Transmissive and reflective microscope

Abstract

To provide a microscope which can be used as transmissive and reflective microscopes in one set and is excellent in portability.SOLUTION: The microscope includes: a sample holding part 1; an objective lens holding part 2; a reflection light source holding part 3 which holds a reflection light source 3a for irradiating a sample 1a with light from one side; a transmission light source holding part 4 which holds a transmission light source 4a for irradiating the sample 1a with the light from the other side; a half mirror holding part 5 which holds a half mirror 5a for partially reflecting and partially transmitting the light; an image forming lens holding part 6 which holds an image forming lens 6a for receiving the light; an imaging device holding part 7 which holds an imaging device 7a for receiving the light; and a base B which includes a plurality of engaged parts detachably engaged with the respective engaging parts of the sample holding part 1, the objective lens holding part 2, the reflection light source holding part 3, the transmission light source holding part 4, the half mirror holding part 5, the image forming lens holding part 6, and the imaging device holding part 7.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a microscope that can be used as both a transmission microscope and a reflection microscope. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, there are two types of microscopes: a transmission microscope in which light from a light source passes through a sample, such as a thin slice of biological tissue or mineral, and enters an objective lens.The transmitted light is affected by the sample's spectral characteristics, changes in the light phase, diffraction, scattering, refraction, etc., and allows the cells or tissues to be observed.Another type of microscope is a reflection microscope in which light from a light source is reflected by a non-transparent sample through an objective lens and allows the tissue to be observed by the reflected light, which is affected by differences in light reflectance and absorptance, changes in the light phase, diffraction, scattering, refraction, etc.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a transmission microscope device in which an objective lens and a condenser lens are arranged opposite each other across an inspection target substrate, and which is equipped with a first moving mechanism that moves the objective lens in the optical axis direction and a second moving mechanism that moves the condenser lens in the optical axis direction.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a reflective microscope including an objective lens, an illumination optical system that causes linearly polarized illumination light to be incident obliquely onto a sample through the objective lens, and that can cause the illumination light to be incident from n directions (n ​​is a multiple of 4 that is equal to or greater than 8) that are rotationally symmetric around the axis of the objective lens, an analyzer onto which reflected light generated when the illumination light is reflected by the sample is incident after passing through the objective lens again, and an imaging device that receives the reflected light that has passed through the analyzer and outputs n images corresponding to the incidence of the illumination light from the n directions that reflect the magnetization state of the sample. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-98436 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-116136 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the transmission microscope device in Patent Document 1 is a dedicated transmission microscope and cannot be used as a reflection microscope, and the reflection microscope in Patent Document 2 is a dedicated reflection microscope and cannot be used as a transmission microscope, so there are problems in that preparing two types of microscopes to suit different applications is cumbersome and costly. Furthermore, even if a single microscope that can be used as both a transmission microscope and a reflection microscope is produced, it may be too large to be easily portable.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a transmission and reflection microscope that can be used as both a transmission microscope and a reflection microscope depending on the application, and is easy to carry. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] [1] The present invention provides a sample holder (1) for holding a sample (1a), an objective lens holder (2) for holding an objective lens (2a), a reflection light source holder (3) for holding a reflection light source (3a) for irradiating the sample (1a) with light through the objective lens (2a), a transmission light source holder (4) for holding a transmission light source (4a) for irradiating the sample (1a) with light from the opposite side to the objective lens (2a), a half mirror holder (5) for holding a half mirror (5a) for partially reflecting and partially transmitting reflected light from the reflection light source (3a) reflected by the sample (1a) or transmitted light from the transmission light source (4a) transmitted through the sample (1a), an imaging lens holder (6) for holding an imaging lens (6a) for receiving one of the light reflected by or transmitted through the half mirror (5a), and a light source holder (7) for holding the imaging lens ( and a base (B) that branches into an approximately T-shape or an approximately Y-shape and has a plurality of engaged portions (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7) that detachably engage with respective engaging portions (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71) of the sample holder (1), the objective lens holder (2), the reflection light source holder (3), the transmission light source holder (4), the half mirror holder (5), the imaging lens holder (6), and the image holder (7), wherein at least one of the sample holder (1) or the image holder (7) is movable relative to the base (B) in a direction along an optical path of at least one of the light from the reflection light source (3) and the light from the transmission light source (4).

[0009] [2] The transmission and reflection microscopes described in [1] are characterized in that the engagement portions (21, 51, 61) of the objective lens holding portion (2), the half mirror holding portion (5) and the imaging lens holding portion (6) that engage with the base (B) have shapes that do not have rotational symmetry in a cross-sectional view cut perpendicular to the engagement direction.

[0010] [3] The transmission and reflection microscopes described in [1] are characterized in that the base (B) is provided with a connection part (Bα) for connecting an extension base (EB) on which a member for irradiating the sample (1a) with laser light can be arranged.

[0011] [4] The transmission and reflection microscopes described in [1] or [2] are characterized in that they include a first polarizer holding part (P1) that holds a first linear polarizer (LP1) and is detachably engaged with the base (B) between the optical path between the half mirror (5a) and the reflection light source (3a), a second polarizer holding part (P2) that holds a second linear polarizer (LP2) and is detachably engaged with the base (B) between the optical path between the objective lens (2a) and the transmission light source (4a), and a third polarizer holding part (P3) that holds a third linear polarizer (LP3) and is detachably engaged with the base (B) between the optical path between the half mirror (5a) and the imaging device (7a), and either the first polarizer holding part (P1) and the third polarizer holding part (P3), or the second polarizer holding part (P2) and the third polarizer holding part (P3). [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the transmission and reflection microscope of the present invention, a single microscope can be used as both a transmission microscope and a reflection microscope depending on the application, and has the advantage of being easy to carry. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an entire transmission type and reflection type microscope in a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view showing an entire transmission type and reflection type microscope in a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a plan view showing the bases (disassembled) of a transmission type and a reflection type microscope in a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration when used as a reflective microscope in a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] These are the observation results of a magneto-optical sensor (manufactured by Matesy) when used as a reflective microscope. [Figure 6] 1 is a plan view showing a configuration when used as a reflective microscope (fluorescence microscope) in a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration when used as a transmission electron microscope in a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] (a) Observation of biotite with a polarizer at -45 degrees when used as a transmission microscope. (b) Observation of biotite with a polarizer at +45 degrees when used as a transmission microscope. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the entirety of a transmission type and a reflection type microscope in a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the bases of the transmission and reflection microscopes when an extension base is used in the third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The following describes in detail transmission and reflection microscopes according to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are preferred examples for carrying out the present invention, and therefore various technical limitations are imposed. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified in the following description. Note that when a range is indicated by "~," this range includes both an upper and lower limit. Furthermore, the up-down direction in the description refers to the up-down direction when the transmission and reflection microscopes of the present invention are installed. In FIG. 2, the front side of the page is the up direction, and the back side of the page is the down direction. This also applies to other drawings.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7, the transmission and reflection microscopes of the present invention include a sample holder 1 for holding a sample 1a, an objective lens holder 2 for holding an objective lens 2a, a reflection light source holder 3 for holding a reflection light source 3a for irradiating light onto the sample 1a through the objective lens 2a, a transmission light source holder 4 for holding a transmission light source 4a for irradiating light onto the sample 1a from the opposite side to the objective lens 2a, and a half mirror 5a for reflecting and transmitting part of the reflected light from the reflection light source 3a reflected by the sample 1a or the transmitted light from the transmission light source 4a transmitted through the sample 1a. The microscope is provided with a mirror holder 5, an imaging lens holder 6 that holds an imaging lens 6a that receives either the light reflected by or transmitted through the half mirror 5a, an imaging device holder 7 that holds an imaging device 7a that receives the light that has transmitted through the imaging lens 6a, and a substantially T-shaped or Y-shaped base B having a plurality of engaged portions B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, and B7 that detachably engage with the engaging portions 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, and 71 of the sample holder 1, the objective lens holder 2, the reflection light source holder 3, the transmission light source holder 4, the half mirror holder 5, the imaging lens holder 6, and the imaging device holder 7, etc.

[0016] The sample holder 1 is a member that holds the sample 1a and is detachably engaged with the base B. The sample 1a is prepared by slicing a mineral such as a magnetic or non-magnetic material to a predetermined thickness, and the sample 1a is sandwiched between or attached to a transparent glass plate and held by being loosely fitted into a groove of a holder 12 provided on the sample holder 1. In this embodiment, the sample holder 1 includes an engaging portion 11, a holding portion 12, an elastic spring 13, an adjusting portion 14, and the like. Specifically, the sample holder 1 includes the holding portion 12 that holds the sample 1a by loosely fitting it into the groove, and two engaging portions 11, which are bolts disposed below the holding portion 12 in parallel with the optical paths of the light from the reflection light source 3a and the transmission light source 4a and have elastic springs 13 inserted into one end thereof. The engaging portion 11 is inserted into a through-hole in an engaged portion B1 protruding from the base B and fastened thereto, thereby detachably engaging the engaging portion 11 of the sample holder 1 with the engaged portion B1 of the base B. In this manner, the engaging portion 11 of the sample holder 1 is detachably engaged with the engaged portion B1 of the base B, which allows the microscope of the present invention to be easily assembled and disassembled, making it easy to carry. Furthermore, a rod-shaped adjustment portion 14 is provided at the other end of the engaging portion 11. The adjustment portion 14 is threadedly attached to the engaged portion B1 and has one end abutting the holder 12. By rotating the adjustment portion 14, the holder 12 can be moved with or against the biasing force of the elastic spring 13. Therefore, the sample holder 1 can be moved relative to the base B in the vicinity of the sample holder 1 in a direction along the optical path of at least one of the light from the reflection light source 3 and the light from the transmission light source 4. In this way, since the sample holder 1 can move in the above-mentioned directions relative to the base B, the focal distance with the objective lens 2a, the imaging lens 6a, or the image capture device 7a can be adjusted, and a clear image of the sample 1a can be captured. Note that in other embodiments, the sample holder 1 may have a shape that directly clamps and holds the sample 1a without blocking the optical path, as long as it can be detachably engaged with the base B and can hold the sample 1a directly or indirectly.In other embodiments, as long as the sample holder 1 is movable relative to the base B in the above-mentioned direction, it can be moved by sliding a rail provided on the base B as the engaged part B1 and a wheel provided on the bottom of the sample holder 1 as the engaging part 11, or by sliding a groove provided on the base B as the engaged part B1 and a protrusion provided on the bottom of the sample holder 1 as the engaging part 11, or by sliding the upper surface of the base B as the engaged part B1 and the lower surface of the sample holder 1 as the engaging part 11.

[0017] The objective lens holder 2 is a member that holds the objective lens 2a and is detachably engaged with the base B with a predetermined gap between it and the sample holder 1. The objective lens 2a is a lens such as a convex lens positioned near the sample 1a, and various commercially available microscope objective lenses can be used. In this embodiment, the objective lens holder 2 has an annular holder 22 that holds the housing of the objective lens 2a and a semi-cylindrical engaging portion 21 that protrudes from the lower part of the holder 22 at approximately the center. The engaging portion 21 detachably engages with an engaged portion B2, which is a semi-cylindrical hole drilled in the base B, thereby detachably engaging the objective lens holder 2 with the base B. In this way, the engaging portion 21 of the objective lens holder 2 detachably engages with the engaged portion B2 of the base B, thereby allowing the microscope of the present invention to be easily assembled and disassembled, making it easy to carry. As in this embodiment, it is preferable that the engaging portion 21 of the objective lens holder 2 has a shape that does not have rotational symmetry in a cross section taken perpendicular to the engagement direction, and that the engaged portion B2 of the base B that engages with the engaging portion 21 by fitting therewith also has a shape that does not have rotational symmetry in a cross section taken perpendicular to the engagement direction. Since the engaging portion 21 of the objective lens holder 2 and the engaged portion B2 of the base B have such shapes, the objective lens holder 2 can be attached to the base B in the correct orientation when being attached. In other embodiments, the objective lens holder 2 may have the engaging portion 21 as a hole and the engaged portion B2 as a protrusion, as long as the engaging portion 21 of the objective lens holder 2 can be detachably engaged with the engaged portion B2 of the base B. In other embodiments, the objective lens holder 2 may have a shape that holds the objective lens 2a by sandwiching it between two rod-shaped members, as long as the objective lens 2a can be directly or indirectly held.

[0018] The reflection light source holding unit 3 is a member that holds the reflection light source 3a. The reflection light source 3a is a light source that irradiates one side of the sample 1a with light through the objective lens 2a. Specifically, a commercially available LED light source or the like can be used as the reflection light source 3a. Depending on the type of sample 1a, an LED light source that emits light of a predetermined wavelength, such as 213 nm, 266 nm, 355 nm, 532 nm, or 1064 nm, can be used. Furthermore, a lens for focusing or the like can be attached to the light-emitting end of the reflection light source 3a. In this embodiment, the reflection light source holding unit 3 has an engaging unit 31, a fastener 32, and the like. Specifically, the reflection light source holding unit 3 has two engaging units 31, which are columnar members that can abut against the side surfaces of the base B at their lower portions, so as to sandwich the substantially cylindrical housing of the reflection light source 3a from both sides. The lower portions of these engaging portions 31-31 abut against engaged portions B3, which are recesses provided on the side surface of the base B, and the upper portions of these engaging portions 31-31 are fixed together with fasteners 32, which are bolts, so that the engaging portions 31 of the reflective light source holding portion 3 are detachably engaged with the engaged portions B3 of the base B. Since the engaging portions 31 of the reflective light source holding portion 3 are detachably engaged with the engaged portions B3 of the base B in this manner, the microscope of the present invention can be easily assembled and disassembled, making it easy to carry. In this embodiment, the engaging portions 31 of the reflective light source holding portion 3 are provided as two columnar members. However, in other embodiments, the engaging portions 31 may have other shapes, such as a shape similar to the engaging portions 21 of the objective lens holding portion 2, as long as they can directly or indirectly hold the reflective light source 3a. In this case, it goes without saying that the engaged portions B3 of the base B have a shape similar to the engaged portions B2 so as to be engageable.

[0019] The transmission light source holder 4 is a member that holds the transmission light source 4a. The transmission light source 4a is a light source that irradiates light onto the sample 1a from the opposite side to the objective lens 2a, i.e., the other side of the sample 1a. Specifically, a commercially available LED light source or the like can be used as the transmission light source 4a. Depending on the type of sample 1a, an LED light source that emits light of a predetermined wavelength, such as 213 nm, 266 nm, 355 nm, 532 nm, or 1064 nm, can be used. A focusing lens or the like can also be attached to the light-emitting end of the transmission light source 4a. In this embodiment, the transmission light source holder 4 includes an engaging portion 41, a fastener 42, and the like. Specifically, the transmission light source holder 4 includes two columnar engaging portions 41 that sandwich the substantially cylindrical housing of the transmission light source 4a from both sides and can abut the side surfaces of the base B at their lower portions. The lower portions of the engaging portions 41-41 abut against engaged portions B4, which are recesses formed on the side surface of the base B, and the upper portions of the engaging portions 41-41 are fixed together with fasteners 42, which are bolts, so that the engaging portions 41 of the THM light source holder 4 are detachably engaged with the engaged portions 43 of the base B. By detachably engaging the engaging portions 41 of the THM light source holder 4 with the engaged portions B4 of the base B in this manner, the microscope of the present invention can be easily assembled and disassembled, making it easy to carry. In this embodiment, the engaging portions 41 of the THM light source holder 4 are provided as two columnar members. However, in other embodiments, the engaging portions 41 may have other shapes, such as a shape similar to the engaging portions 21 of the objective lens holder 2, as long as they can directly or indirectly hold the THM light source 4a. In this case, it goes without saying that the engaged portions B4 of the base B have a shape similar to the engaged portions B2 so as to be engageable.

[0020] The half mirror holding unit 5 is a member that holds a half mirror 5a and is detachably engaged with the base B. The half mirror holding unit 5 is disposed at a branching point of the base B, which branches into an approximately T-shape or an approximately Y-shape. The half mirror 5a transmits approximately 50% of the light from the reflection light source 3a and the transmission light source 4a and reflects approximately 50% of the light. The half mirror 5a reflects and transmits a portion of the light emitted from the reflection light source 3a and reflected by the sample 1a or the light emitted from the transmission light source 4a and transmitted through the sample 1a, so that the light also reaches the imaging device 7a. The half mirror holding unit 5 is preferably disposed near the half mirror holding unit 5, tilted at an angle of 20 to 80 degrees, preferably 30 to 60 degrees, and most preferably 40 to 50 degrees, relative to the direction of the optical path of at least one of the light from the reflection light source 3 or the light from the transmission light source 4. When the half mirror holding unit 5 is arranged at such an angle, light from the reflection light source 3 or the transmission light source 4 can be branched to an imaging device 7a or the like provided on a base B that branches into an approximately T-shape or an approximately Y-shape. In this embodiment, the half mirror holding unit 5 has a holding unit 52 that holds the half mirror 5a and a semi-cylindrical engaging unit 51 that protrudes from the lower part of the approximately center of the holding unit 52. The engaging unit 51 detachably engages with an engaged unit B5, which is a semi-cylindrical hole drilled in the base B, thereby detachably engaging the half mirror holding unit 5 with the base B. In this way, the engaging unit 51 of the half mirror holding unit 5 detachably engages with the engaged unit B5 of the base B, thereby allowing the microscope of the present invention to be easily assembled and disassembled, making it easy to carry. As in this embodiment, it is preferable that the engaging portion 51 of the herb mirror holding portion 5 has a shape that does not have rotational symmetry in a cross section cut at right angles to the engagement direction, and that the engaged portion B5 of the base B that engages by fitting with the engaging portion 51 also has a shape that does not have rotational symmetry in a cross section cut at right angles to the engagement direction. Because the engaging portion 51 of the herb mirror holding portion 5 and the engaged portion B5 of the base B have such shapes, the herb mirror holding portion 5 can be attached to the base B in the correct orientation.In other embodiments, the herb mirror holding portion 5 can be provided with the engaging portion 51 as a hole and the engaged portion B5 as a protrusion, as long as the engaging portion 51 of the herb mirror holding portion 5 can be detachably engaged with the engaged portion B5 of the base B.

[0021] The imaging lens holder 6 is a member that holds the imaging lens 6a. The imaging lens 6a receives reflected light from the reflection light source 3a reflected by the sample 1a or transmitted light from the transmission light source 4a transmitted through the sample 1a. The imaging lens 6a is a lens consisting of a convex lens located closest to the imaging device 7a. Various commercially available microscope eyepieces can be used. In this embodiment, the imaging lens holder 6 has a circular ring portion 62 that holds the housing of the imaging lens 6a and a semi-cylindrical engagement portion 61 protruding from the lower part of the circular ring portion 62 approximately in the center. The engagement portion 61 detachably engages with an engagement portion B6, which is a semi-cylindrical hole drilled in the base B, thereby detachably engaging the imaging lens holder 6 with the base B. In this way, the engagement portion 61 of the imaging lens holder 6 detachably engages with the engagement portion B6 of the base B, thereby simplifying assembly and disassembly of the microscope of the present invention and making it easy to carry. As in this embodiment, it is preferable that the engaging portion 61 of the imaging lens holder 6 has a shape that does not have rotational symmetry in a cross section taken perpendicular to the engagement direction, and that the engaged portion B6 of the base B that engages with the engaging portion 61 by fitting therewith also has a shape that does not have rotational symmetry in a cross section taken perpendicular to the engagement direction. Since the engaging portion 61 of the imaging lens holder 6 and the engaged portion B6 of the base B have such shapes, the imaging lens holder 6 can be attached to the base B in the correct orientation when being attached. In other embodiments, the engaging portion 61 of the imaging lens holder 6 can be formed as a hole and the engaged portion B6 as a protrusion, as long as the engaging portion 61 of the imaging lens holder 6 can be detachably engaged with the engaged portion B6 of the base B. In other embodiments, the imaging lens holder 6 may have a shape that holds the imaging lens 6a by clamping it between two rod-shaped members, as long as the imaging lens 6a can be directly or indirectly held.

[0022] The imaging device holder 7 is a member that holds the imaging device 7a that receives light that has passed through the imaging lens 6a. The imaging device 6 is, for example, a device that converts the received light into an electrical signal using a built-in CCD image sensor or CMOS image sensor and captures the image as a digital signal, and the digital image can be displayed on a display of the imaging device 6 or on a monitor of a computer (not shown) connected to the imaging device 6. In this embodiment, the imaging device holder 7 has an engaging portion 71, a fastener 72, etc. Specifically, the imaging device holder 73 is provided with two engaging portions 71, which are columnar members that can abut against the side surfaces of the base B at their lower parts, so as to sandwich the substantially prismatic housing of the imaging device 7a from both sides. The lower parts of these engaging portions 71-71 abut against engaged parts B7, which are recesses provided on the side surfaces of the base B, and the upper parts of these engaging parts 71-71 are fixed together with fasteners 72, which are bolts, so that the engaging parts 71 of the imaging device holding part 7 are detachably engaged with the engaged parts B7 of the base B. In this way, the engaging parts 71 of the imaging device holding part 7 are detachably engaged with the engaged parts B7 of the base B, so that the microscope of the present invention can be easily assembled and disassembled, making it easy to carry. Furthermore, the length of the engaged portion B7 of the base B parallel to the optical path of the light from the reflection light source 3a and the transmission light source 4a is longer than the engaging portion 71 of the similar image capture device holder 7. Therefore, by adjusting the tightness of the fastener 72 fixing the engaging portion 71, the engaging portion 71 can move relative to the engaged portion B7. Therefore, the image capture device holder 7 can move relative to the base B in a direction along the optical path of at least one of the light from the reflection light source 3 and the light from the transmission light source 4, near the image capture device holder 7. In this way, since the image capture device holder can move relative to the base B in the above-mentioned direction, the focal distance between the sample 1a, the objective lens 2a, or the imaging lens 6a can be adjusted, allowing a clear image of the sample 1a to be captured. Note that in other embodiments, the image capture device holder 7 may have a shape that directly clamps and holds the sample 1a without blocking the optical path, as long as it can be detachably engaged with the base B and can hold the sample 1a directly or indirectly.In other embodiments, as long as the imaging device holding portion 7 is movable relative to the base B in the above-mentioned direction, it can be moved by sliding a rail provided on the base B as the engaged portion B7 and a wheel provided on the lower part of the imaging device holding portion 7 as the engaging portion 71, or by sliding a groove provided on the base B as the engaged portion B7 and a protrusion provided on the lower part of the imaging device holding portion 7 as the engaging portion 71, or by sliding the upper surface of the base B as the engaged portion B7 and the lower surface of the imaging device holding portion 7 as the engaging portion 71.

[0023] The base B is a generally T- or Y-shaped member having a plurality of engaging portions B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, and B7 that detachably engage with the engaging portion 11 of the sample holder 1, the engaging portion 21 of the objective lens holder 2, the engaging portion 31 of the reflection light source holder 3, the engaging portion 41 of the transmission light source holder 4, the engaging portion 51 of the half mirror holder 5, the engaging portion 61 of the imaging lens holder 6, and the engaging portion 71 of the imaging device holder 7. This configuration of the base B allows it to be disassembled and carried, allowing for easy replacement of each component. Furthermore, it can also be used as a learning kit for students to understand the structure of a microscope. It is preferable that the base B be installed horizontally, and the optical path of the light from the reflection light source 3 or the transmission light source 4 be horizontal. By providing the base B in this manner, as described in each embodiment below, the microscope of the present invention can be easily modified or expanded to suit various applications, such as a reflection or transmission microscope, by attaching or detaching various components. The base B may be manufactured using a 3D printer or by molding, such as injection molding. In this embodiment, the base B is a substantially T-shaped component, but in other embodiments, it may be substantially Y-shaped. Furthermore, the base B preferably includes a connecting portion Bα for connecting an extension base EB, which can accommodate a component for irradiating the sample 1a with laser light emitted from a light source other than the reflection light source 3a or the transmission light source 4a. In this embodiment, the connecting portion Bα is provided as a convex portion on the side surface of the base B between the engaged portion B1 and the engaged portion B5. The connecting portion Bα engages with a concave portion on the side surface of the extension base EB, thereby connecting the extension base EB to the base B. In this way, by connecting the extension base EB to the base B, it is possible to expand the microscope to suit various uses, even when used as a reflection type or transmission type microscope.

[0024] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 , 6 , 8 , 10 , 11 , etc., the base B includes a first base Ba having a plurality of engaging portions B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, B7, etc., which detachably engage with the engaging portion 11 of the sample holder 1, the engaging portion 21 of the objective lens holder 2, the engaging portion 41 of the transmission light source holder 4, the engaging portion 51 of the half mirror holder 5, the engaging portion 61 of the imaging lens holder 6, and the engaging portion 71 of the imaging device holder 7, respectively; and a second base Bb having an engaging portion B3 which detachably engages with the engaging portion 31 of the reflection light source holder 3. The first base Ba and the second base Bb are preferably formed integrally by connecting connecting portions such as recesses and protrusions provided on each base. Note that in this embodiment, the base B is formed of two connectable members, but in other embodiments, it may be a single member, or may be formed of three or more connectable members. If the base B is made up of two or more components, preferably two to ten components, it can be disassembled and made even easier to carry. For example, the base B may be formed of seven components, each consisting of a plurality of engaged portions B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, and B7 that engage with the engaging portion 11 of the sample holder 1, the engaging portion 21 of the objective lens holder 2, the engaging portion 41 of the transmission light source holder 4, the engaging portion 51 of the half mirror holder 5, the engaging portion 61 of the imaging lens holder 6, and the engaging portion 71 of the imaging device holder 7. As will be described later, in this embodiment, the base B further includes an engaged portion B8, which is a hole that engages with the engaging portion 81 of the condenser lens holder 8, and an engaged portion B9, which is a hole that engages with another half mirror holder similar to the half mirror holder 5 and has a half mirror that reflects approximately half of the laser light when the extension base EB is connected to the base B.

[0025] As described above, the extension base EB is a member on which a component for irradiating the sample 1a with laser light emitted from a light source other than the reflection light source 3a and the transmission light source 4a can be mounted. The extension base EB is connected to the base B via the connection portion Bα of the base B. By irradiating the sample 1a with the laser light using the extension base EB, the change in the state of the sample 1a over time can be imaged using a reflection or transmission microscope. The extension base EB may be provided with a light source for emitting laser light, or may be provided with an engagement portion EB2 for detachably engaging a reflection mirror holder having a reflection mirror that reflects laser light, similar to the mechanism for engaging the half mirror holder 5, as in this embodiment. Note that the connection portion Bα of the base B and the connection portion EB1 of the extension base EB may have shapes such that the connection portion Bα of the base B is a recess and the connection portion EB1 is a protrusion, as long as they can be connected to each other.

[0026] Furthermore, in the present invention, when used as a reflection-type polarizing microscope or a transmission-type polarizing microscope, a first polarizer holding part P1 that holds a first linear polarizer LP1 and is detachably engaged with the base B is attached between the optical path of the half mirror 5a and the reflection light source 3a, a second polarizer holding part P2 that holds a second linear polarizer LP2 and is detachably engaged with the base B is attached between the optical path of the objective lens 2a and the transmission light source 4a, and a third polarizer holding part P3 that holds a third linear polarizer LP3 and is detachably engaged with the base B is attached between the optical path of the half mirror 5a and the imaging device 7a. Specifically, when used as a reflection-type polarizing microscope, the first polarizer holding part P1 and the third polarizer holding part P3 are engaged with the base B, and when used as a transmission-type polarizing microscope, at least the second polarizer holding part P2 and the third polarizer holding part P3 are engaged with the base B. The first linear polarizer LP1, the second linear polarizer LP2, and the third linear polarizer LP3 are all elements that transmit only linearly polarized light in a specific direction. Specifically, dichroic, birefringent, or reflective linear polarizers can be used. The first linear polarizer LP1 transmits only linearly polarized light in a specific vibration direction from the reflection light source 3a, and the second linear polarizer LP2 transmits only linearly polarized light in a specific vibration direction from the transmission light source 4a. The third linear polarizer LP3 is disposed so as to be tilted at a predetermined angle with respect to the vibration direction of the linearly polarized light that has passed through the first linear polarizer LP1 or the second linear polarizer LP2. For example, the polarization axis of the third linear polarizer LP3 is tilted 45 degrees clockwise (represented as "+45 degrees") or counterclockwise (represented as "-45 degrees") with respect to the vibration direction of the linearly polarized light that has passed through the first linear polarizer LP1 or the second linear polarizer LP2. In this embodiment, the first polarizer holding part P1, the second polarizer holding part P2, and the third polarizer holding part P3 each include a disk-shaped member that fixes the first linear polarizer LP1, the second linear polarizer LP2, and the third linear polarizer LP3, a main body that supports these disk-shaped members so that they can rotate, and a semi-cylindrical engagement part that is provided on the bottom of the main body.The respective engaging portions P11, P12, and P13 of the first polarizer holding portion P1, the second polarizer holding portion P2, and the third polarizer holding portion P3 can be engaged in the correct orientation when attached to the respective engaged portions B11, B12, and B13 provided on the base B, which have a shape that allows them to be detachably fitted together, similar to the engaging portion 21 of the objective lens holding portion 2, the engaging portion 51 of the half mirror holding portion 5, and the engaging portion 61 of the imaging lens holding portion 6. It is preferable that each of the engaging portions in the first polarizer holding portion P1, the second polarizer holding portion P2, and the third polarizer holding portion P3 has a shape that does not have rotational symmetry in a cross-sectional view cut perpendicular to the engaging direction, similar to the engaging portion 21 of the objective lens holding portion 2, the engaging portion 51 of the half mirror holding portion 5, and the engaging portion 61 of the imaging lens holding portion 6, and that the engaged portion of the base B that engages with these engaging portions by fitting into them, etc., also has a shape that does not have rotational symmetry in a cross-sectional view cut perpendicular to the engaging direction.

[0027] In addition, instead of the first polarizer holding member P1, the second polarizer holding member P2, and the third polarizer holding member P3, other members such as a filter holding member that holds a filter that transmits light of a specific wavelength may be engaged with the base B.

[0028] In this embodiment, a condenser lens holder 8 that holds a condenser lens 8a is disposed at the end of the reflection light source 3a that emits light. The condenser lens holder 8 is a member that holds the condenser lens 8a and is detachably engaged with the base B. The condenser lens 8a is a lens such as a convex lens that suppresses diffusion of light emitted from the reflection light source 3a and illuminates the sample 1a approximately uniformly. Various commercially available condenser lenses can be used. In this embodiment, the condenser lens holder 8 has an annular holder 82 that holds the condenser lens 8a and a semi-cylindrical engaging portion 81 that protrudes from the lower part of the holder 82 approximately at the center. The engaging portion 81 detachably engages with an engaged portion B8, which is a semi-cylindrical hole drilled in the base B, thereby detachably engaging the condenser lens holder 8 with the base B. In this way, the engaging portion 81 of the condensing lens holder 8 is detachably engaged with the engaged portion B8 of the base B, which allows the microscope of the present invention to be easily assembled and disassembled, making it easy to carry. As in this embodiment, it is preferable that the engaging portion 81 of the condensing lens holder 8 has a shape that does not have rotational symmetry in a cross section taken perpendicular to the engagement direction, and that the engaged portion B8 of the base B that engages with the engaging portion 81 by fitting therewith also has a shape that does not have rotational symmetry in a cross section taken perpendicular to the engagement direction. Because the engaging portion 81 of the condensing lens holder 8 and the engaged portion B8 of the base B have such shapes, the condensing lens holder 8 can be attached to the base B in the correct orientation. In other embodiments, the condensing lens holder 8 may have the engaging portion 81 as a hole and the engaged portion B8 as a protrusion, as long as the engaging portion 81 of the condensing lens holder 8 is detachably engaged with the engaged portion B8 of the base B.

[0029] The use of the above-mentioned components as a reflection microscope or a transmission microscope will be described below.

[0030] [Reflective microscope] FIG. 4 shows the state when used as a reflection-type polarizing microscope. From the left, a sample holder 1 for holding a sample 1a, an objective lens holder 2 for holding an objective lens 2a, a half mirror holder 5 for holding a half mirror 5a, a first polarizer holder P1 for holding a first linear polarizer LP1, and a reflection light source holder 3 for holding a reflection light source 3a that emits light are detachably engaged with a first base Ba. From the top, a third polarizer holder P3 for holding a third linear polarizer LP3, an imaging lens holder 6 for holding an imaging lens 6a that receives transmitted light, and an imaging device holder 7 for holding an imaging device 7a are detachably engaged with the branched first base Ba. At this time, the second base Bb for engaging the transmission light source holder 4 and the transmission light source holder 4 are not attached. By disposing the first linear polarizer LP1 and the third linear polarizer LP3 in the optical path, the microscope can be used as a polarizing microscope. In this way, by using it as a reflection-type polarizing microscope, for example, if a magnetic material is used as sample 1a, it is possible to confirm the magnetic Kerr effect, in which the reflected light becomes elliptically polarized when linearly polarized light hits the surface of a magnetized material. Specifically, Figure 5 shows an image captured by imaging device 7a when a magneto-optical sensor (manufactured by Matesy, thickness: 0.5 mm, chip size: 8 mm x 8 mm) containing a magnetic material was used as sample 1a.

[0031] FIG. 6 also shows the microscope in use as a reflection-type polarizing microscope. Unlike FIG. 4, an LED light source outputting light with a wavelength of 532 nm is used as the reflection light source 3a. The first polarizer holding member P1 is not used. Instead, the third polarizer holding member P3 is replaced with a filter holding member 9 that holds a long-pass filter that transmits light of 650 nm or longer. Similar to the objective lens holding member 2 and the condenser lens holding member 8, the filter holding member 9 has a holding member 92 that holds a long-pass filter and a semi-cylindrical engaging member 91 that protrudes from the lower portion of the holding member 92 at approximately the center. The engaging member 91 engages with the engaging member B13. This allows the microscope to be used as a fluorescence microscope. In this way, when a ruthenium complex ([Ru(2,2'-bipyridine)3](PF6)2 is used as the sample 1a, for example, the red fluorescence emitted by the ruthenium complex can be observed.

[0032] [Transmission microscope] FIG. 7 shows the state when used as a transmission polarizing microscope. A transmission light source holder 4 holding a transmission light source 4a that emits light and a second polarizer holder P2 holding a second linear polarizer LP2 are detachably engaged with a second base Bb. A sample holder 1 holding a sample 1a, an objective lens holder 2 holding an objective lens 2a, a half mirror holder 5 holding a half mirror 5a, a reflection light source holder 3 holding a reflection light source 3a, a third polarizer holder P3 holding a third linear polarizer LP3, an imaging lens holder 6 holding an imaging lens 6a that receives transmitted light, and an imaging device holder 7 holding an imaging device 7a are detachably engaged with a first, approximately T-shaped base Ba. The reflection light source 3a is powered off so that it does not emit light. By disposing the second linear polarizer LP1 and the third linear polarizer LP3 along the optical path, the microscope can be used as a polarizing microscope. In this way, using a transmission polarizing microscope allows, for example, the crystals of a thin mineral to be observed. Specifically, when biotite was used as the sample 1a, images captured by the imaging device 7a are shown in Fig. 8. Note that Fig. 8(a) is a diagram when the polarization axis of the third linear polarizer LP3 is at -45 degrees, and Fig. 8(b) is a diagram when the polarization axis of the third linear polarizer LP3 is at +45 degrees.

[0033] 9 shows another embodiment of the present invention. Unlike in FIGS. 1 and 2, a third polarizer holder P3 holding a third linear polarizer LP3, an imaging lens holder 6 holding an imaging lens 6a that receives transmitted light, and an imaging device holder 7 holding an imaging device 7a are engaged with a first base Ba. A first polarizer holder P1 holding a first linear polarizer LP1, a condenser lens holder 8 holding a condenser lens 8a, and a reflective light source holder 3 holding a reflective light source 3a that irradiates light are engaged with a branched first base Ba. Even with the respective components arranged in this manner, the microscope can be used as a reflective microscope or a transmissive microscope.

[0034] Fig. 10 shows the base of the microscope when using extension base EB, with connection portion Bα of base B connected to connection receiving portion EB1 of extension base EB. Although Fig. 10 omits the sample holder 1, objective lens holder 2, reflective light source holder 3, transmissive light source holder 4, half mirror holder 5, imaging lens holder 6, and imaging device holder 7, for example, a microscope can be fabricated by arranging sample holder 1, objective lens holder 2, reflective light source holder 3, half mirror holder 5, imaging lens holder 6, and imaging device holder 7 in the same manner as in a reflective microscope as shown in Figs. 4 and 6, and further engaging a reflective mirror holder having a reflective mirror that reflects laser light with engagement receiving portion EB2 and another half mirror holder with engagement receiving portion B9, and then preparing a laser device outside the microscope. 10, the laser emitted from the laser device is reflected by a reflecting mirror provided on the extension base EB, partially passes through another half mirror provided on the base B, and is irradiated onto the sample 1a held in the sample holder 1. By irradiating the sample 1a with laser light in this way, the change in the state of the sample 1a over time can be imaged by the imaging device 7a as a reflection microscope. [Explanation of symbols]

[0035] 1. Sample holder 11 Engagement portion 12...Holding part 13. Elastic spring 14...Adjustment section 1a Sample 2 Objective lens holder 21 Engagement portion 22...Holding part 2a Objective lens 3...Reflection light source holder 31 Engagement portion 32 Fastener 3a...Reflection light source 4...Transmission light source holder 41 Engagement portion 42 Fastener 4a...Transmission light source 5. Half mirror holder 51 Engagement portion 52...Holding part 5a Half mirror 6. Imaging lens holder 61 Engagement portion 62...Holding part 6a Imaging lens 7. Imaging device holding section 71 Engagement portion 72 Fastener 7a Imaging device 8. Condenser lens holder 81 Engagement portion 82...Holding part 8a...Condenser lens 9. Filter holder 91 Engagement part 92...Holding part B···Base B1~B9...Engaged part B11~B13...Engaged part Ba...first base Bb...first base Bα··· connection part EB... Extension Base EB1...Connected part EB2...Engaged part LP1...First linear polarizer P1...First polarizer holding part P11...Engagement part LP2...Second linear polarizer P2...Second polarizer holding part P21...Engagement part LP3...Third linear polarizer P3...Third polarizer holding part P31...Engagement part

Claims

1. a sample holder for holding a sample; an objective lens holding portion that holds the objective lens; a reflection light source holder that holds a reflection light source that irradiates the sample with light through the objective lens; a transmission light source holder that holds a transmission light source that irradiates the sample with light from the side opposite to the objective lens; a half mirror holder that holds a half mirror that partially reflects and partially transmits reflected light from the reflection light source that is reflected by the sample or transmitted light from the transmission light source that is transmitted through the sample; an imaging lens holder that holds an imaging lens that receives one of the light reflected by or transmitted through the half mirror; an imaging device holding unit that holds an imaging device that receives light transmitted through the imaging lens; a base having a plurality of engaged portions that are detachably engaged with the engaging portions of the sample holding portion, the objective lens holding portion, the reflection light source holding portion, the transmission light source holding portion, the half mirror holding portion, the imaging lens holding portion, and the imaging device holding portion, and that is branched into a substantially T-shape or a substantially Y-shape; A transmission type and reflection type microscope characterized in that at least one of the sample holding unit and the imaging device holding unit is movable relative to the base in a direction along the optical path of at least one of the light from the reflection light source and the light from the transmission light source.

2. The transmission and reflection microscopes described in claim 1, characterized in that each of the engagement portions of the objective lens holding portion, the half mirror holding portion, and the imaging lens holding portion that engage with the base has a shape that does not have rotational symmetry in a cross-sectional view cut perpendicular to the engagement direction.

3. 3. The transmission and reflection microscope according to claim 1, further comprising a connector for connecting an extension base to the base, the extension base being capable of accommodating a member for irradiating the sample with laser light.

4. a first polarizer holding portion that holds a first linear polarizer between the half mirror and the optical path of the reflection light source and is detachably engaged with the base; a second polarizer holding portion that holds a second linear polarizer between the objective lens and the optical path of the transmissive light source and is detachably engaged with the base; a third polarizer holding unit that holds a third linear polarizer between the half mirror and the optical path of the imaging device and is detachably engaged with the base; 3. A transmission and reflection microscope according to claim 1, further comprising either the first polarizer holding unit and the third polarizer holding unit, or the second polarizer holding unit and the third polarizer holding unit.

Images