Mounting fixture, optical element assembly, and confocal optical scanner

Abstract

To provide a mounting fixture that can reduce stray light with a simpler configuration.SOLUTION: A mounting fixture (100) according to the present disclosure is a mounting fixture for attaching an optical element (6), which allows light to travel along a first optical path according to an optical design, to a holder, and includes: a mounting portion (100a) for attaching the optical element (6) to the holder; and a light-shielding portion (100b) on a plane substantially parallel to a plane on which the mounting portion (100a) is disposed, the light-shielding portion being integrally arranged with the mounting portion (100a), the light-shielding portion (100b) blocking light traveling along a second optical path deviating from the optical design and differing from the first optical path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fixture, an optical element assembly, and a confocal optical scanner. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, when an optical element such as a dichroic mirror is disposed in a confocal optical scanner, a method of attaching a member that blocks stray light to an optical element assembly is known in order to block the progression of light along an optical path that deviates from the optical design and reduce the occurrence of stray light. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of attaching a reflector to a dichroic mirror that absorbs excitation light reflected by the dichroic mirror to reduce stray light and further reduce the effect of stray light on observation light. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-258109 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the conventional technique described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the structure of the reflector serving as the mounting fixture is complicated.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting fixture, an optical element assembly, and a confocal optical scanner that can reduce stray light with a simpler configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In some embodiments, the mounting fixture is for mounting an optical element that directs light to a first optical path according to an optical design to a holder, and includes a mounting portion that mounts the optical element to the holder, and a light-shielding portion that is located in a plane approximately parallel to the plane on which the mounting portion is located and is integrally arranged with the mounting portion, and the light-shielding portion blocks the light from traveling to a second optical path that is different from the first optical path and deviates from the optical design.

[0007] This allows the mounting fixture to reduce stray light with a simpler configuration. The light-shielding portion is located on a plane substantially parallel to the plane on which the mounting portion is located, and is arranged integrally with the mounting portion, allowing the mounting fixture to be formed with a simpler overall structure. This allows the mounting fixture to further reduce physical interference with the disks of the confocal optical scanner when the optical element is attached to the holder, even when the optical element is arranged in a limited space, such as between a pair of disks in a confocal optical scanner. The mounting fixture can be simply configured so that the entire mounting fixture fits along the optical surface of the optical element, allowing the optical element to be easily attached to the holder within a limited space, even when the size of the optical element is limited.

[0008] In one embodiment, the light-shielding portion may constitute a first edge of the fixture. This allows the fixture to easily block light traveling along a second optical path that deviates from the optical design, even if the light originates from the edge of the optical element. For example, the fixture can more easily reduce stray light caused by light reflected from the end face of the optical element at the edge of the optical element. This allows the fixture to increase the area of ​​the optically active portion of the optical surface of the optical element that is not covered by the fixture, compared to when the light-shielding portion does not constitute an edge. Therefore, the fixture can also allow the optical element to act on a wider range of light, for example, in an optical system including a confocal optical scanner.

[0009] In one embodiment, the mounting portion may be connected to the light-shielding portion and may define a second edge portion along a first direction intersecting the extension direction of the light-shielding portion. This maximizes the effective area of ​​the optical element mounted by the mounting portion. That is, the mounting portion can increase the area of ​​the optically effective portion of the optical surface of the optical element that is not covered by the mounting portion compared to when the mounting portion does not define an edge portion. Therefore, the mounting portion can allow the optical element to act on a wider range of light in an optical system, such as a confocal optical scanner.

[0010] In one embodiment, the mounting portion may have a pair of second edges connected to both ends of the light-shielding portion. This allows the mounting portion to more stably mount the optical element to the holder. In addition, the mounting portion can increase the area of ​​the optically active portion of the optical surface of the optical element that is not covered by the mounting portion, compared to when the mounting portion does not have a pair of edges. Therefore, the mounting portion can allow the optical element to be exposed to a wider range of light in an optical system, such as a confocal optical scanner.

[0011] In one embodiment, the mounting portion may be connected to the second edge portion and may define a third edge portion along a second direction intersecting the first direction in which the second edge portion extends. This allows the mounting device to more stably mount the optical element to the holder. In addition, the mounting device can increase the area of ​​the optically active portion of the optical surface of the optical element that is not covered by the mounting device, compared to when the mounting portion does not define an edge portion. Therefore, the mounting device can allow the optical element to be exposed to a wider range of light in an optical system, such as a confocal optical scanner.

[0012] In one embodiment, the light-shielding portion may be L-shaped in cross section along the thickness direction of the light-shielding portion. This allows the mounting fixture to accurately position the range of the light-shielding portion on the end face along the longitudinal direction of the optical element, for example, based on the end face along the short side of the optical element. The mounting fixture can accurately determine the light-shielding range of the light-shielding portion based on the end face along the short side of the optical element. The mounting fixture can position the light-shielding portion within an optimal range that is necessary and sufficient, avoiding an excessively large or insufficient light-shielding range. Therefore, the mounting fixture can reduce end-face reflections on the optical element while maximizing the usable area of ​​the optically effective portion of the optical surface of the optical element.

[0013] In one embodiment, the light-shielding portion may have an R-shape that protrudes more toward the inside of the mounting portion at a center portion than at an end portion in the extension direction of the light-shielding portion. This allows the mounting portion to block light as designed on the optical surface along the longitudinal direction of the optical element, due to the R-shape that is predetermined before mounting, even if the center portion of the light-shielding portion is separated more from the optical element and shifted outward along the longitudinal direction of the optical element due to deflection of the light-shielding portion that occurs when the optical element is mounted in the holder.

[0014] In one embodiment, the light-shielding portion may have a step between the end portion of the light-shielding portion that contacts the mounting portion and the center portion of the light-shielding portion. This allows the mounting portion and the light-shielding portion to be two-step planar, and the light-shielding portion can be positioned in a different plane from the mounting portion. Therefore, the mounting device can suppress deflection of the center portion of the light-shielding portion even when the optical element is mounted in the holder. By suppressing deflection of the light-shielding portion and making the light-shielding portion planar, the mounting device can make the light-blocking area rectangular when the optical surface of the optical element is viewed from the front.

[0015] In one embodiment, the mounting fixture may include a plurality of sets of the light-shielding portion and the mounting portion that are integrally arranged along the extension direction of the light-shielding portion. This allows the mounting fixture to stably mount the optical element to the holder even when the optical element mounted to the holder by the mounting fixture is long in the extension direction of the light-shielding portion or when multiple optical elements are arranged along the extension direction. For example, the mounting fixture can also mount multiple optical elements to the holder.

[0016] In one embodiment, the light-shielding portion may absorb the light. This allows the fixture to prevent light from traveling from the optical element to a first optical path according to the optical design while preventing light from traveling to a second optical path that deviates from the optical design, thereby reducing the occurrence of stray light. For example, the fixture can prevent excitation light reflected by an end face of the optical element from entering the optical path of the observation light and becoming stray light.

[0017] In some embodiments, an optical element assembly comprises any of the above-described mounting fixtures, a holder that supports the optical element, and the optical element attached to the holder by the mounting fixture, and the light-shielding portion is arranged along the edge of the optical element.

[0018] This allows the optical element assembly to reduce stray light with a simpler configuration. The mounting fixture has a light-shielding portion located on a plane substantially parallel to the plane on which the mounting portion is located, and is arranged integrally with the mounting portion, allowing the overall structure to be simpler. This allows the optical element assembly to further reduce physical interference with the disks of the confocal optical scanner, even when the optical element assembly is arranged in a limited space, such as between a pair of disks in a confocal optical scanner. The optical element assembly can be simply configured so that the entire mounting fixture fits along the optical surface of the optical element, and the optical element can be easily held by the holder within a limited space, even when the size of the optical element is limited.

[0019] Additionally, because the light-shielding portion is disposed along the edge of the optical element, the optical element assembly can prevent light incident on the edge of the optical element from traveling along a second optical path that deviates from the optical design. This allows the effective area of ​​the optical element to be maximized. For example, in the optical element assembly, the fixture can more easily reduce stray light caused by light reflected from the end face of the optical element at the edge of the optical element. This allows the fixture to increase the area of ​​the optically effective portion of the optical surface of the optical element that is not covered by the fixture, compared to when the light-shielding portion is not disposed along the edge of the optical element. Therefore, the optical element assembly can allow the optical element to act on a wider range of light, for example, in an optical system including a confocal optical scanner.

[0020] In one embodiment of the optical element assembly, the light-blocking range of the light-blocking portion may be determined based on the refractive index and thickness of the optical element so as to maximize the area of ​​the optically active portion of the optical surface of the optical element. This allows the optical element assembly to maximize the area of ​​the optically active portion of the optical surface of the optical element that is not covered by the mounting bracket, while suppressing, by the light-blocking portion, the propagation of light incident on the edge of the optical element into a second optical path that deviates from the optical design. Therefore, the optical element assembly can allow the optical element to act on a wider range of light in an optical system including, for example, a confocal optical scanner.

[0021] In some embodiments, the confocal optical scanner comprises a pinhole array disk having a plurality of pinholes, a microlens array disk having a plurality of microlenses that focus the light onto the pinholes, a shaft portion that coaxially connects the pinhole array disk and the microlens array disk to each other, a motor that rotates the shaft portion, and the above-mentioned optical element assembly that is arranged between the pinhole array disk and the microlens array disk.

[0022] As a result, the confocal optical scanner can easily position the optical element assembly between the pinhole array disk and the microlens array disk without the optical element assembly physically interfering with at least one of these disks, using a mounting fixture in which the mounting portion and the light-shielding portion are integrally formed with a simpler structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a mounting fixture, an optical element assembly, and a confocal optical scanner that can reduce stray light with a simpler configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a confocal microscope having a confocal optical scanner according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] 1 is a first schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a mounting fixture according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 2B] 2B is a second schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the fixture of FIG. 2A. FIG. [Figure 3] 2B is a schematic diagram for explaining the function of the light-shielding portion of FIG. 2A. FIG. [Figure 4] 2B is a schematic diagram corresponding to FIG. 2A, showing an example of the configuration of a mounting fixture according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 2B is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a mounting fixture according to a second modified example of the first embodiment, the diagram corresponding to FIG. 2B. FIG. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a first schematic diagram showing a state in which the mounting fixture is attached to the optical element. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a second schematic diagram showing the state when the mounting fixture is attached to the optical element. [Figure 6C] 2B is a schematic diagram corresponding to FIG. 2A, showing a first example of the configuration of a mounting fixture according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 6D] 5 is a schematic diagram corresponding to FIG. 4, showing a second example of the configuration of the mounting fixture according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 7A]6B is a schematic diagram corresponding to FIG. 6A and showing a third example of the configuration of the mounting fixture according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 7B] 7B is a schematic diagram corresponding to FIG. 6C, showing the configuration of the fixture of FIG. 7A. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram corresponding to FIG. 2A, showing an example of the configuration of a mounting fixture according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining problems with the prior art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The background and problems of the prior art will now be described in more detail.

[0026] A typical configuration of a conventional confocal optical scanner with microlenses will be described. Such a confocal optical scanner includes a pinhole array disk and a microlens array disk. Furthermore, the confocal optical scanner includes a connecting shaft that connects the pinhole array disk and the microlens array disk, and a motor attached to the tip of the connecting shaft. By rotating the connecting shaft, the motor rotates the pinhole array disk and the microlens array disk attached to the connecting shaft in the same direction.

[0027] The confocal optical scanner further includes a dichroic mirror between the pinhole array disk and the microlens array disk, which separates the optical path of the excitation light from the optical path of the observation light. The dichroic mirror is attached to a holder using a mounting fixture.

[0028] A dichroic mirror has the function of, for example, reflecting light of a specific wavelength and transmitting light of other wavelengths. Excitation light emitted from a light source device enters a confocal optical scanner, passes through the dichroic mirror, and is irradiated onto a sample. Observation light, such as fluorescence, emitted from the sample is then reflected by the dichroic mirror and detected by a detector. Because the excitation light emitted from the light source device and the observation light emitted from the sample have different wavelengths, it is theoretically unlikely that the excitation light would be mixed into the optical path of the observation light after it is reflected by the dichroic mirror.

[0029] However, in the above-described confocal scanner, the excitation light is incident on a specific position of the dichroic mirror, where it is reflected without passing through, and a part of the reflected excitation light becomes stray light and is mixed with the observation light. This problem is also common when a beam splitter or a filter is used as an optical element attached to the confocal optical scanner.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the problems of the prior art. It conceptually illustrates how a portion of the excitation light L1 incident on the dichroic mirror 6 is reflected by the end face without passing through and mixed into the optical path of the observation light L2 as stray light. FIG. 9 shows a cross section of the dichroic mirror 6 viewed from the side. As shown in FIG. 9, the excitation light L1 is incident on the edge of the optical surface along the longitudinal direction of the dichroic mirror 6. When the excitation light L1 is incident on the end face along the shorter side inside the dichroic mirror 6, it is reflected in the same direction as the reflection of the observation light L2. When the excitation light L1 incident on the end face of the dichroic mirror 6 is reflected, the excitation light L1, which is not actually present in the optical path of the observation light L2, enters as stray light. The generation of stray light other than the observation light L2 from the sample reduces the detection accuracy of a microscope equipped with a confocal optical scanner.

[0031] The prior art described in Patent Document 1 aims to reduce the effects of stray light within a confocal optical scanner by using a reflector with low reflectivity to absorb the excitation light reflected by the dichroic mirror. In the device described in Patent Document 1, in a confocal optical scanner with microlenses and a dichroic mirror, the dichroic mirror is attached to a support member (holder) using screws and a mounting fixture in which the reflector is bent at a 45° angle. The reflector is located on the opposite side of the dichroic mirror from the traveling direction of the observation light.

[0032] In this way, the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1 prevents excitation light that does not enter the dichroic mirror but is reflected from its surface from becoming stray light and mixing with the observation light. However, the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration excitation light that enters the dichroic mirror, is reflected from the end surface of the dichroic mirror, and enters the optical path of the observation light.

[0033] In addition, in the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1, the shape of the part of the fixture where the optical element is attached and the part that blocks the excitation light are generally complicated. In other words, the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1 did not fully consider a fixture that can reduce stray light with a simpler configuration.

[0034] In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting fixture, an optical element assembly, and a confocal optical scanner that can reduce stray light with a simpler configuration. Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] First Embodiment 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a confocal microscope 1 having a confocal optical scanner 2 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition to the confocal optical scanner 2, the confocal microscope 1 has a light source device 5, an objective lens 7, a sample 8, an imaging lens 9, and a camera 10. An example of the configuration and functions of the confocal optical scanner 2 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be mainly described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0036] The confocal optical scanner 2 has a pinhole array disk 31 having a plurality of pinholes 31a. The confocal optical scanner 2 has a microlens array disk 3 having a plurality of microlenses 3a that focus light onto the pinholes 31a. The confocal optical scanner 2 has a shaft 4a that coaxially connects the pinhole array disk 31 and the microlens array disk 3 to each other. The confocal optical scanner 2 has a motor 4b that rotates the shaft 4a.

[0037] A plurality of first microlenses 3a are arranged in an array on the microlens array disk 3. On one surface of the pinhole array disk 31, pinholes 31a, which are openings in a light-shielding mask 31b, are arranged.

[0038] Here, the first microlens 3a may be any optical element that can provide a lens effect, and may be, for example, a Fresnel lens or a diffractive optical element.

[0039] The pinhole array disk 31 allows only the observation light of the focal plane observed by the objective lens 7 of the confocal microscope 1 to pass through. The confocal optical scanner 2 blocks noise light outside the focal plane. The blocked noise light is blocked from the optical path by the light-shielding mask 31b. A confocal image is obtained by using such pinholes 31a.

[0040] The microlens array disk 3 improves the utilization efficiency of the excitation light irradiating the sample 8 on the confocal microscope 1. The position of each pinhole 31a formed on the pinhole array disk 31 and the position of each first microlens 3a serving as a focusing means formed on the microlens array disk 3 have a one-to-one relationship.

[0041] The confocal optical scanner 2 further has a shaft 4a as a connecting shaft that connects the microlens array disk 3 and the pinhole array disk 31 so that the surfaces opposite the first microlenses 3a and the light-shielding mask 31b face the light source device 5 and the objective lens 7, respectively. A motor 4b is attached to the shaft 4a to which the microlens array disk 3 and the pinhole array disk 31 are attached. The motor 4b rotates the microlens array disk 3 and the pinhole array disk 31 together with the shaft 4a in the same direction.

[0042] The confocal optical scanner 2 further includes an optical element assembly 6a disposed between the pinhole array disk 31 and the microlens array disk 3. The optical element assembly 6a includes a fixture 100 (described later), a holder for supporting the optical element 6, and the optical element 6 attached to the holder by the fixture 100. In this disclosure, for the purpose of simplifying the illustration of the drawings, the holder is not shown in the drawings. The optical element 6 includes any separation element that transmits the excitation light incident from the light source device 5 and reflects the observation light, such as fluorescence emitted from the sample 8, toward the imaging lens 9. For example, the optical element 6 includes a dichroic mirror for separating the optical path of the excitation light from the optical path of the observation light. However, the optical element 6 is not limited thereto and may include an element such as a beam splitter or a prism instead of a dichroic mirror.

[0043] The light source device 5 outputs excitation light that is incident on the confocal optical scanner 2 and irradiates the sample 8. The light source device 5 has a light source such as a laser light source and a light emitting diode (LED). In addition to the light source, the light source device 5 may further have a focusing element such as a lens. The wavelength of the excitation light irradiated from the light source device 5 is, for example, included in the absorption band of the sample 8 and included in a wavelength range that can generate fluorescence from the sample 8. For example, the wavelength of the excitation light irradiated from the light source device 5 may be included in the visible range. However, the wavelength of the excitation light may be included in other wavelength ranges such as the ultraviolet range, the near-infrared range, and other infrared ranges.

[0044] When excitation light is irradiated onto the sample 8 from the light source device 5 through the objective lens 7, observation light such as fluorescence is emitted from excited fluorescent dyes and the like within the sample 8. The emitted observation light passes through the objective lens 7 and the pinhole array disk 31, is reflected by the optical element 6, and passes through the imaging lens 9 to enter the camera 10. This allows an observation image to be obtained.

[0045] Fig. 2A is a first schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a mounting fixture 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2A schematically shows the mounting fixture 100 when an optical element 6 is mounted in a holder, as viewed from the front side of the optical surface of the optical element 6. Fig. 2B is a second schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the mounting fixture 100 of Fig. 2A. Fig. 2B schematically shows the mounting fixture 100 when an optical element 6 is mounted in a holder, as viewed in cross section from the side of the optical element 6.

[0046] The fixture 100 is for mounting the optical element 6, which causes light to travel along a first optical path according to the optical design, to a holder. In the present disclosure, the "first optical path" includes, for example, a transmitted optical path after light is incident on the optical element assembly 6a from the microlens array disk 3 side in FIG. 1 and is transmitted from the optical element assembly 6a toward the pinhole array disk 31.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2A, the mounting fixture 100 has a mounting portion 100a that mounts the optical element 6 to the holder. The mounting portion 100a includes any mounting structure for the holder. The mounting structure includes, for example, a leaf spring structure or a screw structure. The mounting portion 100a presses the optical element 6 against the holder while being fixed to the holder. In this way, the mounting portion 100a holds the optical element 6 together with the holder.

[0048] The mounting fixture 100 is located on a plane substantially parallel to the plane on which the mounting portion 100a is disposed and includes a light-shielding portion 100b that is integrally disposed with the mounting portion 100a. The light-shielding portion 100b blocks light from traveling along a second optical path that differs from the first optical path and deviates from the optical design. In the present disclosure, the "second optical path" includes, for example, the reflected optical path in FIG. 1 where light enters the optical element assembly 6a from the microlens array disc 3 side and is reflected by the optical element assembly 6a toward the imaging lens 9. As also shown in FIG. 2B, the light-shielding portion 100b is disposed along the edge of the optical element 6. The light-shielding portion 100b blocks excitation light that enters the edge of the optical surface of the optical element 6. The light-shielding portion 100b absorbs light. For example, the light-shielding portion 100b has light absorption properties in the wavelength band of the excitation light. In other words, the light-shielding portion 100b is formed so as to have low reflectance in the wavelength band of the excitation light.

[0049] The shape of the mounting fixture 100 will be described primarily with reference to FIG. 2A. The mounting fixture 100 has an overall shape that follows three consecutive sides of a rectangle. The light-shielding portion 100b forms a first edge of the mounting fixture 100. The light-shielding portion 100b is arranged in a straight line. The mounting portion 100a is connected to the light-shielding portion 100b and forms a second edge of the mounting fixture 100 along a first direction that intersects with the extension direction of the light-shielding portion 100b. For example, the extension direction of the light-shielding portion 100b and the first direction are mutually orthogonal. That is, the mounting portion 100a that forms the second edge is orthogonal to the light-shielding portion 100b. Furthermore, the mounting portion 100a forms a pair of second edges that are respectively connected to both ends of the light-shielding portion 100b. That is, the mounting portions 100a extend in straight lines from both ends of the light-shielding portion 100b so as to be orthogonal to the light-shielding portion 100b.

[0050] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the function of the light-shielding portion 100b in FIG. 2A. The light-shielding range of the light-shielding portion 100b will be described with reference to FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the refractive index of the medium on the incident side of the optical element 6 is n1, the refractive index of the optical element 6 is n2, the angle of incidence of the excitation light L1 on the optical element 6 is θ1, and the refraction angle is θ2. Also, the thickness of the end face of the optical element 6 along the short direction is t, and the length of the optical surface of the optical element 6 covered by the light-shielding portion 100b along the first direction is l. For example, the light-shielding range of the light-shielding portion 100b may be determined as follows based on the refractive index n2 and thickness t of the optical element 6 so as to maximize the area of ​​the optically effective portion of the optical surface of the optical element 6. In the present disclosure, the "light-shielding range of the light-shielding portion 100b" includes, for example, the length l of the optical surface of the optical element 6 covered by the light-shielding portion 100b along the first direction.

[0051] From Snell's law, the following equation (1) can be obtained.

number

[0052] The length l of the light-shielding portion 100b required to reduce the end surface reflection of the optical element 6 while maximizing the usable area of ​​the optically effective portion of the optical surface of the optical element 6 is calculated by the following formula (2).

number

number

[0053] The mounting fixture 100 according to the first embodiment described above can reduce stray light with a simpler configuration. The light-shielding portion 100b is located on a plane substantially parallel to the plane on which the mounting portion 100a is located, and is integrally arranged with the mounting portion 100a. This allows the mounting fixture 100 to be formed with a simpler overall structure. As a result, even when the optical element 6 is placed in a limited space, such as between a pair of disks in the confocal optical scanner 2, the mounting fixture 100 can further reduce physical interference between the confocal optical scanner 2 and the disks, etc., with the optical element 6 attached to the holder. The mounting fixture 100 can be simply configured so that the entire mounting fixture 100 fits along the optical surface of the optical element 6. Therefore, even when the size of the optical element 6 is limited, the optical element 6 can be easily attached to the holder within the limited space.

[0054] The light-shielding portion 100b forms a first edge portion of the mounting fixture 100. This allows the mounting fixture 100 to easily block light that travels along a second optical path that deviates from the optical design, even if the light is generated from the edge portion of the optical element 6. For example, the mounting fixture 100 can more easily reduce stray light caused by light reflected at the end face of the optical element 6 at the edge portion of the optical element 6. This allows the mounting fixture 100 to increase the area of ​​the optically effective portion of the optical surface of the optical element 6 that is not covered by the mounting fixture 100, compared to a case in which the light-shielding portion 100b does not form an edge portion. Therefore, the mounting fixture 100 can also cause the optical element 6 to act on a wider range of light in an optical system that includes, for example, a confocal optical scanner 2.

[0055] The mounting portion 100a is connected to the light-shielding portion 100b and forms a second edge portion of the mounting fixture 100 along a first direction intersecting the extension direction of the light-shielding portion 100b. This makes it possible to maximize the effective area of ​​the optical element 6 mounted by the mounting fixture 100. In other words, the mounting fixture 100 can increase the area of ​​the optically effective portion of the optical surface of the optical element 6 that is not covered by the mounting fixture 100, compared to a case in which the mounting portion 100a does not form an edge portion. Therefore, the mounting fixture 100 can also cause the optical element 6 to act on a wider range of light in an optical system including, for example, a confocal optical scanner 2.

[0056] The mounting portion 100a forms a pair of second edges connected to both ends of the light-shielding portion 100b, respectively. This allows the mounting fixture 100 to mount the optical element 6 more stably to the holder. In addition, the mounting fixture 100 can increase the area of ​​the optically effective portion of the optical surface of the optical element 6 that is not covered by the mounting fixture 100, compared to when the mounting portion 100a does not form a pair of edges. Therefore, the mounting fixture 100 can also cause the optical element 6 to react with a wider range of light in an optical system including, for example, a confocal optical scanner 2.

[0057] The light-shielding portion 100b may absorb light. This allows the mounting fixture 100 to prevent light from traveling from the optical element 6 to the first optical path in accordance with the optical design, while preventing light from traveling to the second optical path that deviates from the optical design, thereby reducing the occurrence of stray light. For example, the mounting fixture 100 can prevent excitation light L1 reflected by the end surface of the optical element 6 from entering the optical path of observation light L2 and becoming stray light.

[0058] The optical element assembly 6a includes a fixture 100, a holder that supports the optical element 6, and the optical element 6 attached to the holder by the fixture 100. This allows the optical element assembly 6a to reduce stray light with a simpler configuration. The fixture 100 has a light-shielding portion 100b located on a plane substantially parallel to the plane on which the mounting portion 100a is located, and is integrally arranged with the mounting portion 100a, allowing for a simpler overall structure. This allows the optical element assembly 6a to further reduce physical interference with the disks of the confocal optical scanner 2, even when the optical element assembly 6a is placed in a limited space, such as between a pair of disks in the confocal optical scanner 2. The optical element assembly 6a can be simply configured so that the entire fixture 100 fits along the optical surface of the optical element 6. Therefore, even when the size of the optical element 6 is limited, the optical element 6 can be easily held by the holder within the limited space.

[0059] Additionally, since the light-shielding portion 100b is disposed along the edge of the optical element 6, the optical element assembly 6a can prevent light incident on the edge of the optical element 6 from traveling along a second optical path that deviates from the optical design. This allows the effective area of ​​the optical element 6 to be maximized. For example, in the optical element assembly 6a, the fixture 100 can more easily reduce stray light caused by reflected light at the end surface of the optical element 6 at the edge of the optical element 6. This allows the fixture 100 to increase the area of ​​the optically effective portion of the optical surface of the optical element 6 that is not covered by the fixture 100, compared to a case in which the light-shielding portion 100b is not disposed along the edge of the optical element 6. This allows the optical element assembly 6a to act on a wider range of light in an optical system that includes, for example, a confocal optical scanner 2.

[0060] The light-blocking range of the light-blocking portion 100b is determined based on the refractive index n2 and thickness t of the optical element 6 so as to maximize the area of ​​the optically effective portion on the optical surface of the optical element 6. As a result, the optical element assembly 6a can maximize the area of ​​the optically effective portion on the optical surface of the optical element 6 that is not covered by the mounting fixture 100, while using the light-blocking portion 100b to suppress the progression of light incident on the edge of the optical element 6 to the second optical path that deviates from the optical design. Therefore, the optical element assembly 6a can also cause the optical element 6 to act on a wider range of light in an optical system that includes, for example, a confocal optical scanner 2.

[0061] The confocal optical scanner 2 having the optical element assembly 6a can easily position the optical element assembly 6a between the pinhole array disk 31 and the microlens array disk 3 without the optical element assembly 6a physically interfering with at least one of these disks, thanks to the mounting fixture 100 in which the mounting portion 100a and the light-shielding portion 100b are integrally formed with a simpler structure.

[0062] In the first embodiment, the light blocking portion 100b is described as constituting the first edge of the mounting fixture 100, but this is not limiting. The light blocking portion 100b does not have to constitute an edge of the mounting fixture 100. For example, the light blocking portion 100b may be arranged so as to connect any portion of the pair of mounting portions 100a other than the ends in FIG. 2A. For example, the light blocking portion 100b may be arranged so as to connect the center portions of the pair of mounting portions 100a in FIG. 2A. That is, the mounting fixture 100 may be H-shaped as a whole. For example, the light blocking portion 100b may be arranged so as to connect positions offset from the center portions of the pair of mounting portions 100a in FIG. 2A. That is, the mounting fixture 100 may be approximately H-shaped as a whole. However, in both the H-shaped and approximately H-shaped configurations, the light blocking portion 100b is arranged along the edge of the optical element 6. That is, the only difference between the H-shape and the approximately H-shape is the length by which the attachment portion 100a extends from the edge of the optical element 6 to the side opposite the optical element 6.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the mounting portion 100a is connected to the light blocking portion 100b and forms a second edge portion of the mounting fixture 100 along a first direction intersecting the extension direction of the light blocking portion 100b. However, this is not limited to this. The mounting portion 100a does not have to form an edge portion of the mounting fixture 100. For example, instead of extending from an end of the light blocking portion 100b in the first direction in FIG. 2A , the mounting portion 100a may extend from any location located between a pair of ends of the light blocking portion 100b in the first direction. Furthermore, the first direction does not have to be perpendicular to the extension direction of the light blocking portion 100b.

[0064] In the first embodiment, the mounting portion 100a is described as constituting a pair of second edges connected to both ends of the light-shielding portion 100b, but this is not limited thereto. The mounting portion 100a may constitute only one second edge. For example, the mounting fixture 100 may be L-shaped as a whole. The mounting portion 100a may constitute three or more second edges.

[0065] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram corresponding to Fig. 2A, showing an example of the configuration of a fixture 100 according to a first modification of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2A, the fixture 100 is described as being configured with three edges, but is not limited to this. As shown in Fig. 4, the fixture 100 may be configured with four edges.

[0066] In this case, the mounting portion 100a may be connected to the second edge portion and may form a third edge portion of the mounting device 100 along a second direction that intersects with the first direction in which the second edge portion extends. For example, the first direction and the second direction may be perpendicular to each other. That is, in the mounting portion 100a, a pair of second and third edge portions may be perpendicular to each other. For example, the mounting device 100 may have a rectangular frame shape as a whole.

[0067] By having the mounting portion 100a form a third edge portion of the mounting fixture 100, the mounting fixture 100 can more stably mount the optical element 6 to the holder. In addition, compared to a case in which the mounting portion 100a does not form an edge portion, the mounting fixture 100 can increase the area of ​​the optically active portion of the optical surface of the optical element 6 that is not covered by the mounting fixture 100. Therefore, the mounting fixture 100 can also cause the optical element 6 to act on a wider range of light in an optical system that includes, for example, a confocal optical scanner 2.

[0068] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram corresponding to Fig. 2B, showing an example of the configuration of a mounting fixture 100 according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2B, the light-shielding portion 100b of the mounting fixture 100 is linear along the longitudinal direction of the optical element 6, but is not limited to this. As shown in Fig. 5, the light-shielding portion 200b of the mounting fixture 100 may be L-shaped in a cross section along the thickness direction of the light-shielding portion 200b.

[0069] As a result, the mounting fixture 100 can accurately position the range of the light-shielding portion 200b on the end face along the longitudinal direction, for example, with reference to the end face along the short side of the optical element 6. The mounting fixture 100 can accurately determine the light-shielding range of the light-shielding portion 200b with reference to the end face along the short side of the optical element 6. The mounting fixture 100 can position the light-shielding portion 200b in an optimal range that is necessary and sufficient, avoiding a light-shielding range that is too large or too small. Therefore, the mounting fixture 100 can reduce end face reflections at the optical element 6 while maximizing the usable area of ​​the optically effective portion of the optical surface of the optical element 6.

[0070] In the first embodiment, the light-shielding portion 100b is described as absorbing light, but this is not limiting. The light-shielding portion 100b may be formed to have high reflectance instead of low reflectance. For example, the light-shielding portion 100b may reflect light in any direction different from the second optical path, thereby blocking light from traveling to the second optical path.

[0071] In the first embodiment, the light blocking portion 100b is described as having a light blocking function, but is not limited thereto. In addition to the light blocking function, the light blocking portion 100b may also have an attachment function similar to that of the attachment portion 100a.

[0072] In the first embodiment, the light-shielding portion 100b is described as being arranged along the edge of the optical element 6, but is not limited thereto. When the portion of the optical element 6 through which light travels to the second optical path is located other than the edge of the optical element 6, the light-shielding portion 100b may be arranged to cover that portion.

[0073] In the first embodiment, the optical element assembly 6a having the optical element 6 attached to the holder by the fixture 100 is described as being disposed between the pinhole array disk 31 and the microlens array disk 3 in the confocal optical scanner 2, but this is not limiting. The optical element assembly 6a does not have to be disposed in the confocal optical scanner 2. The optical element assembly 6a may be disposed at any location other than the confocal optical scanner 2 in the confocal microscope 1, or may be disposed in the optical system of another device other than the confocal microscope 1.

[0074] Second Embodiment FIG. 6A is a first schematic diagram showing the appearance when the mounting fixture 100 is attached to the optical element 6. FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram showing the appearance when the mounting fixture 100 is attached to the optical element 6 when the optical element 6 is attached to the holder, as viewed from below the optical element 6. FIG. 6B is a second schematic diagram showing the appearance when the mounting fixture 100 is attached to the optical element 6. FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram showing the appearance when the mounting fixture 100 is attached to the optical element 6 when the optical element 6 is attached to the holder, as viewed in cross section from the side of the optical element 6. FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram corresponding to FIG. 2A and showing a first example configuration of a mounting fixture 300 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6D is a schematic diagram corresponding to FIG. 4 and showing a second example configuration of a mounting fixture 300 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] The mounting fixture 300 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it takes into consideration the deflection of the light-shielding portion 300b when the optical element 6 is attached to the holder. Other configurations, functions, effects, and modifications are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the corresponding explanations also apply to the mounting fixture 300 according to the second embodiment. In the following, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their explanations will be omitted. Differences from the first embodiment will be mainly explained.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B , the light-shielding portion 100b of the mounting fixture 100 may bend and move away from the optical element 6 due to a pressing force applied to the mounting portion 100a when the mounting fixture 100 mounts the optical element 6 to the holder. For example, the light-shielding portion 100b moves away from the optical surface of the optical element 6 so that the distance gradually increases from the end of the light-shielding portion 100b toward the center. The light-shielding portion 100b is most distant from the optical surface of the optical element 6 at the center. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6B , the center of the light-shielding portion 100b shifts outward along the longitudinal direction of the optical element 6. For example, the center of the light-shielding portion 100b shifts diagonally downward along the optical surface of the optical element 6. As a result, the light-shielding portion 100b fails to block part of the excitation light L1 that would have been blocked if the light-shielding portion 100b had not been bent as shown in FIG. 2B , allowing the light to enter the interior of the optical element 6 and causing end-face reflection. As a result, stray light occurs.

[0077] To solve the above problems, the mounting fixture 300 according to the second embodiment has an R-shaped portion in the light-shielding portion 300b, as shown in FIGS. 6C and 6D. For example, the light-shielding portion 300b has an R-shaped portion that protrudes more toward the inside of the mounting portion 300a at the center of the light-shielding portion 300b in the extension direction than at the ends of the light-shielding portion 300b. For example, the light-shielding portion 300b has an R-shaped portion that protrudes most toward the center of the light-shielding portion 300b in the extension direction. The R-shaped portion includes, for example, a shape in which the protrusion width toward the inside of the mounting portion 300a monotonically increases from the end to the center of the light-shielding portion 300b in the extension direction. In the present disclosure, the "inside of the mounting portion 300a" ​​refers to, for example, the side facing upward from the light-shielding portion 300b in each of FIGS. 6C and 6D, and corresponds to the side facing the center of the optical element 6 along the longitudinal direction of the optical element 6.

[0078] As described above, by forming the R-shape in advance in the light-shielding portion 300b, the excitation light L1 reflected from the end surface is blocked even if the light-shielding portion 300b is bent when the mounting fixture 300 mounts the optical element 6 to the holder. For example, even if the center of the light-shielding portion 300b is farther away from the optical element 6 and is shifted outward along the longitudinal direction of the optical element 6, the mounting fixture 300 can block light as designed on the optical surface along the longitudinal direction of the optical element 6 due to the R-shape that is predetermined before mounting.

[0079] 7A is a schematic diagram corresponding to FIG. 6A and showing a third example of the configuration of a mounting fixture 400 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram corresponding to FIG. 6C and showing the configuration of the mounting fixture 400 of FIG. 7A. The light-shielding portion 400b of the mounting fixture 400 has a step between the end portion of the light-shielding portion 400b that contacts the mounting portion 400a and the center portion. For example, the first plane on which the light-shielding portion 400b is located is substantially parallel to the second plane on which the mounting portion 400a is disposed, but is offset by one step from the second plane in a direction away from the optical element 6. The mounting fixture 400 has the above-described step shape by bending the light-shielding portion 400b.

[0080] As a result, the mounting fixture 400 can have the mounting portion 400a and the light-shielding portion 400b in a two-stage planar shape, and the light-shielding portion 400b can be positioned in a different plane from the mounting portion 400a. Therefore, the mounting fixture 400 can suppress deflection of the center of the light-shielding portion 400b even when the optical element 6 is attached to the holder. By suppressing deflection of the light-shielding portion 400b and making the light-shielding portion 400b planar, the mounting fixture 400 can make the light-blocking area rectangular when the optical surface of the optical element 6 is viewed from the front.

[0081] <Third embodiment> FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram corresponding to FIG. 2A , showing an example of the configuration of a mounting fixture 500 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The mounting fixture 500 according to the third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that a plurality of optical elements 6 are mounted together in a holder. Other configurations, functions, effects, and modifications are similar to those of the first and second embodiments, and the corresponding explanations also apply to the mounting fixture 500 according to the third embodiment. In the following, components similar to those of the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanations will be omitted. Differences from the first and second embodiments will be mainly explained.

[0082] The mounting fixture 500 has multiple sets of mounting portions 500a and light-shielding portions 500b integrally arranged along the extension direction of the light-shielding portion 500b. For example, in the mounting fixture 500, an L-shaped portion formed by one mounting portion 500a and one light-shielding portion 500b is repeatedly and continuously arranged along the extension direction of the light-shielding portion 500b. For example, the mounting fixture 500 mounts a pair of adjacent optical elements 6 to a holder based on the common mounting portion 500a. The light-shielding portion 500b of the mounting fixture 500 is connected to collectively shield the edges of the multiple optical elements 6 from light.

[0083] As a result, even when the optical element 6 attached to the holder by the attachment 500 is long in the extension direction of the light-shielding portion 500b or when multiple optical elements 6 are arranged along the extension direction, the attachment 500 can stably attach the optical element 6 to the holder. For example, the attachment 500 can also attach multiple optical elements 6 to the holder.

[0084] In FIG. 8, three optical elements 6 are attached by the attachment fixture 500 as an example, but the number of optical elements 6 is not limited to three.

[0085] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms other than the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the foregoing description is illustrative and not limiting. The scope of the disclosure is defined not by the foregoing description but by the appended claims. All modifications within the range of equivalents of any modifications are intended to be embraced therein.

[0086] For example, the shape, pattern, size, arrangement, orientation, type, and number of each of the above-mentioned components are not limited to those shown in the above description and drawings. The shape, pattern, size, arrangement, orientation, type, and number of each component may be configured arbitrarily as long as the function can be realized. The components of the illustrated confocal microscope 1 and confocal optical scanner 2 are functional concepts, and the specific aspects of each component are not limited to those shown.

[0087] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below as examples, however, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples. [Appendix 1] A fixture for attaching an optical element that causes light to travel along a first optical path according to an optical design to a holder, a mounting portion for mounting the optical element to the holder; a light-shielding portion located in a plane substantially parallel to the plane on which the mounting portion is disposed and integrally disposed with the mounting portion; Equipped with the light blocking portion blocks the light from traveling to a second optical path that is different from the first optical path and deviates from the optical design; Mounting fixture. [Appendix 2] 10. The fixture of claim 1, The light-shielding portion constitutes a first edge portion of the mounting fixture. Mounting fixture. [Appendix 3] Attachment according to claim 1 or 2, The mounting portion is connected to the light-shielding portion and forms a second edge portion of the mounting fixture along a first direction intersecting an extension direction of the light-shielding portion. Mounting fixture. [Appendix 4] 4. The fixture of claim 3, The attachment portion constitutes a pair of the second edge portions that are respectively connected to both ends of the light-shielding portion. Mounting fixture. [Appendix 5] 5. The mounting device according to claim 3 or 4, The mounting portion is connected to the second edge portion and forms a third edge portion of the mounting fixture along a second direction intersecting the first direction in which the second edge portion extends. Mounting fixture. [Appendix 6] 6. The mounting device of any one of claims 1 to 5, The light-shielding portion has an L-shape in cross section along the plate thickness direction of the light-shielding portion. Mounting fixture. [Appendix 7] 7. The fixture of any one of claims 1 to 6, The light-shielding portion has an R-shape that protrudes more toward the inside of the mounting portion at a central portion than at an end portion in an extension direction of the light-shielding portion. Mounting fixture. [Appendix 8] 8. The fixture of any one of claims 1 to 7, The light-shielding portion has a step between an end portion contacting the mounting portion and a center portion of the light-shielding portion. Mounting fixture. [Appendix 9] 9. The fixture of any one of claims 1 to 8, a plurality of sets of the light-shielding portion and the mounting portion are integrally provided along an extending direction of the light-shielding portion; Mounting fixture. [Appendix 10] 10. The fixture of any one of claims 1 to 9, The light-shielding portion absorbs the light. Mounting fixture. [Appendix 11] A mounting fixture according to any one of appendices 1 to 10; the holder for supporting the optical element; the optical element attached to the holder by the attachment; Equipped with The light blocking portion is disposed along the edge of the optical element. Optical element assembly. [Appendix 12] 12. The optical element assembly of claim 11, the light-shielding range of the light-shielding part is determined based on the refractive index and thickness of the optical element so as to maximize the area of ​​an optically effective portion on the optical surface of the optical element; Optical element assembly. [Appendix 13] a pinhole array disk having a plurality of pinholes; a microlens array disk having a plurality of microlenses that condense the light onto the pinhole; a shaft portion that coaxially connects the pinhole array disk and the microlens array disk to each other; a motor that rotates the shaft portion; the optical element assembly according to claim 11, which is disposed between the pinhole array disk and the microlens array disk; Equipped with Confocal optical scanner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1. Confocal Microscopy 2. Confocal Optical Scanner 3 Microlens array disk 3a First microlens 31 Pinhole Array Disk 31a Pinhole 31b Light-shielding mask 4a Shaft 4b Motor 5 Light source device 6 Optical element (dichroic mirror) 6a Optical element assembly 7 Objective Lens 8 Samples 9 Imaging lens 10 Camera 100 Mounting fixture 100a Mounting part 100b Light shielding part 200b Light shielding part 300 Mounting fixture 300a Mounting part 300b Light shielding part 400 Mounting fixture 400a mounting part 400b Light shielding part 500 Mounting fixture 500a mounting part 500b Light shielding part L1 excitation light L2 observation light

Claims

1. A fixture for attaching an optical element that causes light to travel along a first optical path according to an optical design to a holder, a mounting portion for mounting the optical element to the holder; a light-shielding portion located in a plane substantially parallel to the plane on which the mounting portion is disposed and integrally disposed with the mounting portion; Equipped with the light blocking portion blocks the light from traveling to a second optical path that is different from the first optical path and deviates from the optical design; Mounting fixture.

2. 10. The fixture of claim 1, The light-shielding portion constitutes a first edge portion of the mounting fixture. Mounting fixture.

3. 3. The fixture according to claim 1 or 2, The attachment portion is connected to the light-shielding portion and forms a second edge portion of the attachment fixture along a first direction intersecting an extension direction of the light-shielding portion. Mounting fixture.

4. 4. The fixture of claim 3, The attachment portion constitutes a pair of the second edge portions that are respectively connected to both ends of the light-shielding portion. Mounting fixture.

5. 4. The fixture of claim 3, The mounting portion is connected to the second edge portion and constitutes a third edge portion of the mounting fixture along a second direction intersecting the first direction in which the second edge portion extends. Mounting fixture.

6. 3. The fixture according to claim 1 or 2, The light-shielding portion has an L-shape in cross section along a plate thickness direction of the light-shielding portion. Mounting fixture.

7. 3. The fixture according to claim 1 or 2, The light-shielding portion has an R-shape that protrudes more toward the inside of the mounting portion at a central portion than at an end portion in an extension direction of the light-shielding portion. Mounting fixture.

8. 3. The fixture according to claim 1 or 2, The light-shielding portion has a step between an end portion contacting the mounting portion and a center portion of the light-shielding portion. Mounting fixture.

9. 3. The fixture according to claim 1 or 2, a plurality of sets of the light-shielding portion and the mounting portion are integrally provided along an extending direction of the light-shielding portion; Mounting fixture.

10. 3. The fixture according to claim 1 or 2, The light-shielding portion absorbs the light. Mounting fixture.

11. The mounting fixture according to claim 1 or 2; the holder for supporting the optical element; the optical element attached to the holder by the attachment; Equipped with The light blocking portion is disposed along the edge of the optical element. Optical element assembly.

12. 12. The optical element assembly according to claim 11, the light-shielding range of the light-shielding part is determined based on the refractive index and thickness of the optical element so as to maximize the area of ​​an optically effective portion on the optical surface of the optical element; Optical element assembly.

13. a pinhole array disk having a plurality of pinholes; a microlens array disk having a plurality of microlenses that condense the light onto the pinhole; a shaft portion that coaxially connects the pinhole array disk and the microlens array disk to each other; a motor that rotates the shaft portion; the optical element assembly according to claim 11, which is disposed between the pinhole array disk and the microlens array disk; Equipped with Confocal optical scanner.

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