JP2020129149A - Light shielding device, microscope, and observation method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a light shielding device capable of suppressing lowering of operability while securing image quality.SOLUTION: A light shielding device (1) is provided on a microscope (MS) for observing a specimen (S) arranged at an observation position on a stage 8 and capable of switching between a state of shielding the external light incident on the sample and a state of the non-light-shielding. The light shielding device is positioned at least in the upper part of the specimen arranged at the observation position of the stage when the external light is shielded, and positioned so that at least the upper part of the specimen arranged at the observation position of the stage is opened when the external light is not shielded.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a light blocking device, a microscope, and an observation method.

An observation device and a microscope including a light shielding member have been proposed (for example, refer to Patent Document 1 below).

US Pat. No. 8017903

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is provided in the microscope for observing the sample placed at the observation position on the stage, and it is possible to switch between a state of blocking the external light incident on the sample and a state of not blocking the external light. When the external light is shielded, it is positioned above at least the sample arranged at the observation position of the stage, and when the external light is not shielded, it is positioned so that at least the sample arranged at the observation position of the stage is opened. A shading device is provided. Further, according to an aspect of the present invention, the microscope is provided for observing the sample arranged at the observation position on the stage, and is positioned above the sample arranged at the observation position of the stage when the external light is shielded. There is provided a shading device including an external light shading member having a movable portion that is positioned so as to retract from the upper side of a specimen arranged at an observation position of a stage and open the upper side when light is not shaded.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the stage on which the sample is arranged, the illumination optical system for irradiating the sample arranged on the stage with the illumination light, and the observation light from the sample irradiated with the illumination light are incident. There is provided a microscope including an objective lens and the light shielding device according to the first aspect.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an observation method using a microscope equipped with an objective lens on which observation light from a specimen is incident, wherein at the time of observation, a movable part is arranged at least above the specimen to shield external light. And a position where the movable portion is moved during non-observation so that at least the upper part of the sample is opened and external light is not shielded, the observation method is provided. To be done. Further, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an observation method using a microscope having an objective lens on which observation light from a specimen is incident, wherein a shading member including a movable portion is arranged above the specimen to shield external light. Arranging in a position to be in a state of moving, and moving the movable part to open the upper part of the peripheral region including the observation region of the sample and arranging it in a position in which external light is not shielded. A method is provided.

It is a figure which shows the microscope which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the optical path of the microscope which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the shading device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the shading device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the observation method which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the observation method which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the light-shielding apparatus of the microscope which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the light-shielding apparatus of the microscope which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the light shielding apparatus of the microscope which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the light-shielding apparatus of the microscope which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the light-shielding device of the microscope which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the optical path of the microscope which concerns on 7th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the optical path of the microscope which concerns on 8th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the optical path of the microscope which concerns on 9th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the optical path of the microscope which concerns on 10th Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
The first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a microscope MS to which the light shielding device 1 according to the embodiment is applied. In the following description, the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown in FIG. In this XYZ orthogonal coordinate system, the X direction and the Y direction are the horizontal direction (lateral direction), and the Z direction is the vertical direction. In each direction, the same side as the tip of the arrow is referred to as + side (eg, +Z side), and the side opposite to the tip of the arrow is referred to as − side (eg, −Z side). In the vertical direction (Z direction), the upper side is the +Z side and the lower side is the −Z side.

In a microscope, when light such as external light is incident on the objective lens, the quality of the obtained image may deteriorate. For example, when performing fluorescence observation, the amount of fluorescence derived from illumination light in the light incident on the objective lens may be relatively low, and the image contrast may be reduced.

The microscope MS (observation device) according to the present embodiment is, for example, an inverted microscope. The microscope MS is used for observation using light (hereinafter referred to as observation light) emitted from the sample S by irradiation of illumination light. The microscope MS is used for observing the sample S (hereinafter referred to as non-fluorescent observation) by irradiating the sample S with illumination light and forming an image of the sample S with the light (observation light) scattered by the sample S. .. The observation light in the non-fluorescent observation may be illumination light that is transmitted and scattered by the sample S or illumination light that is reflected and scattered by the sample S. In the non-fluorescent observation, the microscope MS may illuminate the sample S from the side opposite to the emission side of the observation light with respect to the sample S (transmission illumination), or illuminate from the same side as the emission side of the observation light with respect to the sample S ( Epi-illumination). Further, the microscope MS irradiates the specimen S containing the fluorescent substance with illumination light (excitation light) that excites the fluorescent substance, and an image showing the distribution of the fluorescent substance is generated by the fluorescence (observation light) emitted from the fluorescent substance. It is formed and used for observation of the sample S (hereinafter referred to as fluorescence observation). In the fluorescence observation, the microscope MS may illuminate the sample S with transmission illumination or epi-illumination. The microscope MS of FIG. 1 is capable of non-fluorescent observation by transmitted illumination and fluorescent observation by epi-illumination. The microscope MS may be used for at least one of non-fluorescence observation and fluorescence observation.

The microscope MS includes a light blocking device 1, a stage device 2 on which the sample S is arranged, an illumination optical system 3 that illuminates the sample S on the stage device 2 with illumination light, and an objective lens on which observation light from the sample S enters. 4, an imaging optical system 5 (observation optical system) (see FIG. 2) that forms an image of the sample S by observation light, and a base (support member) 6. The base 6 includes a housing and supports each part of the microscope MS. The base 6 is arranged on an upper surface of a desk, a floor or the like on which the microscope MS is installed.

The stage device 2 includes a stage 8 having an upper surface 8a (sample mounting surface) on which the sample S is mounted. The stage 8 is arranged such that the upper surface 8a is parallel to the horizontal plane (XY plane). The stage 8 is a moving member that can move in at least one of the X direction and the Y direction. The stage device 2 can move the stage 8 with respect to the illumination optical system 3 (eg, illumination area, irradiation). Further, the stage device 2 can move the stage 8 with respect to the objective lens 4 (eg, observation region, field of view). The stage device 2 is supported by the base 6, and the stage 8 can move with respect to the base 6. The stage device 2 can move the sample S by moving the stage 8. The stage 8 may be rotatable around a predetermined rotation axis. This predetermined axis of rotation may be parallel to the horizontal direction, parallel to the vertical direction, or any other direction. Further, the stage device 2 may be one that drives the stage 8 manually (manually) or may be one that drives the stage 8 electrically. Further, the stage device 2 may not be able to move the sample S, and the stage 8 may not be movable in the stage device 2.

The illumination optical system 3 includes an illumination optical system (first illumination optical system) 3a used for epi-illumination and an illumination optical system (second illumination optical system) 3b used for transmitted illumination. The illumination optical system 3b irradiates the sample S with illumination light from the light source device 17a (shown later in FIG. 2). The illumination optical system 3b is arranged above the stage 8 of the stage device 2 (on the +Z side). The illumination optical system 3 b is housed in the lens barrel 9 (condenser lens barrel) and is supported by the lens barrel 9. The lens barrel 9 is supported by a column 10 that extends upward from the base 6. The illumination optical system 3b includes a condenser lens 11 arranged at a position closest to the sample S (stage device 2) in the illumination optical system 3b. A condenser lens 11 is provided in the illumination optical system 3b. The condenser lens 11 is held by the turret 12 (revolver). The turret 12 can arrange the condenser lens 11 in the optical path of the illumination optical system 3b. In addition to the condenser lens 11, the turret 12 may hold a diaphragm for observing a phase difference, a prism for a differential interference microscope, or the like.

The observation region Ra (see FIG. 3) (sample S) on the stage device 2 is arranged (set) on a surface including the rear focal position of the condenser lens 11 arranged in the optical path of the illumination optical system 3b or in the vicinity thereof. .. A window 13 through which the illumination light from the illumination optical system 3b can pass is provided in the region where the sample S is arranged on the stage 8. A transparent member (for example, a glass plate) having a characteristic of transmitting the illumination light from the illumination optical system 3b is fitted into the window 13, and the sample S is placed on the transparent member. This transparent member may be a part of the sample S, or the sample S may include a slide glass or the like.

The illumination optical system 3a used for epi-illumination is arranged below the stage 8 (−Z side). The microscope MS corresponds to an inverted microscope in observation using epi-illumination (eg, fluorescence observation). The illumination optical system 3a irradiates the sample S with the excitation light from the light source device 17a (shown later in FIG. 2) via the objective lens 4.

In epi-illumination, the objective lens 4 is used as a condenser lens (a part of the illumination optical system 3a). The objective lens 4 is also used as a part of the imaging optical system 5. The objective lens 4 is arranged so that the observation region Ra (see FIG. 3) (sample S) on the stage device 2 coincides with a surface including the front focal position (front focal surface) or its vicinity. The optical axis AX1 of the objective lens 4 is coaxial with each of the optical axis of the illumination optical system 3b, the optical axis of the illumination optical system 3a, and the optical axis of the imaging optical system 5. The objective lens 4 is provided so as to be vertically movable. In the following description, the observer side (−Y side) when using the microscope MS is appropriately referred to as the front side. The side opposite to the front side of the microscope MS (+Y side) is appropriately referred to as the back side of the microscope MS or the back side of the stage 8. The number of objective lenses 4 included in the microscope MS may be one or may be plural. Further, when a plurality of objective lenses 4 are provided, the plurality of objective lenses 4 may be held by the revolver, and which of the plurality of objective lenses 4 may be arranged in the optical path of the illumination optical system 3a may be switchable. The objective lens 4 does not have to be movable in the vertical direction, and the microscope MS moves the stage 8 of the stage device 2 in the vertical direction so that the relative position between the sample S and the objective lens 4 moves in the vertical direction. It may be possible.

The imaging optical system 5 is housed in the base 6 and supported by the base 6. The optical path of the imaging optical system 5 is branched, and an image of the sample S is formed in each optical path. A user (for example, an observer) can observe the image formed on the first optical path of the imaging optical system 5 through the eyepiece lens 14. Further, the image pickup device 15 (see FIG. 2) is arranged at a position where an image is formed on the second optical path of the imaging optical system 5. The image sensor 15 is a two-dimensional image sensor such as a CMOS image sensor or a CCD image sensor. The image sensor 15 captures an image of the sample S formed in the second optical path of the imaging optical system 5. The image sensor 15 supplies the data of the captured image to the display device 16. The display device 16 displays an image of the sample S (eg, fluorescent substance) imaged by the image sensor 15, and the user can observe the sample S by the image displayed on the display device 16. The microscope MS may not include at least one of the image sensor 15 and the display device 16. At least one of the image pickup device 15 and the display device 16 may be provided so as to be replaceable with the microscope MS and may be attached to the microscope MS when performing observation. Further, the microscope MS only needs to be able to perform at least one of observation through the eyepiece lens 14 and observation by the image captured by the image sensor 15.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an optical path of the microscope MS according to the first embodiment. First, the illumination used for non-fluorescent observation will be described. The light source device 17b includes a light source that emits light (illumination light). This light source may be a solid-state light source such as an LED (light emitting diode) or an LD (laser diode), or a lamp light source. The number of light sources provided in the light source device 17b may be one or plural. The light source device 17b may include a plurality of light sources that emit light having different wavelengths, and may switch the wavelength of light emitted from the light source device 17b. Further, the microscope MS does not have to include the light source device 17b, and the light source device 17b may be replaceably provided to the microscope MS and may be attached to the microscope MS when performing observation.

The illumination optical system 3b includes a lens 18, a mirror 19, a lens 20, and a condenser lens 11 on the light emission side of the light source device 17b. The illumination optical system 3b is used for observation using transmitted illumination. The illumination light emitted from the light source device 17b passes through the lens 18, is reflected by the mirror 19, and then passes through the lens 20. The condenser lens 11 is arranged at a position where the light transmitted through the lens 20 is incident, and irradiates the sample S with the light.

The illumination optical system 3b is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 2 and can be changed as appropriate. In FIG. 2, the illumination optical system 3b is an optical system whose optical path is bent by the mirror 19, but may be an optical system in which the optical path is linear without the mirror 19. Further, the illumination optical system 3b may include an optical member such as a diaphragm member. Further, at least a part of the members included in the illumination optical system 3b may not be included in the illumination optical system 3b and may be included in the light source device 17b.

Next, the illumination used for fluorescence observation will be described. The light source device 17a includes a light source that emits light (illumination light). This light source may be a solid-state light source such as an LED (light emitting diode) or an LD (laser diode), or a lamp light source. Further, the light source device 17a emits light including excitation light for exciting the fluorescent substance contained in the sample S. The number of light sources provided in the light source device 17a may be one or more. The light source device 17a may include a plurality of light sources in which the wavelengths of the emitted light are different from each other, and the wavelength of the light emitted from the light source device 17a may be switched according to the type of the fluorescent substance. Further, the microscope MS does not have to include the light source device 17a, and the light source device 17a may be replaceably provided in the microscope MS and may be attached to the microscope MS when performing observation.

The illumination optical system 3a includes a lens 21, a lens 22, a filter unit 23, and an objective lens 4 on the light emission side of the light source device 17a. The illumination optical system 3a is used for observation using epi-illumination. The illumination light emitted from the light source device 17 a passes through the lenses 21 and 22 and enters the filter unit 23. The filter unit 23 includes a filter 23a, a dichroic mirror 23b, and a filter 23c. The filter 23a has a characteristic of transmitting the excitation light incident from the lens 22 and blocking light other than the excitation light. The dichroic mirror 23b has a characteristic that part of the light (illumination light) incident from the filter 23c is reflected and part of the light (observation light) from the objective lens 4 described later is transmitted. The ratio between the amount of light reflected by the dichroic mirror 23b and the amount of light transmitted through the dichroic mirror 23b is set arbitrarily, and may be 8:2 or any other ratio. The light reflected by the dichroic mirror 23b enters the objective lens 4. The objective lens 4 is arranged at a position where the light reflected by the dichroic mirror 23b is incident, and irradiates the sample S with the light. The filter 23c will be described later in the section of the image forming optical system 5.

The illumination optical system 3a is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 2 and can be changed as appropriate. In FIG. 2, the illumination optical system 3a may include an optical member such as a diaphragm member. Further, at least a part of the members included in the illumination optical system 3a may not be included in the illumination optical system 3a and may be included in the light source device 17a.

The image forming optical system 5 includes an image forming optical system 5a and an image forming optical system 5b. The imaging optical system 5a guides the light (observation light) from the sample S to the image sensor 15. The imaging optical system 5a includes an objective lens 4, a filter unit 23, a lens (second objective lens) 25, a mirror 26, a lens 27, a mirror 28, a lens 29, a beam splitter 30, and a lens 31.

In this embodiment, the objective lens 4 and the filter unit 23 are common to the illumination optical system 3a. The objective lens 4 is arranged such that the surface including the front side focal point (front side focal plane) is the surface including the rear side focal point (rear side focal plane) or the vicinity thereof. The light (observation light) that has passed through the objective lens 4 passes through the dichroic mirror 23b and enters the filter 23c. The filter 23c has a characteristic that fluorescence emitted from the sample S and passing through the objective lens 4 is transmitted. The light transmitted through the filter 23c passes through the lens 25, is reflected by the mirror 26, and then enters the lens 27. A primary image plane 32 optically conjugate with the front focal plane (object plane) of the objective lens 4 is formed in the optical path between the lenses 25 and 27. A primary image (eg, an intermediate image) of the sample S is formed on the primary image plane 32.

The light passing through the lens 27 is reflected by the mirror 28, passes through the lens 29, and enters the beam splitter 30. The beam splitter 30 has a characteristic that a part of the light incident from the lens 29 is transmitted and a part of the light incident from the lens 29 is reflected. The ratio between the amount of light reflected by the beam splitter 30 and the amount of light transmitted through the beam splitter 30 is set arbitrarily, and may be, for example, 8:2 or any other ratio. The light reflected by the beam splitter 30 enters the lens 31. The lens 31 guides the light reflected by the beam splitter 30 to the image sensor 15. The lens 27, the lens 29, and the lens 31 are a relay optical system, and form a secondary image plane 33 that is optically conjugate with the primary image plane 32. A secondary image (eg, final image) of the sample S is formed on the secondary image plane 33. The image sensor 15 is arranged at or near the position of the secondary image plane 33, and captures a secondary image of the sample S. The user can observe the sample S from the image captured by the image sensor 15.

The imaging optical system 5b guides the light (observation light) from the sample S to the viewpoint VP of the user. The imaging optical system 5b has elements from the objective lens 4 to the beam splitter 30 in common with the imaging optical system 5a. The imaging optical system 5b includes a lens 35, a mirror 36, and an eyepiece lens 14 on the transmission side of the light incident on the beam splitter 30. The light transmitted through the beam splitter 30 passes through the lens 35, is reflected by the mirror 36, and then enters the eyepiece lens 14. The lens 27, the lens 29, and the lens 35 are a relay optical system, and a secondary image plane 38 optically conjugate with the primary image plane 32 is formed. A secondary image of the sample S is formed on the secondary image plane 38. The user can observe the secondary image of the sample S via the eyepiece lens 14. The eyepiece lens 14 is arranged on the front surface side (see FIG. 1) of the microscope MS. The user observes the sample S on the front side of the microscope MS and performs operations such as replacement and movement of the sample S from this position. When operating the sample S, the direction of accessing (approaching, contacting) the sample S is a member (eg, a column part) extending above the stage 8 with respect to the position of the sample S (eg, the center of the stage 8). It is selected avoiding the arrangement side of 10) (eg, +Y side). When operating the sample S, the user can access the sample S from any of the −Y side, the +X side, and the −X side of the sample S.

Note that at least a part of the imaging optical system 5 (imaging optical system 5a and imaging optical system 5b) is not limited to the configuration of FIG. 2 and can be changed as appropriate. The microscope MS may not include the imaging optical system 5a or the imaging optical system 5b. Other examples of the imaging optical system 5 will be described in later embodiments.

Returning to the description of FIG. 1, the light shielding device 1 suppresses light other than the light derived from the illumination light (hereinafter, referred to as external light) from entering the objective lens 4. The light derived from the illumination light is the illumination light transmitted through the sample S, the illumination light reflected by the sample S, the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent substance contained in the sample S upon being excited by the illumination light, and the like. The external light is, for example, light from an indoor lamp (for example, a lighting device) of the facility in which the microscope MS is installed, natural light that enters the facility through a window of the facility, stray light, or the like. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the light shielding device 1 viewed from the front side (−Y side). The light blocking device 1 includes a light blocking member 40, and the light blocking member 40 blocks the external light traveling (incident) to the objective lens 4 (sample). The light blocking device 1 can switch between a state of blocking external light and a state of not blocking external light (a state of not blocking external light). The shading device 1 is positioned at least above the sample S arranged in the observation region Ra (observation position) of the stage 8 when the outside light is shielded, and when the outside light is not shielded, the observation region Ra (observation position of the stage 8 is observed. ) Is positioned so as to open at least the upper side of the sample S. The light blocking member 40 is arranged above the sample S (the stage 8 of the stage device 2). The light blocking member 40 is disposed below the exit surface (lower surface) of the condenser lens 11 that emits light. The light blocking member 40 is arranged below the turret 12 that holds the condenser lens 11. The light blocking member 40 is arranged below the lower end (the end on the −Z side) of the lens barrel 9. The light blocking member 40 may be arranged above the lower end of the lens barrel 9. When the light blocking member 40 is arranged above the lower end of the lens barrel 9, the light blocking member 40 (eg, the movable portion 41) may include an opening 55 as shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 described later.

At least a part of the space SP1 between the light blocking member 40 (light blocking device 1) and the stage 8 during light blocking is opened to the surrounding space. The distance between the light blocking member 40 and the stage 8 of the stage device 2 is set to 2 cm or more. Further, for example, when the distance between the light blocking member 40 and the stage 8 of the stage device 2 can be set to 5 cm or more, the operability of the sample S by the user can be further enhanced. In FIG. 1, the space SP1 is open to the outside on the side (+X side, −X side) and the front surface side (−Y side) of the microscope MS. The user can access the sample S in the space SP1 from both sides (+X side, −X side) and the front side (−Y side) of the microscope MS. The light blocking member 40 also includes a movable portion 41 that can open above the peripheral region Rb including the observation region Ra (observation position) of the sample S. The movable part 41 can open at least the upper part of the sample S. The movable portion 41 switches between a state of blocking external light and a state of not blocking external light. The movable portion 41 is positioned at least above the sample S arranged in the observation region Ra of the stage 8 when the external light is blocked, and at least the sample S arranged in the observation region Ra of the stage 8 when the external light is not blocked. Is positioned so as to open the upper part of the. In the present embodiment, it is possible to retract the light blocking member 40 to a non-light blocking state while maintaining the space formed on the side when light is blocked. Therefore, when observing, when the observation unit or the like is arranged laterally by utilizing the space on the side of the light blocking member 40 in the light blocking state, when switching from this state to the open state of the light blocking member 40 in the non-light blocking state, The light shielding member 40 can be opened without moving the observation unit arranged on the side of the sample S, which is convenient. The rotation direction in this case is not limited. The movable portion 41 is arranged at a position where at least a part of the side (+X side, -X side) of the space SP1 is open. The movable portion 41 is arranged at a position where the side of the space SP1 is open. Further, the movable portion 41 is arranged at a position where at least a part of the space SP1 is opened laterally in both the light-shielded state and the non-light-shielded state by the movable portion 41. In these cases, the user can access the sample S in the space SP1 from at least a part of the side in the light-shielded state and the non-light-shielded state. In the present specification, the observation area Ra (observation position) means the visual field of the objective lens 4. The peripheral region Rb may be a space having a distance of 5 cm or more from the optical axis AX1, a distance of 10 cm or more from the optical axis AX1, or a space in which a user's hand can pass. The movable portion 41 moves laterally above the sample S (stage 8). The movable portion 41 is movable along the upper surface 8a (sample mounting surface) of the stage 8. The movable portion 41 is movable along a surface that intersects the optical axis AX1 of the objective lens 4 (eg, a surface perpendicular to the optical axis AX1, an XY plane). In this specification, the “optical axis AX1 of the objective lens 4” means the optical axis AX1 of the objective lens 4 positioned at the observation position. The peripheral region Rb (a part of the space SP1 above the sample S) is opened to the space above it by the lateral movement of the movable portion 41. The user (observer) can easily perform operations such as movement and exchange of the sample S through the space opened by the lateral movement of the movable portion 41 (the space where the movable portion 41 before the movement was disposed). It can be carried out. The movable portion 41 can be arranged (moved) on the front side of the microscope MS corresponding to the observer side of the microscope MS, and can be retracted (moved) from the front side of the microscope MS to the back side (back side of the stage 8). (Later shown in FIG. 4). In this case, by moving (retracting) the movable part 41, an object (eg, user's hand) can pass on the front side of the microscope MS (the space where the movable part 41 before the movement was located) above the sample S. It becomes a space. The user can easily operate the sample S via this space SP1. The movable amount of the movable portion 41 can be arbitrarily determined. When the operation for accessing the sample S only needs to be performed just above the sample S arranged at the observation position Ra on the stage 8, it is not necessary to fully open the movable portion 41, and the operation is performed. It is also possible to perform only the minimum amount of opening required.

In the present embodiment, the movable portion 41 includes at least a first movable portion 42 and a second movable portion 43. The first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 are each movable in the lateral direction. In FIG. 1, the first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 are arranged on the −X side and the +X side with respect to the optical axis AX1 of the objective lens 4, respectively. The first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 move from the state in which they are arranged on the front surface side of the microscope MS so that their front surface portions are separated from each other in the X direction (shown later in FIG. 4), and the microscope It is possible to retract (move) to the back side of the MS (back side of the stage 8).

The light blocking member 40 includes a fixed portion 44 that supports the movable portion 41. The movable portion 41 is movable relative to the fixed portion 44. The fixing portion 44 is arranged on the back surface side of the microscope MS (back side of the stage 8) in the light shielding member 40. The fixed portion 44 is supported by the base 6. The base 6 is provided with a space adjusting unit 48 capable of adjusting the space between the stage 8 (sample S) and the light shielding member 40, and the fixing unit 44 is connected to the space adjusting unit 48. The fixing portion 44 is attached to the space adjusting portion 48 by screwing. The interval adjusting unit 48 is provided with, for example, a plurality of screw holes arranged in the Z direction. Depending on which of the plurality of screw holes the fixing screw of the fixing unit 44 is screwed into, the fixing unit 44 (the light shielding member 40) is provided. The position (height) in the Z direction can be set variably. The user can adjust the distance between the stage 8 and the light blocking member 40 according to the type of the sample S and the operability when operating the sample S. The interval adjusting unit 48 does not have to be a mechanism using a screw hole, and may be a slide mechanism capable of moving the fixing unit 44 in the Z direction, or may have another configuration. In addition, the microscope MS may not include the interval adjusting unit 48. The light blocking member 40 may include the space adjusting unit 48.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the light shielding device 1 according to the present embodiment. 4A shows a state in which the movable portion 41 of the light shielding member 40 is arranged in a predetermined first region R1 (hereinafter referred to as an insertion state), and FIG. 4B shows that the light shielding member 40 has a movable portion. 41 is a state (hereinafter referred to as a retracted state) moved from the first region R1 to the second region R2. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.

Each of the first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 has a plate shape. The fixed portion 44 sandwiches and supports the first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43. The fixing portion 44 includes a top plate portion 44a, a bottom plate portion 44b, and a mounting portion 46. The top plate portion 44a and the bottom plate portion 44b each have a plate shape parallel to the XY plane, and are arranged apart from each other in the Z direction. The fixed portion 44 supports the first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 so as to be sandwiched in the gap between the top plate portion 44a and the bottom plate portion 44b. The mounting portion 46 is disposed on the back side of the microscope MS (back side of the stage 8) in the light shielding member 40. The attachment portion 46 is provided with a screw for attaching the fixing portion 44 to the space adjusting portion 48 of the base 6. This screw is screwed into a screw hole of the space adjusting unit 48 through a through hole provided in the mounting unit 46.

The first movable portion 42, the second movable portion 43, and the fixed portion 44 each have a characteristic of absorbing or reflecting external light (eg, visible light, ultraviolet light, infrared light). The first movable portion 42, the second movable portion 43, and the fixed portion 44 are each made of metal. At least a part of the first movable portion 42, the second movable portion 43, and the fixed portion 44 may be formed of a material other than metal, or may be formed of resin or metal oxide. In addition, at least a part of the first movable portion 42, the second movable portion 43, and the fixed portion 44 may be formed by blackening the surface of the base material, or by forming a light-shielding film on the surface of the base material. ..

Each of the first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 is rotatably provided around a predetermined rotation axis, and moves laterally by rotation. The first movable portion 42 is rotatably provided around a rotation axis AX2 parallel to the optical axis AX1. The second movable portion 43 is rotatably provided around a rotation axis AX3 parallel to the optical axis AX1. The first movable portion 42 is fixed to the gear 51. The gear 51 is rotatably provided with respect to the fixed portion 44 around the rotation axis AX2. The gear 51 is supported by the fixed portion 44. The second movable portion 43 is fixed to the gear 52. The gear 52 is rotatably provided with respect to the fixed portion 44 around the rotation axis AX3. The gear 52 is supported by the fixed portion 44. The gear 51 and the gear 52 are meshed with each other, and when one (eg, the gear 51) of the gear rotates, the other (eg, the gear 52) of the gear rotates. In the present embodiment, the gears 51 and 52 have the same gear pitch, and the angle θ in the plane intersecting the optical axis AX1 of the objective lens 4 from the state of the first movable portion 42 shown in FIG. When moving by an amount (see FIG. 4B), the first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 move in conjunction with each other, and the second movable portion 43 also intersects the optical axis AX1 of the objective lens 4. The surface (direction along the sample mounting surface 8b of the stage) is rotated (moved) in the opposite direction by the amount of the angle θ similarly to the first movable portion 42. In this way, the gear 51 and the gear 52 rotate in association with each other, whereby the first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 rotate in association with each other.

Each of the first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 is provided with a protrusion-shaped grip portion 54 extending toward the +Z side. The user can operate (move) the first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 by using the grip portion 54. Note that the grip portion 54 does not have to have a protrusion shape extending to the +Z side, and may have a hole shape or a concave shape.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the movable portion 41 can be arranged at a position overlapping the portion (eg, the fixed portion 44) other than the movable portion 41 of the light blocking member 40 (light blocking device 1) by lateral movement. Is. The movable portion 41 can be arranged at a position overlapping with a portion (eg, the fixed portion 44) of the light shielding member 40 (the light shielding device 1) excluding the movable portion 41 when the light shielding device 1 is not shielded. In the inserted state shown in FIG. 4A, the area (overlapping area) of the portion where the movable portion 41 and the fixed portion 44 overlap when viewed from the Z direction is the minimum (a state in which the diaphragm is closed, a closed state). ). As shown in FIG. 4C, the first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 can be arranged at positions where the respective end portions 42a and 43a overlap each other in the inserted state. In the present embodiment, each end of the first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 has a stepped shape whose thickness changes stepwise. The end portion 42a of the first movable portion 42 has a shape in which the −Z side portion of the first movable portion 42 extends to the +X side, and the end portion 43a of the second movable portion 43 has a +Z side of the second movable portion 43. The side portion has a shape extending to the −X side. In the inserted state, the end portion 43a is arranged so as to overlap the end portion 42a, whereby light can be suppressed from leaking between the first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43.

Further, as the movable portion 41 moves from the inserted state, the overlapping area of the movable portion 41 and the fixed portion 44 increases. The first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 each rotate so as to open left and right when viewed from the front surface side of the microscope MS. By this rotation, a part of the first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 enters into the gap between the top plate portion 44a and the bottom plate portion 44b of the fixed portion 44 and is accommodated in this gap. The retracted state of FIG. 4B is a state in which the overlapping area of the movable portion 41 and the fixed portion 44 is maximum when viewed from the Z direction (a state in which the diaphragm is open, an open state). In this way, when the movable portion 41 is moved (retracted) to the position where it overlaps with the other portion of the light shielding member 40, the light shielding member 40 can be made compact in the retracted state. In the following description, of the inserted state and the retracted state, the region in which the movable portion 41 is arranged only in the inserted state is appropriately referred to as the first region R1. The first region R1 is a region in which an object (eg, user's hand) can pass by the movement of the movable portion 41. The first region R1 is set on the front side of the microscope MS with respect to the optical axis AX1 so that the user can easily access the sample S. Further, a region where the movable portion 41 is arranged in the retracted state is appropriately referred to as a second region R2. The second region R2 is set on the back side (the back side of the stage 8) of the microscope MS with respect to the optical axis AX1 so as not to collide with the user's hand or the like when the user accesses the sample S.

Here, in FIG. 4, reference numeral R3 is a region (hereinafter, referred to as a third region) corresponding to an optical path through which the illumination light passes when performing the transillumination. In the insertion state shown in FIG. 4(A), when the movable portion 41 performs the transillumination provided so as to shield the third region R3, the movable portion 41 is in the retracted state and is shown in FIGS. The illumination light from the illumination optical system 3b can be applied to the sample S through the third region R3. The light blocking member 40 may be one that allows light to pass through the third region R3 in the inserted state. When the lens barrel 9 is arranged above the third region R3, the third region R3 becomes a shadow of the lens barrel 9 with respect to external light. Therefore, even when light can pass through the third region R3, It is possible to prevent light from entering the objective lens 4 via the third region R3. When the lower end of the lens barrel 9 is arranged below the light blocking member 40, the lens barrel 9 is passed inside the third region R3 so that external light enters the objective lens 4 through the third region R3. Can be suppressed. Further, the light blocking member 40 may have a gap between each part (for example, between the movable part 41 and the fixed part 44, between the first movable part 42 and the second movable part 43), and in this case, In comparison with the case where the light blocking member 40 is not provided, the amount of external light incident on the objective lens 4 can be reduced.

The first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 may be movable along a surface that is non-perpendicular and non-parallel to the optical axis AX1 of the objective lens 4 (for example, a surface inclined with respect to the optical axis AX1). .. Further, the first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 may move laterally in a form other than the movement along the plane. The 1st movable part 42 and the 2nd movable part 43 do not need to interlock with each other, but may move independently in the lateral direction. Further, the movable portion 41 (first movable portion 42 and second movable portion 43) may be moved by an actuator. Further, in the present embodiment, the number of movable portions (eg, the first movable portion 42, the second movable portion 43) included in the movable portion 41 does not have to be two, and may be one or three. It may be more than one.

Next, the observation method according to the present embodiment will be described based on the operation of the microscope MS described above. 5A is a flowchart showing the observation method according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 5B is a flowchart showing an example of step S1 of FIG. 5A. The observation method according to the present embodiment is also applicable to an observation method using a microscope having a configuration different from that of the microscope MS.

In step S1 of FIG. 5A, the light shielding member 40 is arranged at least above the sample S, and is arranged at a position where the outside light is shielded. The movable portion 41 is arranged at least above the sample S. Step S1 is performed at the time of observation. For example, in step S11 of FIG. 5B, the movable portion 41 is moved from the first region R1 (eg, front side of the microscope MS) to the second region R2 (eg, rear side of the microscope MS (back side of the stage 8)). ) To move to the retracted state. In subsequent step S12, the sample S is placed on the stage 8 of the stage device 2. In step S12, since the movable portion 41 is retracted from the first region R1, the sample S can be easily placed. In the following step S13, the movable portion 41 is moved from the second region R2 to the inserted state. In step S13, the light blocking member 40 is arranged above the sample S.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 5A, the illumination light is applied to the sample S in step S2. In the subsequent step S3, the sample S is observed. In step S3, the external light is blocked by the light blocking member 40, so that the contrast of the image is prevented from being lowered by the external light, and an observation image with high accuracy can be obtained. In the subsequent step S4, the movable portion 41 of the light blocking member 40 is moved to open the upper part of the peripheral region Rb of the sample S including the observation region Ra (at least the upper part of the sample S) to make the external light non-shielded. Place it in the position you want. Step S4 is performed, for example, during non-observation. In step S4, the upper part of the peripheral region Rb (at least the upper part of the sample S) is released, so that the sample S can be easily operated. In step S14, the movable portion 41 of the light blocking member 40 is moved laterally above the sample S. For example, in step S14, the movable portion 41 is moved from the first region R1 to the second region R2 and put in the retracted state. In the subsequent step S5, the sample S is operated. In step S5, since the movable portion 41 is retracted from the first region R1, the sample S can be easily operated.

FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of processing in step S4, step S5, and subsequent steps in FIG. 5A. In step S15 (step S4), the movable portion 41 is moved from the first region R1 to the second region R2 of the microscope MS and put in the retracted state. In the subsequent step S16 (step S5), as an operation on the sample S, the sample S is exchanged for the next sample S to be observed. In step S16, since the movable part 41 is retracted from the first region R1, the sample S can be easily replaced. In the following step S17, the movable portion 41 is moved from the second region R2 to the first region R1 and put in the insertion state. In the following step S18, the next sample S is observed. In step S18, since the external light is shielded by the light shielding member 40, it is possible to prevent the contrast of the image from being deteriorated by the external light, and it is possible to obtain an observation image with high accuracy.

FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of processing in step S4, step S5, and subsequent steps in FIG. 5A. In step S15 (step S4), the movable portion 41 is moved from the first region R1 to the second region R2 and put in the retracted state. In step S20 (step S4), the sample S is moved as an operation for the sample S. In step S20, the sample S can be moved to change the visual field (observation position) on the sample S. Since the movable part 41 is retracted in step S20, the sample S can be easily moved, and the visual field on the sample can be easily changed. In the following step S17, the movable portion 41 is moved from the second region R2 to the first region R1 and put in the insertion state. In the subsequent step S21, the sample S after the movement is observed. In step S21, since the external light is shielded by the light shielding member 40, it is possible to prevent the contrast of the image from being lowered by the external light, and it is possible to obtain an observation image with high accuracy.

FIG. 6C is a diagram showing another example of the processing of steps S4 and S5 of FIG. After the observation of the sample S is completed, in step S15 (step S4), the movable portion 41 is moved from the first region R1 to the second region R2 to be in the retracted state. In the subsequent step S22 (step S5), as an operation for the sample S, the sample S is moved (retreated) from the stage device 2. In step S22, since the movable part 41 is retracted, the sample S can be easily withdrawn. The operation process of step S5 may include maintenance of the microscope MS. Further, in the microscope MS, since the space SP1 between the stage 8 (sample S) and the light blocking member 40 (light blocking device 1) is opened in the lateral direction even in the inserted state, the movable portion 41 is placed in the first region R1. It is also possible to perform an operation on the sample S with the arrangement. For example, the user can move the sample S while observing fluorescence by blocking external light with the movable portion 41.

[Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, configurations similar to those of the above-described embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted or simplified. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the light shielding device 1 according to the second embodiment, where (A) corresponds to the inserted state and (B) corresponds to the retracted state.

In the light shielding device 1 according to the present embodiment, the light shielding member 40 includes a movable portion 41 that moves in the lateral direction, a fixed portion 44 that supports the movable portion 41, an installation portion 45, an attachment portion 46, and a drive portion 47. ,including. The movable portion 41 includes at least a first movable portion 42 and a second movable portion 43. Each of the first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 is a part of a plate whose planar shape (planar shape viewed from the +Z side) is circular. The fixed portion 44 is a part of a circular plane shape. In the present embodiment, each of the first movable portion 42, the second movable portion 43, and the fixed portion 44 has a planar shape that is a fan shape with an angle of about 120°. An annular installation portion 45 having an inner shape substantially similar to the side surface of the lens barrel 9 is provided at the central portion of these fan shapes. A circular opening 55 is formed inside the installation portion 45. The lower end (tip portion) of the lens barrel 9 can be inserted through the opening 55. The fixed portion 44 sandwiches and supports the first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43. The fixed portion 44 houses at least a part of the first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43.

The first movable portion 42, the second movable portion 43, and the fixed portion 44 are each a surface above the sample S (above the stage 8) and intersecting the optical axis AX1 of the objective lens 4 (eg, parallel to the XY plane). Surface). In the present embodiment, the light shielding member 40 can be arranged above the lower end of the lens barrel 9 shown in FIG. 1 (on the side of the lens barrel 9). The light blocking member 40 is arranged on the side of the lens barrel 9 by inserting the tip of the lens barrel 9 into the opening 55 inside the installation portion 45. The mounting portion 46 of the fixing portion 44 has a screw portion 46a, and is attached to the side of the lens barrel 9 by pressing the screw portion 46a. Further, the fixed portion 44 can be used as the space adjustment portion 48. By adjusting the position at which the screw portion 46a is tightened with respect to the lens barrel 9 in the Z direction, the distance between the stage 8 (see FIG. 1) of the stage device 2 and the light blocking member 40 can be adjusted.

The first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 are each movable laterally above the sample S. In the present embodiment, each of the first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 is movable along a surface intersecting the optical axis AX1 of the objective lens 4. The 1st movable part 42 and the 2nd movable part 43 can each be moved to a horizontal direction, and can be arrange|positioned in the position which mutually overlaps. The 1st movable part 42 and the 2nd movable part 43 are arrange|positioned so that the position (height) of a Z direction may differ. The first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 are movable in the lateral direction, and can be arranged at a position overlapping a portion (eg, the fixed portion 44) of the light blocking member 40 (light blocking device 1) excluding the movable portion 41. is there. As shown in FIG. 7B, each of the first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 can move in the lateral direction, and can move to a position where almost the entire portion thereof overlaps with the fixed portion 44. Further, the first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 can move to a position where they overlap each other. FIG. 7A shows a state in which the overlapping area of the movable portion 41 and the fixed portion 44 is minimized (eg, the inserted state), and in this state, the first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 are It is placed on the front side of the MS. Further, FIG. 7B shows a state in which the overlapping area of the movable portion 41 and the fixed portion 44 is maximized (eg, retracted state), and in this state, the first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 are , Is arranged on the back side of the microscope MS (on the back side of the stage 8).

Each of the first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 is rotatably provided around a predetermined rotation axis, and moves laterally by rotation. The first movable portion 42 and the second movable portion 43 are each rotatably provided around a rotation axis AX4 parallel to the optical axis AX1. The drive unit 47 rotationally drives the first movable unit 42 and the second movable unit 43. The drive unit 47 converts linear motion into rotary motion. Here, the portion of the drive unit 47 that drives the second movable portion 43 will be described as a representative, but the portion of the drive unit 47 that drives the first movable portion 42 is also the same. The drive unit 47 includes a rack 47a and a pinion gear 47b. The pinion gear 47b is fixed to the second movable portion 43 and is rotatable about the rotation axis AX4 with respect to the fixed portion 44. The rack 47a is provided on the grip portion 54 that is linearly movable in the Y direction. The rack 47a is meshed with the pinion gear 47b. When the user moves the grip portion 54 in the Y direction, the rack 47a moves in the Y direction, whereby the pinion gear 47b rotates around the rotation axis AX4, and the second movable portion 43 fixed to the pinion gear 47b also. It rotates around the rotation axis AX4.

[Third Embodiment]
A third embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, configurations similar to those of the above-described embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted or simplified. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the light shielding device 1 according to the third embodiment, where (A) corresponds to the inserted state and (B) corresponds to the retracted state. Further, FIG. 8C is a diagram showing another example of the light shielding device 1.

The light blocking device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a light blocking member 40. The light blocking member 40 includes a movable portion 41 that moves in the lateral direction and a fixed portion 44 that supports the movable portion 41. The movable portion 41 is plate-shaped, and its planar shape (planar shape viewed from the +Z side) is a part of a circle. The plane shape of the movable portion 41 is a part of a circular ring (fan shape), and its central angle is about 120°. Further, the fixing portion 44 is a part of a circular shape when viewed from the +Z side in plan view. The planar shape of the fixing portion 44 is a part of a circular ring (fan shape), and its central angle is about 270°. An installation portion 45 connected to the side surface (outer peripheral surface) of the lens barrel 9 is provided on the inner circumference of the fixed portion 44. A circular opening 55 is formed inside the installation portion 45. The diameter of the inner circumference (opening 55) of the fixing portion 44 and the diameter of the outer circumference of the lens barrel 9 are set to be substantially the same at a level at which the lens barrel 9 can be passed inside the fixing portion 44 without rattling. It

The movable portion 41 can move laterally above the sample S. In the present embodiment, the movable portion 41 is movable along a surface intersecting the optical axis AX1 (see FIG. 1) of the objective lens 4. The fixed portion 44 is provided with a guide (not shown) that defines the movement path of the movable portion 41. This guide has an arc shape concentric with the outer periphery of the movable portion 41. The movable portion 41 is in sliding contact with the guide and moves along the guide.

The central angle of each of the movable portion 41 and the fixed portion 44 can be arbitrarily set, and may be about 180° as shown in FIG. 9C. In this case, in the retracted state, almost the entire movable portion 41 and substantially the entire fixed portion 44 overlap, so that the light blocking member 40 can be minimized.

[Fourth Embodiment]
A fourth embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, configurations similar to those of the above-described embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted or simplified. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the light shielding device 1 according to the fourth embodiment. 9A corresponds to the retracted state, FIG. 9B corresponds to the state in the process of changing from the retracted state to the inserted state, and FIG. 9C corresponds to the inserted state.

The light blocking device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a light blocking member 40. The light blocking member 40 includes a movable portion 41 that moves in the lateral direction and a fixed portion 44 that supports the movable portion 41. The movable portion 41 has an opening 55 through which the tip of the lens barrel 9 can be inserted. The opening 55 is a through hole. In this embodiment, the movable portion 41 is linearly movable in the lateral direction (eg, the Y direction). The fixed portion 44 includes a guide portion 56 that defines a movement path of the movable portion 41. The guide portion 56 has a groove shape linearly extending in the Y direction, and the movable portion 41 slides with respect to the guide portion 56 while a part of the outer periphery of the movable portion 41 contacts the guide portion 56. As a result, the movable portion 41 moves in the Y direction with respect to the lens barrel 9. The movable portion 41 includes an elastic portion 57 at the −Y side portion with respect to the opening 55. The elastic portion 57 is made of a material such as rubber that is easily elastically deformed. The elastic portion 57 has a substantially plate shape, and is divided in a direction (eg, X direction) intersecting the moving direction (Y direction) of the movable portion 41. As shown in FIG. 9B, when the movable portion 41 moves in the Y direction, the elastic portion 57 contacts the lens barrel 9 and is elastically deformed by the force received from the lens barrel 9. As shown in FIG. 9C, when the movable portion 41 further moves in the Y direction, the lens barrel 9 is placed in the opening 55. In this state, the elastic portion 57 is released from deformation and closes the movement path of the lens barrel 9 on the movable portion 41.

As described above, the movable portion 41 may move linearly in the lateral direction above the sample S. In addition, in the present embodiment, the light blocking member 40 blocks the movement path of the lens barrel 9 on the movable portion 41 by the deformation of the elastic portion 57, so that it is possible to prevent outside light from leaking on this movement path. The light blocking member 40 may include a third movable portion that can be inserted into and removed from the movement path of the lens barrel 9, instead of the elastic portion 57. The third movable portion may be inserted into and removed from the movement path of the lens barrel 9 by sliding in the X direction, and the movement path of the lens barrel 9 may be switched between a closed state and an open state. Further, the light blocking member 40 may not include the elastic portion 57 and the third movable portion described above, and in this case as well, in comparison with the case where the light blocking member 40 is not provided, the external light incident on the objective lens 4 is prevented. The amount of light can be reduced. In addition, when the light blocking member 40 is arranged below the lower end of the lens barrel 9, none of the opening 55, the elastic portion 57, the third movable portion, and the like may be provided.

[Fifth Embodiment]
A fifth embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, configurations similar to those of the above-described embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted or simplified. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the light shielding device 1 according to the fifth embodiment. 10A is a perspective view, FIG. 10B is a plan view corresponding to the inserted state, and FIG. 10C is a plan view corresponding to the retracted state.

The light blocking device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a light blocking member 40. The light blocking member 40 includes a movable portion 41 that moves in the lateral direction and a fixed portion 44 that supports the movable portion 41. The light blocking member 40 is a plate having a substantially rectangular planar shape (eg, square). The light blocking member 40 has an opening 55 through which the tip of the lens barrel 9 can be inserted. The light blocking member 40 is divided into a movable portion 41 and a fixed portion 44 with a line L1 passing through the opening 55 as a boundary when viewed from the Z direction as a boundary. Here, the line L1 is parallel to the X direction, but the line L1 may be parallel to the Y direction, or may be on any surface (eg, XY plane) intersecting the optical axis AX1 (see FIG. 1) of the objective lens 4. It may be the direction of.

The fixing portion 44 is fixed to the column portion 10 of the base 6 as in FIG. 1. The fixing portion 44 may be fixed to the lens barrel 9. The movable portion 41 is connected to the fixed portion 44 via the driving portion 47. The drive unit 47 is provided at the intersection of the line L1 and the light blocking member 40, and movably supports the movable unit 41 with respect to the fixed unit 44. The drive unit 47 is supported by the fixed unit 44, and the movable unit 41 is supported by the fixed unit 44 via the drive unit 47.

The drive unit 47 supports the movable unit 41 rotatably around the rotation axis AX5. The rotation axis AX5 is set parallel to the optical axis AX1 of the objective lens 4. Here, the position (height) in the Z direction of the movable portion 41 is set to be the same as that of the fixed portion 44. When the drive part 47 rotates the movable part 41 from the inserted state of FIG. 10B, the side Q on the +X side of the movable part 41 rotates around the rotation axis AX5. As shown in FIG. 10C, the drive section 47 can move the movable section 41 to a position where the side Q of the movable section 41 is substantially in contact with the fixed section 44. As described above, the movable portion 41 may be one in which the overlapping area with the portion excluding the movable portion 41 in the light shielding member 40 (light shielding device 1) does not change due to the lateral movement. The drive unit 47 may support the movable unit 41 at a height different from that of the fixed unit 44 and move the movable unit 41 to a position where at least a part of the movable unit 41 overlaps the fixed unit 44.

[Sixth Embodiment]
A sixth embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, configurations similar to those of the above-described embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted or simplified. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the light shielding device 1 according to the sixth embodiment. 11A is a perspective view corresponding to the inserted state, FIG. 11B is a plan view corresponding to the inserted state, and FIG. 11C is a plan view corresponding to the retracted state.

The light blocking device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a light blocking member 40. The light blocking member 40 includes a movable portion 41 that moves in the lateral direction and a fixed portion 44 that supports the movable portion 41. The movable portion 41 includes a plurality of movable portions 41a to 41c. The movable portions 41a to 41c are plate-shaped, and the planar shape is a part of a circular shape (fan shape). The movable parts 41a to 41c are arranged so that the centers thereof corresponding to the circular shape of the plane are aligned with each other, and are supported by the drive part 47 provided at the center. The movable portions 41a to 41c are supported by the drive portion 47 so that the positions (heights) in the Z direction are different from each other. The drive unit 47 rotatably supports the movable units 41a to 41c. The movable parts 41a to 41c have the same size and shape, and can be overlapped so that their outer shapes match when viewed from the Z direction. The fixed portion 44 has the same size and shape as the movable portions 41a to 41c. The fixed portion 44 is supported by the drive portion 47 such that the position (height) in the Z direction is different from any of the movable portions 41a to 41c. The fixed portion 44 is supported by the drive portion 47 at the center of the circular shape that is the basis of the fan shape. The drive part 47 can overlap each of the movable parts 41 a to 41 c so that the outer shape thereof matches the fixed part 44.

In this way, at least a part of the movable portion 41 may be supported by a member (for example, the driving portion 47) different from the fixed portion 44. Further, instead of the fixed portion 44, a movable portion similar to the movable portions 41a to 41c may be provided and the fixed portion 44 may not be provided. Note that at least one of the plurality of movable portions 41a to 41c may have the same position (height) in the Z direction as the other movable portions, or may have the same position (height) as the fixed portion 44 in the Z direction. Good. Further, at least one of the plurality of movable portions 41a to 41c may be different in at least one of size and shape from the other movable portion, and may be different in at least one of size and shape from the fixed portion 44. May be. In the present embodiment, the drive unit 47 is attached to the support unit 60 supported by the stage 8 (stage device 2). The light blocking member 40 is supported by the stage 8 via the drive unit 47 and the support unit 60. In this way, the light blocking member 40 may be supported by a member different from the column 10 of the base 6.

[Seventh Embodiment]
The seventh embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, configurations similar to those of the above-described embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted or simplified. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an optical path of the microscope MS according to the seventh embodiment. The microscope MS according to the present embodiment can observe the sample S through the eyepiece lens 14 as in the first embodiment, but does not take the image of the sample S as described in the first embodiment. In this case, the microscope MS does not have to include at least part of the imaging optical system 5a, the image pickup device 15, and the display device 16. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the light blocking member 40 is arranged between the tip of the lens barrel 9 (see FIG. 1) supporting the condenser lens 11 and the stage 2 (see FIG. 1) on which the sample S is placed. The configuration may be different. In this case, it is not necessary to form the opening 55 for penetrating the condenser lens barrel 9 as shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 in the light shielding member 40. That is, when the position where the movable portion 41 of the light shielding member 40 is installed in the optical axis AX1 direction may be between the tip of the condenser lens barrel 9 and the stage 8, the condenser lens barrel 9 is attached to the light shielding member 40. No need to penetrate. The arrangement position of the movable portion 41 of the objective lens 4 in the optical axis AX1 direction is determined by the optical design of the objective lens 4 and conditions such as a dry objective lens or a wet objective lens. Further, the arrangement position of the movable portion 41 of the objective lens 4 in the optical axis AX1 direction may be considered according to the thickness of the sample S.

In the microscope MS of this embodiment, the stage device 2, the base 6 (support member), the light blocking device 1, the light source device 17b, the light source device 17b, the illumination optical system 3b, the illumination optical system 3a, and the imaging optical system 5b are Although the same as in the first embodiment, at least a part thereof may be any of those described in the above embodiments.

[Eighth Embodiment]
The eighth embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, configurations similar to those of the above-described embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted or simplified. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an optical path of the microscope MS according to the eighth embodiment. The microscope MS according to the present embodiment can image the specimen S as described in the first embodiment and can observe the captured image, but the eyepiece lens 14 as described in the first embodiment. It is impossible to observe the specimen S through the. In this case, the microscope MS may not include at least a part of the imaging optical system 5b.

In the microscope MS of the present embodiment, the stage device 2, the base 6, the light shielding device 1, the light source device 17b, the light source device 17b, the illumination optical system 3b, the illumination optical system 3a, and the imaging optical system 5a are the same as those in the first embodiment. However, any of those described in the above embodiment may be used as at least a part of them.

[Ninth Embodiment]
The ninth embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, configurations similar to those of the above-described embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted or simplified. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an optical path of the microscope MS according to the ninth embodiment. The microscope MS according to this embodiment does not include the illumination optical system 3b and does not perform transmitted illumination. The user can observe the sample S illuminated by the epi-illumination. In this case, since the light blocking member 40 does not need to penetrate the condenser lens barrel 9 as shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the opening 55 is provided so that the light blocking member 40 can completely block light in the light blocking state. No need.

In the microscope MS of the present embodiment, the stage device 2, the base 6, the light blocking device 1, the light source device 17b, the light source device 17b, the illumination optical system 3a, the imaging optical system 5a, and the imaging optical system 5b are the first embodiment. Although it is similar to the embodiment, at least a part thereof may be any of those described in the above embodiment.

[Tenth Embodiment]
A tenth embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, configurations similar to those of the above-described embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted or simplified. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an optical path of the microscope MS according to the tenth embodiment. The microscope MS according to this embodiment does not include the illumination optical system 3a and does not perform epi-illumination. The user can observe the sample S with transmitted illumination. In this case, the microscope MS does not need to include the filter unit 23 in the imaging optical system 5a and the imaging optical system 5b. Further, when performing fluorescence observation with the microscope MS, a filter 62 that blocks excitation light is provided in the optical path on the image plane side of the objective lens 4 (for example, between the objective lens 4 and the lens 25). The filter 62 has a characteristic of blocking excitation light and transmitting fluorescence emitted from the sample S and passing through the objective lens 4. The filter 62 is arbitrarily set according to the type of excitation light. The filter 62 may be provided with a plurality of different filters.

In addition, in the microscope MS of the present embodiment, the stage device 2, the base 6, the light blocking device 1, and the light source device 17b are the same as those in the first embodiment, but these are respectively the same as those described in the above embodiments. May be used. Further, the microscope MS may include the filter unit 23, and the light source device 17b, the lens 21 and the lens 22 in the first embodiment may be exchangeably provided, and may be attached to the microscope MS when performing observation.

Note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the modes described in the above embodiments and the like. One or more of the requirements described in the above embodiments and the like may be omitted. Further, the requirements described in the above-described embodiments and the like can be combined as appropriate. In addition, as long as it is permitted by law, the disclosures of all the documents cited in the above-mentioned embodiments are incorporated as part of the description of the text. In addition, the contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-224576, which is a Japanese patent application, are incorporated as part of the description of the text as far as legally permitted.

The light shielding device 1 includes a movable portion 41 that is rotatable around an axis parallel to the front-rear direction (Y direction) (an axis where the rotation axes AX2 and AX3 intersect the optical axis AX1 of the objective lens 4). The upper part of the peripheral region Rb including the observation region Ra of the sample S may be opened by rotating around the axis parallel to the direction. When such a rotation axis is at the position of the condenser lens 11, the retracted position of the movable portion 41 in the non-light-shielded state is above the light-shielded position, and is on the side surface side of the condenser lens barrel 9 (observation with respect to the microscope MS). The right side or left side, or the front side or the rear side). When the area of the movable portion 41 is small, it is possible to retract the movable portion 41 to the side surface on one side where the condenser lens 11 is located. In the case of this configuration, when the movable portion 41 does not return from the retracted position to the light shielding position due to its own weight or the like when in the non-light-shielded state, the fitting portion between the condenser lens barrel 9 and the movable portion 41 is clicked. It is effective to provide a retracting positioning mechanism for the movable portion 41 such as a mechanism. Further, with this configuration, a stepwise positioning mechanism capable of positioning at an intermediate position between the light blocking position and the retracted position may be provided. The positioning mechanism (retracting positioning mechanism) of the movable portion 41 is not limited to the click mechanism, but the movable portion 41 can be positioned at an arbitrary position by providing a mechanism for always maintaining an appropriate tightened state in the above-mentioned fitting portion. It becomes possible to do.

Further, the retracting direction of the movable portion 41 does not have to be only one side when viewed from the observer side when operating the microscope, and the retracting direction may be selectable between the left side and the right side. This makes it possible to select a retracted position according to the observer's preference.

Further, the movable portion 41 may be capable of changing the light shielding range according to the size of the observation sample, the magnification of the objective lens 4, or the like. When the movable portion 41 is formed of one member, the light shielding device 1 can be attached to and detached from the condenser lens barrel 9 so that the light shielding device 1 having the movable portions 41 of different sizes can be replaced and used. Alternatively, the shape of the movable portion 41 may be changeable. When the movable portion 41 is formed of one member, it is possible to arrange the light shielding device 1 having the rectangular movable portion 41 instead of the light shielding device 1 having the circular movable portion 41. This makes it possible to construct a light-shielding state corresponding to the shape of the culture container.

Further, the microscope MS may include a mechanism for performing differential interference observation and a mechanism for performing phase difference observation. Further, the microscope MS may be a stereoscopic microscope. Further, the microscope MS may be a so-called upright microscope in which the objective lens 4 is arranged above the stage device 2. Further, the light shielding device 1 may be used for an observation device other than the microscope MS.

Further, when the area of the movable portion 41 is large, it is expected that the operation of the microscope MS in the non-light-shielded state will be hindered by retracting the condenser lens barrel 9 to one side surface side as described above. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 4 (FIG. 1) and the like, two movable parts 41 (a plurality of movable parts) are provided, and each movable part 41 is retracted in a plurality of directions on the side surface side of the condenser lens barrel 9. It may be configured.

1... Shading device, 2... Stage device, 3... Illumination optical system, 3a... Illumination optical system (first illumination optical system), 3b... Illumination optical system (second illumination optical system ) 4... Objective lens, 8... Stage, 9... Lens barrel, 40... Shading member, 41... Movable part, 42... First movable part, 43... 2 movable part, 44... fixed part, 48... interval adjustment part, 55... opening part, 56... guide part, MS... microscope, AX1... optical axis, S... Specimen, Ra... Observation area (observation position)

According to the aspect of the present invention, the microscope provided for observing the sample arranged at the observation position on the stage through the objective lens can switch between the state of blocking the external light incident on the sample and the state of not blocking the external light. A shading device, which is positioned above the sample in a state where the outside light is shielded, and is positioned so as to open above the sample in a state where the outside light is not shielded. Provided is a light-shielding device configured so that the movement direction when switching from a light-shielded state to a non-light-shielded state can be selected to either the right side or the left side when viewed from the observer side when operating a microscope. Further, according to the state like the present invention, provided a microscope for observing a specimen disposed in an observation position on the stage, a switchable between a state of the state and the non-light shielding for shielding external light incident on the specimen When the external light is blocked, it is positioned above at least the sample placed at the observation position of the stage, and when the external light is not blocked, it is positioned so as to open at least the sample located at the observation position of the stage. A shading device is provided. Further, according to an aspect of the present invention, the microscope is provided for observing the sample arranged at the observation position on the stage, and is positioned above the sample arranged at the observation position of the stage when the external light is shielded. There is provided a shading device including an external light shading member having a movable portion that is positioned so as to retract from the upper side of a specimen arranged at an observation position of a stage and open the upper side when light is not shaded.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a stage on which a sample is placed, an illumination optical system that illuminates the sample placed on the stage with illumination light, and an objective lens on which observation light from the sample illuminated with the illumination light enters. A movable part that is positioned above the sample when the external light is blocked, and is positioned so as to open above the sample when the external light is not blocked. There is provided a microscope apparatus in which the moving direction when switching to a state is configured to be selectable to either the right side or the left side when viewed from the observer side when operating the microscope apparatus. Further, according to the state like the present invention, a stage on which the specimen is placed, an illumination optical system for projecting illumination light to a specimen placed on the stage, the observation light from the sample the illumination light is irradiated is incident There is provided a microscope including an objective lens and the light shielding device according to the first aspect.

Claims (13)

Provided in a microscope for observing a sample arranged at an observation position on a stage, it is possible to switch between a state in which external light incident on the sample is blocked and a state in which it is not blocked,
When the external light is blocked, it is positioned above at least the sample arranged at the observation position of the stage,
A shading device which is positioned so as to open at least an upper part of the sample arranged at an observation position of the stage when the external light is not shielded. The shading device according to claim 1, wherein the shading device has a movable portion that switches between light shielding and non-light shielding, and the movable portion moves laterally along a sample mounting surface of the stage. The shading device according to claim 2, wherein the movable portion moves along a surface intersecting an optical axis of the objective lens in a state where the objective lens included in the microscope is positioned at an observation position. The shading device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the movable portion is movable to a front side of the microscope which is an observer side when the microscope is used. The light-shielding device according to claim 2, wherein the movable portion is movable behind a stage of the microscope. The movable part is rotatably provided around a rotation axis in a direction along an optical axis of the objective lens in a state where the objective lens of the microscope is positioned at an observation position. The light-shielding device according to any one of 1. 7. The movable part can be arranged in a position which moves in the lateral direction and overlaps a part of the light shielding device excluding the movable part in a non-light-shielding state. The shading device described. The movable part has at least a first movable part and a second movable part,
The light shielding device according to claim 2, wherein the first movable portion and the second movable portion are each movable in the lateral direction. The shading device according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the movable portion includes a first movable portion and a second movable portion that move in the lateral direction in conjunction with each other. The shading device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which is arranged at a position where a side of a space between the shading device and the stage is opened when the outside light is shielded. 11. The shading device according to claim 2, wherein the movable portion has an opening portion that penetrates a tip end portion of a lens barrel that supports a condenser lens included in the microscope when the outside light is shielded. .. The stage where the specimen is placed,
An illumination optical system for irradiating the specimen arranged on the stage with illumination light,
An objective lens on which the observation light from the specimen irradiated with the illumination light enters,
A microscope comprising: the light shielding device according to any one of claims 1 to 11. An observation method using a microscope equipped with an objective lens on which observation light from a specimen is incident,
At the time of observation, at least the movable part is arranged above the sample, and is arranged at a position for blocking external light,
At the time of non-observation, the movable part is moved so as to open at least the upper side of the sample and to be placed in a position where external light is not shielded,
The observation method including.

Images