 46 on the basis of the switching of the objective lens during phase difference observation. In addition, the radius of the aperture part 46 is set so as to be equal to or larger than the curvature radius of the slit and the aperture part 46 does not face the slits other than this slit. Thus, even when a distance between the adjacent slits is shortened, adjusting the radius of the aperture part 46 prevents illumination light from passing through the slits other than the slit facing the center of the aperture part 46. This makes it possible to make the microscope more compact. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical microscope, and more particularly to an optical microscope capable of performing phase difference observation by irradiating light toward an object to be observed and changing the phase difference of transmitted light from the object to be observed. .

  As an example of an observation method using an optical microscope, light is irradiated to an object to be observed such as a living cell or bacteria, and the phase of diffracted light diffracted by the object to be observed and direct light that goes straight without diffraction are different. Thus, phase difference observation is known in which a colorless and transparent object to be observed is visualized and observed. If this phase difference observation is used, since it is not necessary to stain the object to be visualized, damage to the object can be suppressed.

  This type of optical microscope includes a plurality of objective lenses having different magnifications and a phase plate associated with each objective lens. The user can select one of the objective lenses and arrange it on the optical path of the transmitted light from the observation object, thereby magnifying and observing the observation object at a magnification corresponding to the objective lens. The phase plate associated with each objective lens is for giving a phase difference to a part of the transmitted light from the objective lens.For example, a phase difference is given to the diffracted light diffracted by the object to be observed. Instead, the phase difference is given only to the direct light. In this way, by making the phase different between the diffracted light and the direct light, it is possible to give contrast to the contour portion of the object to be observed and visualize the object to be observed.

  Usually, the phase plate is formed in a disc shape, and an annular phase difference region for changing the phase is formed at the center thereof. Therefore, by arranging the phase plate so that the direct light from the object to be observed passes through the phase difference region and the diffracted light passes through a region other than the phase difference region, the phase is different between the diffracted light and the direct light. be able to. Thus, in order to allow direct light from the object to pass through the phase difference region and diffracted light to pass through regions other than the phase difference region, it is necessary to provide a stop at a position conjugate with the phase plate. is there. Therefore, a configuration is generally used in which a slit plate in which an annular or arcuate slit is formed at a position conjugate with the phase plate is used to irradiate the object to be observed through the slit. (For example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a slit plate 151 in a conventional optical microscope. In this example, the slit plate 151 is formed in a rectangular shape, and a first slit 155, a second slit 156, and a third slit 157 are formed side by side in the longitudinal direction. The first slits 155 are formed in a substantially annular shape by arranging arcuate openings having the same radius of curvature on concentric circles. Similarly, the second slit 156 and the third slit 157 are also formed in a substantially annular shape by arranging arc-shaped openings having the same radius of curvature in each slit on a concentric circle. The openings constituting the first to third slits 155 to 157 have different radii of curvature, and the openings constituting the second slit 156 constitute the first slit 155. The radius of curvature is larger than each opening and smaller than each opening constituting the third slit 157.

  The slit plate 151 is provided so as to be slidable along its longitudinal direction. By sliding the slit plate 151, any of the first to third slits 155 to 157 is provided on the optical path of the irradiation light to the object to be observed. Can be arranged. In this example, an aperture stop mechanism 113 having a circular opening 146 is fixedly disposed on the optical path of the irradiation light to the object to be observed. The aperture stop mechanism 113 adjusts the diameter of the opening 146 by opening and closing a stop 142 composed of a plurality of blades 141, and allows the irradiation light to pass through the opening 146.

  This optical microscope can perform not only phase difference observation but also bright field observation in which a stained object to be observed is irradiated with light. At the time of bright field observation, as shown in FIG. 24A, the slit plate 151 is retracted from the optical path of the irradiation light, and the slit plate 151 does not face the opening 146 of the stop 142. In this state, by adjusting the diameter of the opening 146 of the stop 142, bright field observation can be performed with a desired contrast.

  On the other hand, when the phase difference is observed, the slit plate 151 is slid so that the slit plate 151 faces the opening 146 on the optical path of the irradiation light as shown in FIG. In this example, the first slit 155 faces the opening 146. At the time of phase difference observation, the opening 146 of the diaphragm 142 is opened such that the radius is larger than that of the third slit 157 having the largest radius of curvature. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 24B, the irradiation light that has passed through the opening 146 in the open state is blocked by the slit plate 151, and a part of the irradiation light passes through the first slit 155 and is irradiated onto the object to be observed.

  As shown in FIG. 24, the first to third slits 155 to 157 are formed such that the distance between adjacent slits with respect to the center of curvature of each slit is larger than the radius of the opening 146 in the open state. Yes. Therefore, even if any of the first to third slits 155 to 157 is opposed to the center of the opening 146, the other slits do not face the opening 146, and the irradiation light passes through the other slits. It can be prevented from passing.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram showing another example of the slit plate 151 in the conventional optical microscope. In this example, the slit plate 151 is formed in a fan shape that can rotate around the rotation shaft 154, and the first slit 155, the second slit 156, and the third slit 157 are arranged in an arc shape around the rotation shaft 154. Is formed. Since these first to third slits 155 to 157 have the same configuration as that of the example of FIG. 24, the same reference numerals are given to the drawings and description thereof is omitted.

  In this example, by rotating the slit plate 151, any one of the first to third slits 155 to 157 can be arranged on the optical path of the irradiation light to the object to be observed. As in the example of FIG. 24, an aperture stop mechanism 113 is fixedly disposed on the optical path of the irradiation light to the object to be observed. At the time of bright field observation, as shown in FIG. 25A, the slit plate 151 is retracted from the optical path of the irradiation light so that the slit plate 151 does not face the opening 146 of the diaphragm 142. In this state, by adjusting the diameter of the opening 146 of the stop 142, bright field observation can be performed with a desired contrast.

On the other hand, when the phase difference is observed, the slit plate 151 is rotated so that the slit plate 151 faces the opening 146 on the optical path of the irradiation light as shown in FIG. In this example, the first slit 155 faces the opening 146. At the time of phase difference observation, the opening 146 of the diaphragm 142 is opened such that the radius is larger than that of the third slit 157 having the largest radius of curvature. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 25B, the irradiation light that has passed through the opening 146 in the open state is blocked by the slit plate 151, and a part of the irradiation light passes through the first slit 155 and is irradiated onto the object to be observed.
JP-A-11-337830 JP 2000-10013 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-220977

  However, in the conventional example as shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 25 described above, the distance between the slits 155 to 157 adjacent to the center of curvature is larger than the radius of the opening 146 in the open state. Therefore, there is a problem that the shape of the slit plate 151 becomes large and the apparatus becomes large.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a more compact optical microscope. Another object of the present invention is to provide an optical microscope that can be miniaturized with a simple configuration using an existing mechanism.

  An optical microscope according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a light source that irradiates light toward an object to be observed, a plurality of objective lenses that enlarge transmitted light from the object to be observed at different magnifications, and light irradiated from the light source passes through the optical microscope. An aperture stop mechanism that can adjust the radius of the opening, and a plurality of annular or arc-shaped slits having different curvature radii respectively associated with the plurality of objective lenses. A phase difference diaphragm mechanism that allows any one of the plurality of slits to face the opening to allow irradiation light from the light source to pass therethrough, and an interlock mechanism that interlocks the aperture diaphragm mechanism and the phase difference diaphragm mechanism, The interlocking mechanism sets the radius of the opening to a radius that is equal to or greater than the radius of curvature of the slit facing the opening and does not face the slit other than the selected slit. Configured.

  According to such a configuration, the slit corresponding to the objective lens arranged on the optical path of the transmitted light can be opposed to the opening, and the irradiation light can be irradiated through the opening and the slit. At this time, since the radius of the opening is equal to or larger than the radius of curvature of the slit facing the opening and is not opposed to the slit other than the selected slit, it passes through the other slits. It is possible to prevent the irradiation light from being irradiated.

  Therefore, even when the distance between adjacent slits is shortened, the irradiation light can be prevented from passing through slits other than the slit facing the opening by adjusting the radius of the opening. It can be made smaller. In addition, by adjusting the radius of the opening using an aperture stop mechanism generally provided in an optical microscope, it is possible to prevent the irradiation light from passing through slits other than the slit facing the opening. It is possible to reduce the size with a simple configuration using an existing mechanism without adding an additional mechanism.

  In the optical microscope according to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the aperture stop mechanism may make the opening portion in an open state in which the radius is larger than a slit having the largest radius of curvature among the plurality of slits. The plurality of slits are formed and configured such that the distance from the center of curvature of each slit to the adjacent slit is smaller than the radius of the opening in the open state.

  According to such a configuration, the apparatus can be further miniaturized by forming the distance from the center of curvature of each slit to the adjacent slit to be smaller than the radius of the opening in the open state. When the distance from the center of curvature of each slit to the adjacent slit is smaller than the radius of the opening in the open state, if the opening is in the open state, the light other than the slit facing the center of the opening is irradiated. Will pass. Therefore, as in the present invention, by setting the radius of the opening to a radius that does not face the slit other than the slit facing the center, the apparatus is further downsized, and the slits other than the slit facing the center of the opening are reduced. It is possible to reliably prevent the irradiation light from passing.

  In addition to the above configuration, the optical microscope according to the third aspect of the present invention is associated with the lens switching mechanism that arranges any of the plurality of objective lenses on the optical path of the transmitted light, and the plurality of objective lenses, Position information storage means for storing position information of the aperture stop mechanism and the phase difference stop mechanism, and when the objective lens is switched by the lens switching mechanism, the position information storage means And the center of curvature of the slit corresponding to the objective lens arranged on the optical path of the transmitted light is opposed to the center of the opening, and the radius of the opening is The radius of curvature is equal to or greater than the radius of curvature of the slit, and the radius is such that the opening does not face any slit other than the slit.

  According to such a configuration, when the objective lens is switched, the aperture stop mechanism and the phase difference stop mechanism are interlocked on the basis of the position information stored in the position information storage means, and arranged on the optical path of the transmitted light. The center of curvature of the slit corresponding to the objective lens made is opposed to the center of the opening, and the radius of the opening is equal to or greater than the radius of curvature of the slit, and the opening does not face any other slit. It can be a radius. Therefore, the irradiation light can be reliably prevented from passing through slits other than the slit facing the center of the opening based on the position information stored in the position information storage means, and is stored in the position information storage means. By changing the position information, the operation modes of the aperture stop mechanism and the phase difference stop mechanism can be easily changed.

  An optical microscope according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes an aperture stop control unit that operates the aperture stop mechanism based on a user operation and changes the radius of the opening in addition to the above configuration. According to such a configuration, the radius of the opening can be adjusted by operating the aperture stop mechanism by a user operation. Accordingly, even when the radius of the opening based on the position information stored in advance in the position information storage means is not appropriate, the user can adjust the radius of the opening, so that the observation can be performed better. Can do.

  An optical microscope according to a fifth aspect of the present invention includes, in addition to the above configuration, adjustment position information storage means for storing position information of the aperture stop mechanism operated by the aperture stop control means, and the interlocking mechanism includes the lens. When the objective lens is switched by the switching mechanism, the radius of the opening is configured to be a radius based on the position information stored in the adjustment position information storage unit.

  According to such a configuration, the position information of the aperture stop mechanism after adjustment is stored in the adjustment position information storage unit, and when the objective lens is subsequently switched, the radius of the opening is stored in the adjustment position information storage unit. The radius may be based on the position information. Therefore, once the radius of the opening is adjusted, the radius of the opening can be automatically set based on the position information after adjustment, thereby improving convenience.

  In the optical microscope according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the phase difference diaphragm mechanism includes a slide plate that can slide linearly, and the plurality of slits slide in the slide direction with respect to the slide plate. Are formed side by side.

  According to such a configuration, with respect to the slide plate that can slide in a straight line, a plurality of slits are formed side by side in the slide direction, and the slide plate is slid so that one of the slits is at the center of the opening. Can be opposed. At this time, even if the distance between adjacent slits in the sliding direction of the slide plate is shortened, the irradiation light passes through slits other than the slit facing the center of the opening by adjusting the radius of the opening. Therefore, the apparatus can be further downsized.

  In the optical microscope according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above-described configuration, the phase difference diaphragm mechanism includes a rotating plate that can rotate about a rotation axis, and the plurality of slits rotate the rotating plate. Accordingly, the center of curvature of each slit is configured to be arranged in an arc shape around the rotation axis with respect to the rotation plate so that the center of curvature moves on the same locus.

  According to such a configuration, with respect to the rotating plate that can rotate around the rotation axis, a plurality of slits are arranged in an arc shape around the rotation axis, thereby rotating the rotating plate to The slit can be opposed to the center of the opening. At this time, even if the distance between adjacent slits in the rotation direction of the rotating plate is shortened, the irradiation light passes through slits other than the slit facing the center of the opening by adjusting the radius of the opening. Therefore, the apparatus can be further downsized.

  In an optical microscope according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the phase difference diaphragm mechanism includes a plurality of rotating plates that can rotate around the same rotation axis, and the plurality of slits include the plurality of slits. The center of curvature of each slit moves along the same trajectory with the rotation of the rotating plate.

  According to such a configuration, by forming different slits on the plurality of rotating plates that can rotate around the rotation axis, one of the rotating plates is rotated, and the slit formed on the rotating plate is changed. It can be made to oppose the center of an opening part. At this time, since the plurality of rotating plates in which the slits other than the slit facing the center of the opening are formed are overlapped with each other, the plurality of rotating plates can be compactly accommodated. Can be further reduced in size.

  An optical microscope according to a ninth aspect of the present invention includes, in addition to the above configuration, a phase plate that is disposed at a position conjugate with the slit facing the opening, and that imparts a phase difference to transmitted light from the object to be observed. The aperture stop mechanism is arranged in the vicinity of the phase difference stop mechanism.

  According to such a configuration, the phase difference observation can be performed with higher accuracy by arranging the slit facing the opening and the phase plate at a conjugate position. Since it is relatively difficult to place both the aperture of the aperture diaphragm mechanism and the slit of the phase difference diaphragm mechanism at a position conjugate with the phase plate, the slit of the phase difference diaphragm mechanism is disposed at a position conjugate with the phase plate. By arranging the aperture stop mechanism in the vicinity of the phase difference stop mechanism, phase difference observation can be performed with higher accuracy than bright field observation.

  According to the present invention, even when the distance between adjacent slits is shortened, the irradiation light can be prevented from passing through slits other than the slit facing the opening by adjusting the radius of the opening. Therefore, the apparatus can be further downsized. In addition, by adjusting the radius of the opening using an aperture stop mechanism generally provided in an optical microscope, it is possible to prevent the irradiation light from passing through slits other than the slit facing the opening. It is possible to reduce the size with a simple configuration using an existing mechanism without adding an additional mechanism.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
1 to 7 are external views of an optical microscope 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view, FIG. 2 is a front view, FIG. 3 is a rear view, and FIG. 5 is a right side view, FIG. 6 is a plan view, and FIG. 7 is a bottom view. In the following description, the left side in FIG. 2 is the left side, the right side is the right side, the upper side is the upper side, the lower side is the lower side, the right side in FIG.

  The optical microscope 1 is formed by housing a large number of optical components in a resin casing 2. The casing 2 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a part of the front side thereof forms an opening / closing part 3 that can slide in the front-rear direction. 1 to 7 show the optical microscope 1 in a state where the opening / closing part 3 is closed. By sliding the opening / closing part 3 forward from this state, the inside of the housing 2 is opened, and an object to be observed such as a living cell or bacteria is set in the housing 2 or optical components are adjusted and replaced. can do.

  A monitor can be connected to the optical microscope 1 via a cable, and an image of an observation object taken by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera provided in the housing 2 is used as a monitor. Can be displayed. The monitor may be configured to be directly connected to the optical microscope 1 or may be configured to be connected via another device such as a personal computer. Moreover, the structure with which the monitor was equipped with the optical microscope 1 may be sufficient.

  The optical microscope 1 can perform so-called bright field observation, phase difference observation, and fluorescence observation. Bright field observation is performed by irradiating a dyed object with light and causing the transmitted light to enter a CCD camera. On the other hand, in phase difference observation, a colorless and transparent object to be observed is visualized and observed by differentiating the phases of diffracted light diffracted by the object to be observed and direct light that travels straight without diffraction. Therefore, in the phase difference observation, it is not necessary to stain the observation object as in bright field observation, and damage to the observation object can be suppressed. In addition, fluorescence observation is performed by irradiating an object to be observed with excitation light having a specific wavelength to cause fluorescence to enter the CCD camera.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining an installation mode of the optical microscope 1. A personal computer 80 is connected to the optical microscope 1 via a cable, and an image captured by a CCD camera can be displayed on a monitor 81 connected to the personal computer 80. Further, by operating an input device such as a keyboard 82 and a mouse 83 connected to the personal computer 80, operation settings of the optical microscope 1 when performing observation can be performed.

  Although FIG. 8 shows a configuration in which the monitor 81 is connected to the optical microscope 1 via the personal computer 80, the monitor is connected to the optical microscope 1 via another device without being limited to such a configuration. The structure which can connect a monitor directly to the optical microscope 1 may be sufficient.

  FIG. 9 is an optical path diagram showing the configuration of optical components provided in the housing 2. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the optical component provided in the housing 2. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the optical microscope 1 with the housing 2 removed. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which the base 7 in the optical microscope 1 of FIG. 11 is omitted. Various components provided in the optical microscope 1 are held by a base 7 and the outside of the base 7 is covered with a housing 2, thereby forming an appearance as shown in FIGS. 1 to 7. Yes. A fan 8 is attached to the upper rear end portion of the base 7. By rotating the fan 8, outside air can be circulated in the housing 2 and components in the housing 2 can be cooled. .

  When observing an object to be observed using the optical microscope 1, the object to be observed is placed on the sample surface 10, and light is irradiated from the halogen lamp 11 as a light source toward the object to be observed. Between the halogen lamp 11 and the sample surface 10, a transmission condenser lens 12, an aperture stop mechanism 13, a phase difference stop mechanism 14, a reflection mirror 15, and a condenser lens 16 are arranged on the optical path L from the halogen lamp 11 in this order. Is arranged. These optical components 11 to 16 constitute a transmission illumination unit 17 for irradiating light on an object to be observed and performing bright field observation and phase difference observation using the transmitted light.

  The light emitted forward from the halogen lamp 11 is collected by the transmission condensing lens 12 and passes through the aperture stop mechanism 13. The aperture stop mechanism 13 is formed with a circular opening through which the irradiation light passes, and the angle of the irradiation light with respect to the object to be observed can be adjusted by changing the diameter of the opening. ing. The phase difference diaphragm mechanism 14 has an annular or arcuate slit through which the irradiation light passes, and is arranged and used on the optical path L when performing phase difference observation.

  The irradiation light that has passed through these optical components is reflected by 90 ° by the reflection mirror 15, travels downward, and enters the condenser lens 16. The condenser lens 16 includes a plurality of lenses arranged on the optical path L of the irradiation light, and changes imaging characteristics such as resolving power, contrast, and depth of field. An objective lens 18 is disposed below the sample surface 10, and the irradiation light that has passed through the condenser lens 16 is applied to the object to be observed on the sample surface 10, and the light that has passed through the object to be observed is applied to the objective lens 18. Incident.

  The optical microscope 1 is provided with a plurality of objective lenses 18 for enlarging the transmitted light from the object to be observed at different magnifications, and any of the objective lenses 18 can be arranged on the optical path L of the transmitted light. It is like that. More specifically, each objective lens 18 is held by a cylindrical lens holder 19, and these lens holders 19 are configured to be detachable from the revolver 20. The revolver 20 is provided so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis, and can hold a plurality of lens holders 19 arranged in an arc shape around the rotation axis, and rotates around the rotation axis. As a result, a lens switching mechanism for arranging any objective lens 18 on the optical path L of the transmitted light is configured.

  Each lens holder 19 holds an objective lens 18 and a phase plate 21 corresponding to the objective lens 18. The phase plate 21 is a filter through which the transmitted light from the objective lens 18 passes when performing phase difference observation, and is used to give a phase difference by changing the phase of a part of the transmitted light passing therethrough. is there. The transmitted light from the object to be observed that has passed through the lens holder 19 enters a cube filter 25 that integrally holds the dichroic mirror 22, the absorption filter 23, and the excitation filter 24, and passes through the cube filter 25. Only light in a specific wavelength range is transmitted sharply.

  The dichroic mirror 22 is arranged in a state inclined by 90 ° with respect to the optical axis of the transmitted light from the object to be observed, and only the transmitted light in a specific wavelength region of the transmitted light from the object to be observed is dichroic mirror 22. Then, the light passes through the absorption filter 23 and enters the imaging lens 26. The optical microscope 1 is provided with a plurality of types of absorption filters 23, and the filter 23 arranged on the optical path L can be switched by a filter switching mechanism 37 (see FIGS. 11 and 12). .

  The transmitted light that has entered the imaging lens 26 is collected by the imaging lens 26, reflected 90 ° by the reflection mirror 27, travels backward, passes through the liquid crystal RGB filter 28 and the dust-proof glass 29, and is then charged into the CCD camera 30. Is incident on. Based on the light that has passed through the liquid crystal RGB filter 28, an electrical signal representing the density values of the three primary colors R (red), G (green), and B (blue) is output from the CCD camera 30, thereby A color image of the observation object is displayed on the monitor.

  With such a configuration, when performing bright field observation or phase difference observation, it is possible to perform observation by causing the transmitted light of the light irradiated from the transmission illumination unit 17 to the object to be observed to enter the CCD camera 30. On the other hand, when performing fluorescence observation, light is irradiated to the object to be observed from the epi-illumination unit 31 disposed below the sample surface 10, and the light from the fluorescent object to be observed is incident on the CCD camera 30. Can be observed.

  The epi-illumination unit 31 includes a mercury lamp 32, an epi-illumination lens 33, and a shutter 34. The light irradiated forward from the mercury lamp 32 is collected by the epi-illumination lens 33 and enters the cube filter 25. The mercury lamp 32 emits light with a constant light amount, and the light amount of the irradiated light can be adjusted by passing any one of a plurality of neutral density filters 38 (see FIG. 12). It has become. The shutter 34 is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the optical path of the irradiation light from the mercury lamp 32, and switches between irradiation and non-irradiation of light from the mercury lamp 32 to the object to be observed.

  The light that has entered the cube filter 25 from the epi-illumination unit 31 is excited by passing through the excitation filter 24, is then reflected 90 ° by the dichroic mirror 22, travels upward, passes through the objective lens 18, and on the sample surface 10 The object to be observed is irradiated. The object to be observed fluoresces when irradiated with light excited in a specific wavelength region, and the light passes through the objective lens 18 and enters the cube filter 25 again. The light from the observation object that has entered the cube filter 25 passes through the dichroic mirror 22 and the absorption filter 23 and enters the imaging lens 26 as in the case of the bright field observation and the phase difference observation described above, and forms an image. The transmitted light collected by the lens 26 enters the CCD camera 30 through the reflection mirror 27, the liquid crystal RGB filter 28 and the dustproof glass 29.

  FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the transmissive illumination unit 17. In this example, the transmissive illumination unit 17 includes two transmissive condenser lenses 12, and these transmissive condenser lenses 12 are integrally held by being attached to a common frame 35. The condenser lens 16 includes two lenses, and these lenses are integrally held by being attached to a common frame 36. The aperture stop mechanism 13 includes a stop 42 having a plurality of blades 41, an aperture stop motor 43 that is driven to open and close the stop 42, and a plurality of gears 44 that connect the stop 42 and the aperture stop motor 43. I have.

  14A and 14B are perspective views showing the configuration of the diaphragm 42, where FIG. 14A shows an open state and FIG. 14B shows a diaphragm state. The diaphragm 42 includes an annular rotating portion 45 and a plurality of blades 41 that are rotatably attached to one end surface of the rotating portion 45 so as to overlap each other. The plurality of blades 41 are rotated by an amount corresponding to the amount of rotation in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating unit 45.

  An opening 46 is formed in the diaphragm 42 by a plurality of blades 41 that overlap each other. By rotating these blades 41, the diameter of the opening 46 can be changed while maintaining the center position. it can. That is, by driving the aperture stop motor 43 from the open state as shown in FIG. 14A and rotating the rotating part 45, the plurality of blades 41 are rotated, as shown in FIG. 14B. In addition, it is possible to make the aperture state in which the diameter of the opening 46 is smaller than the open state. The stop 42 is arranged so that the center of the opening 46 is located on the optical axis of the irradiation light.

  FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the aperture stop mechanism 13 and the phase difference stop mechanism 14 and shows a state in which the slit plate 51 is retracted from the optical path L of the irradiation light. The phase difference diaphragm mechanism 14 includes a slit plate 51 formed with a plurality of slits, a phase difference diaphragm motor 52 that is driven to rotate the slit plate 51, and the slit plate 51 and the phase difference diaphragm motor 52. And a plurality of gears 53 to be connected. The slit plate 51 is formed in a fan shape that can rotate around the rotation shaft 54, and the first slit 55, the second slit 56, and the third slit 57 are formed in a circular arc shape around the rotation shaft 54. .

  Thereby, with the rotation of the slit plate 51, the centers of curvature of the first to third slits 55 to 57 move on the same locus. In this example, the first to third slits 55 to 57 are moved. The phase difference diaphragm mechanism 14 is arranged so that the locus of the center of curvature passes through the optical axis of the irradiation light. Therefore, by driving the phase difference diaphragm motor 52 and rotating the slit plate 51, the slit plate 51 is arranged on the optical path L of the irradiation light as shown in FIG. 13, and the first to third slits 55 to 57 are arranged. Any one of these can be made to face the opening 46 of the aperture stop mechanism 13 to allow the irradiation light to pass, or the slit plate 51 can be retracted from the optical path L of the irradiation light as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the slit plate 51 is disposed in a slit plate housing portion 4 that is formed so as to project from the front upper portion of the housing 2, and can be rotated in the slit plate housing portion 4.

  The first slits 55 are formed in a substantially annular shape by arranging arc-shaped openings having the same radius of curvature on concentric circles. Similarly, the second slit 56 and the third slit 57 are also formed in a substantially annular shape by arranging arcuate openings having the same radius of curvature in each slit on a concentric circle. The openings constituting the first to third slits 55 to 57 have different radii of curvature, and the openings constituting the second slit 56 constitute the first slit 55. The radius of curvature is larger than each opening and smaller than each opening constituting the third slit 57. However, the first to third slits 55 to 57 are not limited to being formed by arcuate openings, but may be formed by annular openings.

  The first to third slits 55 to 57 formed in the slit plate 51 correspond to the phase plates 21 held integrally with the objective lenses 18. That is, the correspondence between each phase plate 21 and the first to third slits 55 to 57 is determined in advance, and is integrated with the objective lens 18 according to the objective lens 18 disposed on the optical path L of the transmitted light. When the slit plate 51 is rotated so that the slit corresponding to the phase plate 21 that is held is opposed to the opening 46, the slit corresponding to the position conjugate with the phase plate 21 is arranged. ing.

  At this time, normally, it is preferable that both the aperture stop mechanism 13 and the phase difference stop mechanism 14 are disposed at a conjugate position with the phase plate 21. However, it is difficult to arrange the aperture stop mechanism 13 and the phase difference stop mechanism 14 at the same optical position. Therefore, in the present invention, for the purpose of performing phase difference observation more accurately than bright field observation, the phase difference diaphragm mechanism 14 is disposed at a conjugate position with respect to the phase plate 21, and the aperture is opened. A diaphragm mechanism 13 is disposed in the vicinity thereof. Of course, when it is desired to perform bright field observation more accurately than phase difference observation, the aperture stop mechanism 13 should be arranged at a conjugate position with respect to the phase plate 21. It is possible to make the aperture stop mechanism 13 and the phase difference stop mechanism 14 with the same mechanism. In this case, however, the mechanism itself becomes larger as in the prior art, and the stop intended for the present invention is used. The problem of miniaturization of the mechanism cannot be solved.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of the phase plate 21. The phase plate 21 is formed in a disc shape, and an annular phase difference region 21a for changing the phase of transmitted light is formed at the center of the phase plate 21 as shown by hatching in FIG. Therefore, the phase plate 21 is arranged so that the diffracted light diffracted in the object to be observed passes through the region 21b other than the phase difference region 21a, and the direct light traveling straight without being diffracted in the object to be observed passes through the phase difference region 21a. By doing so, the phase can be made different between the diffracted light and the direct light.

  By arranging the slits corresponding to the positions conjugate with the respective phase plates 21 as described above, the direct light and the diffracted light from the object to be observed are favorably passed through the phase difference region 21a and the other regions 21b, respectively. be able to. In this way, by making the phase different between the diffracted light and the direct light, it is possible to give contrast to the contour portion of the object to be observed and visualize the colorless and transparent object to be observed.

  As shown in FIG. 15, two concave portions 58 are formed in the arc-shaped peripheral edge portion of the slit plate 51 with a space therebetween. Two stoppers 59 for holding a sphere (not shown) are formed on the locus of the recess 58 accompanying the rotation of the slit plate 51, and at least one of the stoppers 59 is rotated along with the rotation of the slit plate 51. The slit plate 51 can be locked by engaging the spherical body with one of the recesses 58. In this example, the state in which the center of curvature of the second slit 56 is located on the optical axis of the irradiation light and the center of curvature of the third slit 57 are irradiated by the combination of engagement between the two stoppers 59 and the two recesses 58. The slit plate 51 can be locked in a state of being located on the optical axis of light. Further, using a stopper different from the stopper 59 formed in the slit plate 51, the state where the center of curvature of the first slit 55 is located on the optical axis of the irradiation light, and the slit plate 51 as shown in FIG. In this state, the slit plate 51 can be locked in a state of being retracted from the optical path L of the irradiation light. As described above, various structures other than the stopper 59 can be adopted as a mechanism for locking the slit plate 51.

  FIGS. 17A and 17B are front views showing the correspondence with the diaphragm 42 accompanying the rotation of the slit plate 51. FIG. 17A shows a bright field observation and FIG. 17B shows a phase difference observation. At the time of bright field observation, as shown in FIG. 17A, the slit plate 51 is retracted from the optical path L of the irradiation light so that the slit plate 51 does not face the opening 46 of the stop 42. In this state, the bright field observation can be performed with a desired contrast by adjusting the diameter of the opening 46 of the diaphragm 42.

  On the other hand, when the phase difference is observed, the slit plate 51 is rotated so that the slit plate 51 faces the opening 46 on the optical path L of the irradiation light as shown in FIG. In this example, the first slit 55 faces the opening 46. In the present embodiment, the aperture stop mechanism 13 and the phase difference stop mechanism 14 are interlocked based on the objective lens 18 being switched by rotating the revolver 20 during phase difference observation. More specifically, based on the switching of the objective lens 18, the slit plate 51 is arranged so that the center of curvature of the slit corresponding to the objective lens 18 disposed on the optical path L of the transmitted light faces the center of the opening 46. While being rotated, the blades 41 of the diaphragm 42 are displaced so that the opening 46 has the same radius as the curvature radius of the slit.

  In the open state shown in FIG. 14A, the radius of the opening 46 of the diaphragm 42 is larger than the third slit 57 having the largest curvature radius formed in the slit plate 51. Here, as shown in FIG. 17B, the distance from the center of curvature of the first slit 55 to the adjacent second slit 56 is formed to be smaller than the radius of the opening 46 in the open state. . Similarly, the distance from the center of curvature of the second slit 56 to the adjacent first slit 55 and the third slit 57 and the distance from the center of curvature of the third slit 57 to the adjacent second slit 56 are also in the open state. It is formed to be smaller than the radius of the opening 46.

  FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the optical microscope 1. In addition to the halogen lamp 11, mercury lamp 32, aperture stop motor 43, phase difference stop motor 52, and CCD camera 30, the optical microscope 1 includes an aperture stop sensor 61, a phase difference stop sensor 62, An objective lens switching sensor 63, a default position information storage unit 6, and an adjustment position information storage unit 9 are provided, and these operations are controlled by a control unit 5 including a processor. The default position information storage unit 6 and the adjustment position information storage unit 9 are configured by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory).

  The aperture stop sensor 61 is a photo sensor, and is based on the presence or absence of light shielding by the shielding plate 64 (see FIG. 13) formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary portion 45 of the aperture stop mechanism 13. The rotational position or the diameter of the opening 46 corresponding to the rotational position is detected. Similarly to the aperture stop sensor 61, the phase difference stop sensor 62 is also a photo sensor, and is a shielding plate 65 (FIG. 13) formed on a part of a gear 53 that connects the slit plate 51 and the phase difference stop motor 52. The rotation position of the slit plate 51 or the positions of the first to third slits 55 to 57 corresponding to the rotation position is detected based on the presence or absence of light shielding. The objective lens switching sensor 63 detects that the objective lens 18 located on the optical path L of the transmitted light has been switched by rotating the revolver 20.

  In the default position information storage unit 6, position information of the aperture stop mechanism 13 and the phase difference stop mechanism 14 is stored in association with each objective lens 18. That is, when each objective lens 18 is arranged on the optical path L of the transmitted light, information on the opening / closing position of the diaphragm 42 corresponding to the diameter of the opening 46 when performing phase difference observation using the objective lens 18; Information on the rotational position of the slit plate 51 corresponding to the slit facing the opening 46 is stored in the default position information storage unit 6. The position information of the aperture stop mechanism 13 and the phase difference stop mechanism 14 corresponding to each objective lens 18 stored in the default position information storage unit 6 can be rewritten, and the objective lens 18 attached to the revolver 20 is changed. In this case, by storing the position information corresponding to the objective lens 18 in the default position information storage unit 6, the operation modes of the aperture stop mechanism 13 and the phase difference stop mechanism 14 can be easily changed.

  When the objective lens switching sensor 63 detects the switching of the objective lens 18, the control unit 5 reads the corresponding position information from the default position information storage unit 6, and based on the position information, the aperture stop sensor 61 and the phase difference are read out. While performing detection by the diaphragm sensor 62, the aperture diaphragm motor 43 and the phase difference diaphragm motor 52 are driven. That is, the control unit 5, the default position information storage unit 6, the aperture stop motor 43, the phase difference stop motor 52, the aperture stop sensor 61, the phase difference stop sensor 62, and the objective lens switching sensor 63 are included in the objective lens 18. An interlocking mechanism that interlocks the aperture stop mechanism 13 and the phase difference stop mechanism 14 based on the switching is configured.

  The adjustment position information storage unit 9 can store position information (hereinafter referred to as “adjustment position information”) to be added to the position information stored in the default position information storage unit 6. In the present embodiment, the user operates the input device such as the keyboard 82 or the mouse 83 in a state where any of the slits of the slit plate 51 faces the opening 46, whereby the opening 46 of the aperture stop mechanism 13 is operated. The diameter can be changed. At this time, the control unit 5 functions as an aperture stop control unit that operates the aperture stop mechanism 13 based on a user operation.

  Therefore, even when the diameter of the opening 46 based on the position information stored in advance in the default position information storage unit 6 is not appropriate, the user can adjust the diameter of the opening 46, so that it is better. Observations can be made. Further, the position information of the aperture stop mechanism 13 after adjustment is stored in the adjustment position information storage unit 9 as adjustment position information, and when the objective lens 18 is subsequently switched, the diameter of the opening 46 is adjusted to the adjustment position information storage unit. 9 is a diameter based on the adjustment position information stored in 9. Thereby, once the diameter of the opening 46 is adjusted, the diameter of the opening 46 can be automatically set to the diameter based on the position information after adjustment, thereby improving convenience.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the monitor 81 when the aperture stop mechanism 13 is adjusted. In this example, the case where the aperture stop mechanism 13 is adjusted using the personal computer 80 will be described. However, the user can manually adjust the aperture stop mechanism 13 by operating the optical microscope 1. It may be. The display screen of the monitor 81 shown in FIG. 19 includes an image display area 84 for displaying an image photographed by the CCD camera 30 and a setting operation area 85 for the user to perform a setting operation.

  When adjusting the aperture stop mechanism 13, a focal position changing lens 39 is arranged on the optical path L instead of the cube filter 25 as shown in FIG. 9. Thereby, when the cube filter 25 is disposed on the optical path L, the focal position of the CCD camera 30 on the sample surface 10 is set to the opening 46 of the aperture stop mechanism 13 on the slit plate 51 of the phase difference stop mechanism 14. Move to the part opposite to. Therefore, an image of light passing through the opening 46 and passing through the slits facing the opening 46 among the first to third slits 55 to 57 is picked up by the CCD camera 30, and the image is displayed in the image display area 84. Is done.

  At this time, in the image display area 84, a circular aperture boundary line 86 whose diameter changes in accordance with the aperture amount of the aperture aperture mechanism 13 is displayed at a position corresponding to the periphery of the aperture 46 of the aperture aperture mechanism 13. . In the image display area 84, a circular reference line 87 having a constant diameter is displayed on a concentric circle with the opening boundary line 86. The user can perform an input operation on the setting operation area 85 by operating the keyboard 82 or the mouse 83 while viewing the image in the image display area 84.

  The setting operation area 85 includes an aperture amount setting area 88 for setting the aperture amount of the aperture stop mechanism 13. The user can input a numerical aperture value in the numerical value input area 881 in the aperture amount setting area 88, or can set the aperture amount by moving the cursor 882 in the aperture amount setting area 88. By setting the diaphragm amount in this way, the aperture diaphragm mechanism 13 operates so that the diameter of the opening 46 becomes a diameter corresponding to the set diaphragm amount, and the position corresponding to the diameter of the opening 46. The opening boundary line 86 in the image display area 84 moves.

  When the aperture amount of the aperture stop mechanism 13 is too large, that is, when the diameter of the opening 46 is too small, the aperture boundary line 86 moves on the slits 55 to 57 or inward of the slit and passes through the slit. A part or all of is blocked. On the other hand, when the aperture amount of the aperture stop mechanism 13 is too small, that is, when the diameter of the opening 46 is too large, the opening boundary line 86 interferes with other slits adjacent to the slit facing the opening 46, Even the light passing through the other slits passes through the slit plate 51. Therefore, the user performs an input operation on the aperture amount setting area 88 while viewing the image in the image display area 84, so that the opening boundary line 86 is outside the slit facing the opening 46, and the slit is set in the slit. The aperture amount of the aperture stop mechanism 13 can be adjusted to an appropriate value within a range that does not interfere with other adjacent slits.

  Then, after adjusting the aperture amount of the aperture stop mechanism 13, by selecting an OK key 89 in the setting operation area 85, the position information of the aperture stop mechanism 13 corresponding to the adjusted aperture amount is adjusted as the adjustment position information. It is stored in the position information storage unit 9. When the adjustment of the aperture stop mechanism 13 is completed in this way, the cube filter 25 is returned to the original position, and when the objective lens 18 is subsequently switched, the radius of the opening 46 is stored in the adjustment position information storage unit 9. The radius is based on the adjusted adjustment position information. If the cancel key 90 in the setting operation area 85 is selected during the adjustment of the aperture stop mechanism 13, the adjustment of the aperture stop mechanism 13 can be stopped.

  Here, the setting operation area 85 in the example shown in FIG. 19 includes a slit position setting area 91 for setting the relative positions of the slits 55 to 57 with respect to the opening 46. Taking the mechanism of the present embodiment as shown in FIG. 14 as an example, by performing an input operation on the slit position setting area 91, the slit plate 51 is rotated around the rotation shaft 54, and the opening 46 is moved. The positions of the slits 55 to 57 can be translated in a plane orthogonal to the optical path L. At this time, while viewing the image in the image display area 84, the user positions the slit so that the image of the light passing through the slit facing the opening 46 is concentric with the opening boundary line 86 or the reference line 87. Can be adjusted. If the center key 92 included in the slit position setting area 91 is selected, the positions of the slits 55 to 57 with respect to the opening 46 can be returned to the predetermined positions.

  After the positions of the slits 55 to 57 with respect to the opening 46 are set in this way, when the OK key 89 in the setting operation area 85 is selected, the position information is also used as adjustment position information. 9 may be stored. Then, when the objective lens 18 is subsequently switched, the positions of the slits 55 to 57 with respect to the opening 46 are positions based on the adjustment position information stored in the adjustment position information storage unit 9. Good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the positions of the slits 55 to 57 with respect to the opening 46 change only when the slit plate 51 rotates around the rotation shaft 54 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and a mechanism that can arbitrarily translate the phase difference diaphragm mechanism 14 with respect to the aperture diaphragm mechanism 13 in a plane orthogonal to the optical path L may be employed. It is also possible to employ a mechanism that can translate the aperture stop mechanism 13 with respect to the phase difference stop mechanism 14 in a plane orthogonal to the optical path L.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the control unit 5 when the aperture stop mechanism 13 and the phase difference stop mechanism 14 are interlocked based on the switching of the objective lens 18. When the objective lens 18 is switched by rotating the revolver 20 during phase difference observation (Yes in step S101), the aperture corresponding to the objective lens 18 disposed on the optical path L of the transmitted light. Position information of the diaphragm mechanism 13 and the phase difference diaphragm mechanism 14 is read (step S102).

  At this time, if the adjustment position information is not stored in the adjustment position information storage unit 9, the position information stored in advance is read from the default position information storage unit 6, and the adjustment position information is stored in the adjustment position information storage unit 9. If stored, the adjusted position information is read together with the position information stored in the default position information storage unit 6. However, when the adjustment work described with reference to FIG. 19 is performed, the adjustment position information is stored in the adjustment position information storage unit 9, and the adjustment storage information and the position information stored in the default position information storage unit 6 are stored. The default position information storage unit 6 and the adjusted position information storage unit 9 are configured as a common position information storage unit, and the position information stored in advance is used as the adjusted position information. The configuration may be rewritten.

  Based on the read position information of the aperture stop mechanism 13, the opening / closing position of the stop 42 is adjusted by driving the aperture stop motor 43 while performing detection by the aperture stop sensor 61. Is a diameter corresponding to the objective lens 18 disposed on the optical path L of the transmitted light (step S103). Further, the rotational position of the slit plate 51 is adjusted by driving the phase difference diaphragm motor 52 while performing detection by the phase difference diaphragm sensor 62 based on the read position information of the phase difference diaphragm mechanism 14. The slit corresponding to the objective lens 18 arranged on the optical path L of the transmitted light faces the opening 46 (step S104).

  In the present embodiment, based on switching of the objective lens 18, the center of curvature of the slit corresponding to the objective lens 18 arranged on the optical path L of the transmitted light among the first to third slits 55 to 57 is opened. It is possible to irradiate irradiation light through the opening 46 and the slit so as to face the center of 46. At this time, since the radius of the opening 46 is the same as the radius of curvature of the slit facing the center and not facing the slit other than the slit, the irradiation light is irradiated through the other slits. Can be prevented.

  Therefore, even when the distance between the adjacent slits 55 to 57 is shortened, the irradiation light passes through slits other than the slit facing the center of the opening 46 by adjusting the radius of the opening 46. Therefore, the apparatus can be further downsized. Further, by adjusting the radius of the opening 46 using the aperture stop mechanism 13 that is generally provided in the optical microscope 1, the irradiation light passes through slits other than the slit facing the center of the opening 46. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size with a simple configuration using an existing mechanism without adding a new mechanism.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, it forms so that the distance from the curvature center of each slit 55-57 to the adjacent slit may become smaller than the radius of the opening part 46 in an open state. In this case, if the opening 46 is opened, the irradiation light passes through a slit other than the slit facing the center of the opening 46. Therefore, by setting the radius of the opening 46 to a radius that does not face the slit other than the slit facing the center, the irradiation light passes through the slit other than the slit facing the center of the opening 46 while further downsizing the apparatus. Can be surely prevented.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the radius of the opening 46 is adjusted to be the same as the radius of curvature of the slit facing the center has been described, but the opening 46 does not face the slits other than the slit. As long as the radius of the opening 46 is adjusted, the radius of the opening 46 may be adjusted to be larger than the radius of curvature of the slit facing the center.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, the position information stored in the default position information storage unit 6 or the adjustment position information storage unit 9 is read, and the control unit 5 drives the aperture stop motor 43 and the phase difference stop motor 52. Thus, the configuration in which the aperture stop mechanism 13 and the phase difference stop mechanism 14 are interlocked based on the switching of the objective lens 18 has been described. On the other hand, the second embodiment is different in that the aperture stop mechanism 13 and the phase difference stop mechanism 14 are mechanically connected to each other.

  FIG. 21 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the aperture stop mechanism 13 and the phase difference stop mechanism 14 of the optical microscope 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. The phase difference observation is shown. In the present embodiment, among the plurality of gears 53 connected to the slit plate 51, an idler gear 60 that can be displaced in a connected state and a non-connected state with respect to the aperture stop mechanism 13 is included. At the time of bright field observation, as shown in FIG. 21A, the slit plate 51 is retracted from the optical path L of the irradiation light, and the idler gear 60 is not connected to the aperture stop mechanism 13. In this state, the opening 46 can be adjusted to a desired diameter by arbitrarily rotating the rotating portion 46 of the diaphragm 42.

  On the other hand, at the time of phase difference observation, as shown in FIG. 21B, as the slit plate 51 is rotated so that the slit plate 51 faces the opening 46 on the optical path L of the irradiation light, the idler gear 60 is rotated. Is connected to the aperture stop mechanism 13. In this state, the idler gear 60 is connected to the rotating portion 45 of the diaphragm 42, so that the rotating portion 45 is interlocked with the rotation of the slit plate 51 so that the diameter of the opening 46 changes. Thus, when the slit corresponding to the objective lens 18 disposed on the optical path L of the transmitted light is opposed to the opening 46, the radius of the opening 46 is equal to or greater than the radius of curvature of the slit. Since it can be set as the radius which does not oppose slits other than the said slit, it can prevent that irradiation light passes through another slit and is irradiated.

  The slit plate 51 may be configured to be manually rotated, or based on the objective lens 18 being switched by rotating the revolver 20, the slit plate 51 automatically rotates and transmits. A configuration in which the center of curvature of the slit corresponding to the objective lens 18 disposed on the optical path L of light faces the center of the opening 46 may be employed.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the first and second embodiments, the configuration in which the slit plate 51 is rotatable around the rotation shaft 54 has been described. In contrast, the third embodiment is different in that the slit plate 51 is configured to be slidable in a straight line.

  22A and 22B are schematic front views showing the configurations of the aperture stop mechanism 13 and the phase difference stop mechanism 14 of the optical microscope 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. The phase difference observation is shown. In this embodiment, the slit plate 51 formed in a rectangular shape constitutes the phase difference diaphragm mechanism 14, and the slit plate 51 slides in the longitudinal direction so that it advances and retreats with respect to the opening 46 of the diaphragm 42. It is possible.

  The slit plate 51 is formed with a plurality of slits arranged in the sliding direction. In this example, the first slit 55, the second slit 56, and the third slit 57 are formed in the slit plate 51 as in the case of the first and second embodiments. Therefore, at the time of phase difference observation, the slide plate 51 is slid from the state of FIG. 22A to the state of FIG. 22B, so that any one of the first to third slits 55 to 57 is the center of the opening 46. Can be opposed to each other. At this time, even when the distance between the slits adjacent to each other in the sliding direction of the slit plate 51 is shortened, if the radius of the opening 46 is adjusted as in the first and second embodiments, the opening 46 Since irradiation light can be prevented from passing through slits other than the slit facing the center, the apparatus can be further downsized.

  However, in the present embodiment, a configuration is shown in which the slit plate 51 is slidable in the left-right direction. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and the slit plate 51 can be slid in another direction, for example, the vertical direction. There may be.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
In the first to third embodiments, the configuration in which a plurality of slits are formed in one slit plate 51 has been described. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, a plurality of slit plates 51 that can rotate around the same rotation shaft 54 are provided, and slits having different curvature radii are formed in each slit plate 51. The point is different.

  FIG. 23 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the aperture stop mechanism 13 and the phase difference stop mechanism 14 of the optical microscope 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a bright-field observation and (b) is a view. The phase difference observation is shown. In the present embodiment, the plurality of slit plates 51 formed in a fan shape form the phase difference diaphragm mechanism 14, and these slit plates 51 rotate around the same rotation shaft 54, so that either The slit plate 51 can be made to face the opening 46 of the diaphragm 42.

  In each slit plate 51, slits having different curvature radii are formed so that the distance between each center of curvature and the rotation shaft 54 is the same, so that each center of curvature is the same as the slit plate 51 rotates. It moves on the trajectory. The plurality of slit plates 51 can be superposed on each other. When all the slit plates 51 are superposed, as shown in FIG. The slits formed in 51 are aligned on the same axis. In this example, the first slit 55, the second slit 56, and the third slit 57 having the same configuration as in the first and second embodiments are formed in different slit plates 51, respectively.

  At the time of phase difference observation, any one of the first to third slits 55 to 57 is opened as shown in FIG. 23B by rotating any one of the slit plates 51 from the state shown in FIG. The center of 46 can be made to oppose. At this time, the plurality of slit plates 51 can be accommodated in a compact manner by placing the plurality of slit plates 51 on which slits other than the slit facing the center of the opening 46 are overlapped with each other. Therefore, the apparatus can be further downsized.

  In the above embodiment, the configuration of the optical microscope 1 capable of performing fluorescence observation has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to an optical microscope that cannot perform fluorescence observation.

1 is a perspective view of an optical microscope according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a front view of the said optical microscope. It is a rear view of the optical microscope. It is a left view of the said optical microscope. It is a right view of the said optical microscope. It is a top view of the said optical microscope. It is a bottom view of the optical microscope. It is the schematic for demonstrating the installation aspect of this optical microscope. It is an optical path diagram showing a configuration of an optical component provided in the housing. It is the schematic perspective view which showed the structure of the optical component with which it provided in the housing | casing. It is a perspective view of the optical microscope of the state which removed the housing | casing. It is the perspective view which showed the state which abbreviate | omitted the base in the optical microscope of FIG. It is the disassembled perspective view which showed the structure of the transmission illumination unit. It is the perspective view which showed the structure of the aperture_diaphragm | restriction, (a) is an open state, (b) has shown the aperture state. It is the perspective view which showed the structure of an aperture stop mechanism and a phase difference stop mechanism, and has shown the state which the slit board evacuated from the optical path of irradiation light. It is the schematic which showed the structural example of the phase plate. It is the front view which showed the correspondence with the aperture stop accompanying the rotation of the slit plate, (a) shows the bright field observation, (b) shows the phase difference observation. It is the block diagram which showed the electric constitution of this optical microscope. It is the figure which showed an example of the screen displayed on a monitor when adjusting an aperture stop mechanism. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the process by the control part when interlocking an aperture stop mechanism and a phase difference aperture mechanism based on switching of an objective lens. It is the schematic front view which showed the structure of the aperture stop mechanism and phase difference aperture mechanism of the optical microscope by Embodiment 2 of this invention, (a) shows the time of bright field observation, (b) shows the time of phase difference observation. Yes. It is the schematic front view which showed the structure of the aperture stop mechanism and phase difference aperture mechanism of the optical microscope by Embodiment 3 of this invention, (a) shows the time of bright field observation, (b) shows the time of phase difference observation. Yes. It is the schematic front view which showed the structure of the aperture stop mechanism and phase difference aperture mechanism of the optical microscope by Embodiment 4 of this invention, (a) is the time of bright field observation, (b) shows the time of phase difference observation. Yes. It is the figure which showed an example of the slit board in the conventional optical microscope. It is the figure which showed the other example of the slit board in the conventional optical microscope.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Optical microscope 5 Control part 6 Default position information memory | storage part 9 Adjustment position information memory | storage part 11 Halogen lamp 13 Aperture diaphragm mechanism 14 Phase difference diaphragm mechanism 18 Objective lens 21 Phase plate 41 Blade 42 Diaphragm 43 Motor for aperture diaphragm 46 Opening part 51 Slit Plate 52 Phase difference aperture motor 55 First slit 56 Second slit 57 Third slit 61 Aperture aperture sensor 62 Phase difference aperture sensor 63 Objective lens switching sensor

Claims (9)

A light source that emits light toward the object to be observed;
A plurality of objective lenses for enlarging the transmitted light from the object under observation at different magnifications;
An aperture stop mechanism having a circular opening through which the irradiation light from the light source passes, and capable of adjusting the radius of the opening;
A plurality of annular or arc-shaped slits having different curvature radii respectively associated with the plurality of objective lenses, and irradiating light from the light source with either of the plurality of slits facing the opening. A phase difference diaphragm mechanism for passing,
An interlocking mechanism that interlocks the aperture stop mechanism and the phase difference stop mechanism;
In the interlocking mechanism, the radius of the opening is set to be equal to or greater than the radius of curvature of the slit facing the opening and the opening does not face a slit other than the selected slit. A characteristic optical microscope. The aperture stop mechanism can open the aperture with a larger radius than the slit having the largest radius of curvature among the plurality of slits,
2. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of slits are formed such that a distance from a center of curvature of each slit to an adjacent slit is smaller than a radius of the opening in the open state. microscope. A lens switching mechanism for disposing any of the plurality of objective lenses on the optical path of the transmitted light;
In correspondence with each of the plurality of objective lenses, there is provided position information storage means for storing position information of the aperture stop mechanism and the phase difference stop mechanism,
When the objective lens is switched by the lens switching mechanism, the interlock mechanism is arranged on the objective lens arranged on the optical path of the transmitted light based on the position information stored in the position information storage unit. The radius of curvature of the corresponding slit is opposed to the center of the opening, and the radius of the opening is equal to or greater than the radius of curvature of the slit, and the opening does not face any other slit. The optical microscope according to claim 1, wherein:   The optical microscope according to claim 3, further comprising an aperture stop control unit that operates the aperture stop mechanism based on a user operation to change a radius of the opening. Adjusting position information storage means for storing position information of the aperture stop mechanism operated by the aperture stop control means;
The interlocking mechanism is characterized in that when the objective lens is switched by the lens switching mechanism, the radius of the opening is a radius based on position information stored in the adjustment position information storage means. Item 5. The optical microscope according to Item 4. The phase difference diaphragm mechanism includes a slide plate that can slide in a straight line.
The optical microscope according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of slits are formed side by side in a sliding direction with respect to the slide plate. The phase difference diaphragm mechanism includes a rotating plate that can rotate around a rotation axis,
The plurality of slits are formed in a circular arc with respect to the rotating plate so that the center of curvature of each slit moves on the same locus as the rotating plate rotates. The optical microscope according to claim 1. The phase difference diaphragm mechanism includes a plurality of rotating plates that can rotate around the same rotation axis,
The plurality of slits are formed in different rotary plates so that the centers of curvature of the slits move on the same locus as the plurality of rotary plates rotate. The optical microscope described. It is disposed at a position conjugate with the slit facing the opening, and includes a phase plate for imparting a phase difference to transmitted light from the observation object,
The optical microscope according to claim 1, wherein the aperture stop mechanism is disposed in the vicinity of the phase difference stop mechanism.

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