Microscope with focusing system

Abstract

To provide a microscope which uses the same objective lens and the same camera for both imaging and focusing to reduce the cost in comparison to microscopes with separate focusing systems.SOLUTION: A microscope provided herein comprises a microscope objective lens 7, a camera 14, and an imaging optical system 30 for imaging an object 55 through the objective lens 7 to the camera 14 along a first optical path. A projection optical system 40 is provided to project a test image onto the object 55 through the objective lens 7, and the imaging optical system 30 is configured to image the projected test image from the object 55 to the camera 14 through the objective lens 7 and along at least part of the first optical path. A focus adjustment system 35 is provided to focus the test image at the camera 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to focusing in microscopes, particularly but not exclusively to compensating for defocus in microscopes. [Background technology]

[0002] The term defocus refers to the inability of a microscope to maintain a selected focal plane over time, for example as a result of temperature changes, mechanical shock, or vibration. The image quality obtained by a microscope can be adversely affected by defocus, especially when operating at high axial resolution.

[0003] It is known to compensate for defocus in a microscope by providing a compensation system for focus that is separate from the imaging system. Typically, an infrared (IR) reference beam, spatially separated from the imaging axis of the microscope, is launched into infinity space above or below the objective lens of the microscope. A similarly spatially separated returning IR signal is detected and imaged using a dedicated imaging path separate from the main imaging path of the microscope. This arrangement allows continuous closed-loop feedback on the reference plane to provide focus compensation, but at the expense of requiring a dedicated imaging path for focus compensation.

[0004] It would be desirable to support defocus compensation in a microscope without requiring a dedicated imaging optical path for this purpose. More generally, it would also be desirable to provide a relatively inexpensive focus system for a microscope. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a microscope comprises: At least one camera; an imaging optical system configured to image an object along a first optical path through the objective lens to the at least one camera; a projection optical system configured to project a test image onto the object through the objective lens; A focus adjustment system, the imaging optical system is configured to image the projected test image from the object through the objective lens and along at least a portion of the first optical path to the at least one camera; The focus adjustment system is operable to focus the test image onto the at least one camera.

[0006] Preferably, the microscope is operable in a focusing mode, in which the projection optical system projects the test image onto the object, the imaging optical system images the projected test image from the object onto the at least one camera, and the focus adjustment system focuses the test image onto the at least one camera. The microscope is typically operable in an imaging mode, in which the imaging optical system images the object onto the at least one camera. The projection optical system is preferably in an inoperative state in the imaging mode.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the projection optical system is configured to project the test image along a portion of the first optical path onto the object.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, a first beam splitter is included in the imaging optical system in the first optical path, and the projection optical system is configured to project the test image onto the object by the first beam splitter. The projection optical system includes an optical projector, and the first beam splitter is configured to split light from the optical projector into first and second portions and direct the first portion to the objective lens for projecting the test image onto the object via the objective lens. The beam splitter may be configured to direct the first portion to the objective lens for projecting the test image onto the object along the first optical path.

[0009] Typically, the optical projector includes a first light source configured to generate light in a first frequency band, and the first beam splitter is configured to split the light in the first frequency band. The first beam splitter may be configured to reflect the first portion of light and transmit the second portion of light. In a preferred embodiment, the first light source is an infrared (IR) or near infrared (NIR) light source or a white light source.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the microscope includes an illumination optical system comprising a second light source for illuminating the object. The illumination optical system may be configured to direct light from the second light source onto the object via the first beam splitter. The second light source may be configured to generate light in a second frequency band, and the first beam splitter is configured to transmit light in the second frequency band. Preferably, in the focusing mode, the second light source is inactive. Typically, the second light source comprises at least one laser device.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the first beam splitter is configured to transmit light in a frequency range corresponding to the fluorescent emission emitted by the object being used.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the microscope includes a stage for receiving the object, and the focus adjustment system is operable to focus the test image onto the at least one camera by providing relative movement between the stage and the objective lens along the optical axis.

[0013] Typically, the at least one camera is a digital camera having a digital image sensor, and the focus adjustment system is operable to focus the test image onto the image sensor.

[0014] The microscope may comprise at least one sensor for detecting one or more environmental parameters of the microscope, and the microscope is configured to adopt the focusing mode in response to an input from the at least one sensor. The at least one sensor may comprise at least one temperature sensor, and the microscope is configured to adopt the focusing mode in response to the at least one temperature sensor detecting a temperature change or temperature gradient above a threshold. The at least one sensor may comprise at least one shock sensor and / or at least one vibration sensor, and the microscope is configured to adopt the focusing mode in response to the at least one shock sensor or vibration sensor detecting a shock or vibration above a threshold.

[0015] The microscope includes at least one movement sensor that detects movement of the objective lens or the stage, and the microscope is configured to adopt the focusing mode in response to the at least one movement sensor detecting movement of the stage or the objective lens above a threshold value.

[0016] The microscope is configured to adopt the focusing mode periodically or in response to user input. The focus adjustment system is manually operable.

[0017] Typically, the focus adjustment system comprises means for providing relative movement between the objective lens and the object.

[0018] Typically, the focus adjustment system includes a controller that is programmed to perform contrast detection based autofocusing.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one camera comprises a first camera, the imaging optical system configured to image the object along the first optical path via the objective lens to the first camera, the imaging optical system configured to image the projected test image from the object along the first optical path to the first camera, and the focus adjustment system operable to focus the test image onto the first camera, and preferably the at least one camera comprises only the first camera.

[0020] Alternatively, the at least one camera comprises a first camera and a second camera, the imaging optical system configured to image the object along the first optical path via the objective lens to the first camera, the imaging optical system images the projected test image from the object along a portion of the first optical path via the objective lens to the second camera, and the focusing system is operable to focus the test image onto the second camera. A beam splitter may be provided in the first optical path to reflect a test image beam towards the second camera.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for adjusting focus in a microscope having an imaging optical system for imaging an object via an objective lens along a first optical path onto at least one camera, comprising projecting a test image onto the object via the objective lens, The projected test image is imaged from the object through the objective lens onto the at least one camera, and the test image is focused onto the at least one camera.

[0022] Advantageously, the same objective lens and preferably the same camera are used for both imaging and focusing. This arrangement makes it possible to reduce the cost of the microscope compared to known microscopes with separate focusing systems. In a preferred embodiment, the optical imaging system and the camera perform the defocus correction. This arrangement eliminates the need for an additional dedicated imaging system for defocus correction, reducing the expense and complexity of the microscope.

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like parts and in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a microscope embodying a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the microscope of FIG. 1 showing the delivery of an excitation beam for imaging. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the microscope of FIG. 1 showing the path of the excitation beam along a portion of the first optical path. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the microscope of FIG. 1 illustrating the path of a sample fluorescent signal along a portion of the first optical path. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the microscope of FIG. 1 showing the path of a sample fluorescent signal or reflected test beam along a portion of the first optical path. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the microscope of FIG. 1 showing the projection of a test image. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of the reflection of a test image from a sample when the microscope has an air objective. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram of the reflection of a test image from a sample when the microscope has a water immersion objective. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C is a schematic diagram of the reflection of a test image from a sample when the microscope has an oil immersion objective. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the microscope of FIG. 1 illustrating the path of a reflected test signal along a portion of the first optical path. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of another microscope embodying the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] As shown in the figures, a microscope embodying a first aspect of the present invention is generally designated by the numeral 100. Microscope 100 is an optical microscope, and in the illustrated embodiment is a spinning disk confocal microscope, although as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, microscopes embodying the present invention may be of other conventional types.

[0026] The microscope 100 comprises a stage 20 which receives an object 55 to be imaged. The object 55 typically comprises a slide 9 on which a specimen, e.g. a biological specimen, is placed. The specimen is typically immersed in a medium, e.g. water. A cover slide 8 may optionally be placed over the specimen.

[0027] The microscope 100 comprises an imaging optical system 30 for imaging an object 55 along an optical path onto the camera 14. In particular, the imaging optical system 30 preferably focuses an image of the object 55 onto a focal plane of the camera 14. The imaging optical system 30 comprises a series of optical devices, typically at least one lens and optionally at least one mirror, arranged to image the object 55 onto the camera 14, i.e. to form an image of the object 55 at the camera 14 via the series of optical devices. The imaging optical system 30 comprises a microscope objective 7, preferably an infinity corrected microscope objective. The imaging optical system 30 also comprises a tube lens 10 arranged to form an intermediate image of the object 55, for example on a confocal spinning pinhole disk 11. Optionally, a mirror 19 is provided between the objective lens 7 and the tube lens 10, the mirror 19 arranged to produce an excitation beam correctly aligned with the optical axis of the objective lens 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the imaging optical system 30 includes a first imaging plane relay lens 13 and a second imaging plane relay lens 13' between the tube lens 10 and the camera 14. Optionally, a mirror 21 is provided between the relay lenses 13, 13' and configured to generate a fluorescent beam optimally aligned with the optical axis of the second relay lens 13'. In other embodiments (not shown), the imaging optical system may include other suitable lens arrangements and mirrors, if required.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, camera 14 is a digital camera equipped with a digital image sensor 22, e.g., a CCD sensor. Imaging optical system 30 images object 55 onto image sensor 22. In particular, imaging optical system 30 desirably focuses an image of object 55 onto sensor 22 (the image sensing surface of sensor 22 is located in the focal plane of imaging optical system 30).

[0029] The microscope 100 includes a focusing system 35 for adjusting the imaging optical system 30 and / or the stage 20 in order to focus the image of the object 55 on the camera 14. The focusing system 35 comprises means for providing relative movement between the stage 20 and the objective 7 in an axial direction corresponding to the optical axis of the objective 7. In a typical embodiment, the objective 7 is axially movable relative to the stage 20 and thus the object 55. To this end, the objective 7 is moved by a movable support structure 15, typically an objective turret. In the illustrated embodiment, the turret 15, and thus the objective 7, is movable in the direction indicated by the arrow A-A'. The turret 15 may include or be coupled to a drive system (not shown), e.g. a motorized drive system or a piezoelectric drive system, for moving the turret 15 in the direction of the arrow A-A'. Any suitable conventional motorized drive system may be used. Axial movement of the objective lens 7 towards and away from the object 55 adjusts the focus of the image at the camera 14. The movable objective lens unit 7, 15 thus serves as part of the focusing system 35. Typically, the stage 20 remains stationary during focusing and the objective lens 7 moves relative to it. Alternatively, the stage 20 may be moved axially relative to the objective lens 7, with the objective lens 7 being made to remain stationary during focusing. More generally, either one of the objective lens 7 and the stage 20, or both, may be axially movable towards and away from each other for focusing.

[0030] The focusing system 35 also includes a controller 50 for controlling the movement of the objective lens 7 (and / or, if applicable, the stage 20) in order to focus the image on the camera 14. The controller 50 may take any conventional form and typically comprises a suitably programmed processor, e.g., a microprocessor or microcontroller. The focusing system is preferably configured to perform autofocusing of the image on the camera 14. To this end, the camera 14 and / or the microscope 100 may include any conventional autofocusing means. For example, the controller 50 may be programmed to perform contrast detection autofocusing using any conventional contrast detection autofocusing algorithm. To perform contrast detection autofocusing, the controller 50 may monitor the intensity of light detected by at least some of the pixels of the sensor 22 and move the objective lens 7 to control, e.g., maximize, the detected light intensity according to the contrast detection autofocusing algorithm. Alternatively, the camera 14 and / or the microscope 100 may be configured to perform phase detection autofocusing.

[0031] The microscope 100 includes an illumination optical system 45 for illuminating the object 55, and in particular the specimen contained in the object 55. The illumination optical system 45 includes a light source 25, which in a preferred embodiment includes one or more laser devices, but may alternatively include other suitable conventional light sources, such as one or more LEDs, or one or more incandescent bulbs. The light source 25 may be configured to generate light in one or more frequency bands as consistent with the present application and as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, if the object 55 is capable of fluorescence (either because it is inherently capable of fluorescence, i.e., autofluorescence, or because one or more fluorescent markers (e.g., proteins or dyes) have been added to the specimen), the light source 25 may be configured to generate light in one or more frequency bands that excite the specimen / marker and cause it to fluoresce. In a preferred embodiment, the illumination optical system 45 is configured to illuminate the object 55 by directing light (in this example a laser beam 65 which may comprise any one of a number of wavelengths corresponding to the fluorescent properties of the specimen / marker) at the object along at least a portion of the optical path defined by the imaging optical system 30. In particular, the illumination optical system 45 is configured to illuminate the object 55 via the objective lens 7. To facilitate this, a beam splitter 12 is included in the imaging optical system 30. The beam splitter 12 is configured to transmit light in one or more frequency bands corresponding to the light generated by the laser device 25. The laser device 25 is arranged to direct the laser beam 65 via the beam splitter 12 and on the optical path along which it is directed, via the objective lens 7 to the object 55. The beam splitter 12 is configured to reflect (or at least partially reflect) light in one or more frequency bands corresponding to the light reflected from or illuminated by the object 55. Beam splitter 12 may have one or more reflection bands that correspond to light reflected from or incident on object 55 and a transmission band that corresponds to light generated by laser device 25 .In the illustrated embodiment, the beam splitter 12 is located between the tube lens 10 and the first relay lens 13 and is positioned to reflect light through the tube lens 10 to the first relay lens 13. Typically, the beam splitter 12 is a dichroic mirror.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the microscope 100 is configured to perform spinning disk confocal laser microscopy, and the illumination optical system 45 includes a spinning disk 11 onto which the laser beam 65 is directed. The spinning disk 11 may be part of a spinning disk structure that includes a pinhole (not shown), has microlenses, and includes a corresponding spinning correction disk (not shown). The spinning disk 11, or the spinning disk structure, acts as a scanner and illuminates the object 55 with an array of laser beams generated from the laser beam 65. The spinning disk 11 is located at an intermediate image plane in the optical path of the imaging optical system 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the spinning disk 11 is located between the tube lens 10 and the beam splitter 12.

[0033] In other embodiments in which microscope 100 is not a confocal spinning disk microscope, spinning disk 11 may be omitted. In embodiments in which the microscope uses laser scanning to illuminate object 55, any other conventional laser scanning system may be provided. In other embodiments, illumination optical system 45 may be positioned to illuminate object 55 from behind, i.e., through stage 20.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the object 55 includes a specimen that fluoresces when excited by light from the illumination optical system 45 (or fluoresces due to spontaneous emission or due to fluorescent markers (or labels) contained in the specimen). Thus, when the microscope 100 operates in an imaging mode, it is the fluorescent light emitted from the specimen that is imaged by the imaging optical system 30 to the camera 14.

[0035] During operation of microscope 100, the focusing of the image on the camera by imaging optical system 30 may become misfocused for a variety of reasons, including as a result of shock, vibration, temperature changes or temperature gradients within the microscope, or misalignments in the focusing mechanism. Microscope 100 includes a projection optical system 40, which, together with a focus adjustment system 35, can be used to correct for misfocus.

[0036] The projection optical system 40 is configured to project a test image onto an object 55 via the objective lens 7. The objective lens 7 is therefore shared by the projection optical system 40 and the imaging optical system 30.

[0037] The projection optical system 40 includes an optical projector 42 for projecting a test image. The optical projector 42 comprises a light source 1, which in a preferred embodiment is a near infrared (NIR) light source, for example comprising one or more LEDs. The light source 1 may alternatively take other forms, for example a lamp or any conventional non-coherent light source. Advantageously, the light source 1 is configured to generate light in a frequency band different, preferably non-overlapping, from the frequency band of the light source 25. In a preferred embodiment, the light generated by the light source 1 is also in a frequency band different, optionally non-overlapping, from the frequency band of the light emitted by the object 55 during imaging, i.e. the fluorescent light of the specimen. In a preferred embodiment, the beam splitter 6 is completely transmissive in that frequency band, but may be a mirror only for the near infrared. In other embodiments, the light source 1 may be configured to generate light in any conventional frequency band, including the same frequency band as the light source 25 and / or the fluorescent emission of the specimen. Optionally, the light source 1 may be configured to generate white light. The light source 1 may comprise any suitable conventional light source, for example one or more LEDs or one or more lasers.

[0038] To create the test image, projector 42 includes an aperture 4, which may be formed in plate 4A or other conventional structure, through which light from light source 1 passes. In other embodiments, the test image may be created by any other conventional means.

[0039] Projector 42 may typically include a collimator lens 2 positioned between light source 1 and aperture 4 to collimate the light from the light source. Projector 42 may also include an optical diffuser 3 that may be positioned between collimator lens 2 and aperture 4. Collimator lens 5 may also be provided in front of aperture 4 (in the direction of light travel) to collimate the light passing through aperture 4.

[0040] The projector 42 generates a test image beam 59 directed towards the objective lens 7 for projecting a test image on the object 55. Advantageously, the test image beam 59 is directed towards the objective lens 7 along a part of an optical path defined by the imaging optical system 30. To this end, a beam splitter 6 is included in the optical path of the imaging optical system 30. The projection optical system 40 is configured to project the test image onto the object 8, 9 via the beam splitter 6. In particular, the projector 42 is arranged to direct the test image beam 59 onto the beam splitter 6. The beam splitter 6 is configured to split the test image beam 59 into a first part 62 and a second part 63 and to direct the first part 62 towards the objective lens 7 for projecting the test image on the object 8, 9. In a preferred embodiment, the beam splitter 6 reflects the first part 62 from a reflecting surface 61 towards the objective lens 7. A second portion 63 of beam 59 may be transmitted through beam splitter 6 and directed to beam dump 64. Beam splitter 6 thus directs a first portion 62 of test image beam 59 onto an optical path towards objective lens 7. Thus, a portion of the optical path between splitter 6 and objects 8, 9, including objective lens 7, is shared by projection optical system 40 and imaging optical system 30.

[0041] The beam splitter 6 is configured to split the light in frequency bands corresponding to the light 59 projected by the projector 42. The frequency bands may be referred to as reflection bands. The beam splitter 6 splits the light 59 such that a first portion 62 is reflected and a second portion is transmitted. Preferably, the beam splitter 6 is configured for a 50 / 50 split between the portions 62, 63. In the illustrated embodiment, the beam splitter 6 is located between the tube lens 10 and the objective lens 7. Typically, the beam splitter 6 comprises a dichroic mirror. More generally, however, the beam splitter 6 may be any optical element that reflects any portion of the light 59 to the objective lens 7 while allowing at least some of the light reflected by or emitted from the object 55 to pass therethrough. For example, the beam splitter 6 may comprise a window with a suitable anti-reflective coating.

[0042] The beam splitter 6 is configured to transmit light in a frequency band corresponding to the light generated by the laser device 25. In the context of the present invention, transmission may be taken to mean that approximately 90% or more of the relevant light is transmitted, although this definition is not limiting to the present invention. This frequency band may be referred to as a first transmission band. In a preferred embodiment, the beam splitter 6 is also transparent to the light emitted from the object 55 during imaging, i.e. the fluorescent emission of the specimen. This frequency band may be referred to as a second transmission band. The first and second transmission bands may be separate from each other or may overlap completely or partially, depending on the requirements of the application. For example, the first and second transmission bands may be within a single transmission band of the beam splitter 6, or the beam splitter 6 may support another transmission band corresponding to the first and second transmission bands. The reflection band may or may not overlap the transmission band to suit the application.

[0043] The illumination optical system 45 is configured to direct light from the laser device to the target 55 via a beam splitter 6. The beam splitter 6 is positioned in the optical path such that the laser beam 65 is incident on the beam splitter 6 and passes through the beam splitter 6 as the beam splitter 6 is transparent to the laser light.

[0044] The microscope 100 can operate in an imaging mode in which an object 55 is imaged by the imaging optical system 30 to the camera 14. In the imaging mode, the illumination optical system 45 illuminates the object 55 with a laser beam 65. In a preferred embodiment, as best shown in Figures 2 and 3, the laser beam 65 is transmitted through the beam splitter 12 and the spinning disk 11 (if present) and also through the beam splitter 6 after reaching the objective lens 7 and being directed onto the object 55. In applications in which the object 55 comprises a fluorescent specimen, the laser beam 65 acts as an excitation beam to excite the fluorescent emission of the specimen. The resulting fluorescent light 651 is collected by the objective lens 7 and directed along an optical path to be imaged to the camera 14. 4 and 5, fluorescent beam 51 is transmitted through beam splitter 6 and spinning disk 11 (if present), reflected by beam splitter 12, directed to relay lenses 13, 13', and then directed to camera 14 to produce an image of object 55 on camera 14. During imaging, imaging optical system 30 may focus the image onto camera 14 by any conventional means, including focusing system 35.

[0045] When microscope 100 is in imaging mode, projection optical system 42 is optionally deactivated so as not to project the test image onto object 55. For example, projector 42 may be switched off or otherwise deactivated (e.g., polarized, diverged) so as not to direct test image beam 59 onto beam splitter 6.

[0046] To accommodate any focus corrections that may be required, the preferred microscope 100 is operable in a focus correction mode, in which the projection optical system 40 projects a test image onto the object 55 and the imaging optical system 30 images the projected test image from the object 55 onto the camera 14. The focus adjustment system 35 operates to focus the imaged test image onto the camera 14, thereby correcting focus as necessary.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, as best seen in Figure 6, test image beam 59 is split by beam splitter 6 such that portion 62 is directed towards objective lens 7, thereby projecting a test image onto object 55. Portion 62 of test image beam 59 is reflected from object 55 back to objective lens 7, where it can be imaged by imaging optical system 30. The reflection may occur at one or more interfaces of object 55 where a refractive index discontinuity exists.

[0048] 7A, 7B, and 7C show how a portion 62 of the test image beam 59 can be reflected from the object 55 and imaged to the camera 14. In FIG. 7A, it is assumed that the medium between the objective lens 7 and the object 55 is air. The portion 62 of the test image beam is reflected at the interface between the air and the surface of the cover slip 8 (illustrated by reflected light 621) and also at the interface between the back surface of the cover slip 8 and the specimen medium 16 (illustrated by reflected light 622). In FIG. 7B, it is assumed that the medium between the objective lens 7 and the object 55 is water. The portion 62 of the test image beam is reflected at the interface between the water and the surface of the cover slip 8 (illustrated by reflected light 623) and also at the interface between the back surface of the cover slip 8 and the specimen medium 16 (illustrated by reflected light 622). In FIG. 7C, it is assumed that the medium 17 between the objective lens 7 and the object 55 is oil. Portion 62 of the test image beam is reflected (illustrated by reflected light 622) at the interface between the surface of the coverslip 8 and the sample medium 16. More generally, depending on the type of objective lens 7 and the configuration of the object 55, the test image beam 59 may be reflected at one or more interfaces of the object 55, in particular at any interface where there is a change in refractive index. In general, for an object 55 having a coverslip 8, the most detectable reflections will occur at interfaces at the surface of the coverslip 8 (as illustrated by reflections 621 and 623).

[0049] In any case, the reflected light 621, 622, 623 (if applicable) is collected by the objective lens 7 and imaged along the optical path to the camera 14 as a reflected test image beam. In a preferred embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 8, the reflected test image beam 621, 622, 623 is incident on a beam splitter 6 which splits the reflected test image beam 621, 622, 623 such that a portion 625 of the reflected test image beam is transmitted through the beam splitter 6 and travels along the optical path. Another portion 624 of the reflected test image beam is reflected by the beam splitter 6 and diverted from the optical path, typically towards the projector 42. In a preferred embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 5, a transmitted portion 625 of the reflected target image beam is transmitted through the spinning disk 11 (if present), reflected by the beam splitter 12 and directed to the relay lens 13, 13' and then to the camera 14 for producing the target image at the camera 14. The focus adjustment system 35 may be operated to focus the test image onto the camera 14 based on any of the reflected light components 621, 622, 623, or other light reflected by the object 55, as desired.

[0050] The microscope 100 may be adapted to adopt the focus correction mode periodically (typically by the controller 50) and / or in response to one or more detected events, including any one or more of a detected temperature change or temperature gradient in the microscope 100 exceeding a threshold, vibration exceeding a threshold, mechanical shock exceeding a threshold, mechanical misalignment of the focus mechanism, e.g., movement of the turret 15. To this end, one or more conventional sensors 51 (e.g., temperature sensors, vibration sensors, motion sensors, and / or shock sensors) may be included in the microscope 100. The sensors 51 may provide signals to the controller 50 in response to which the controller 50 may determine whether to cause the microscope 100 to adopt the focus correction mode. When imaging is performed, the microscope 100 may switch to the focus correction mode and return to the imaging mode when the focus correction mode is performed. Alternatively or additionally, the microscope 100 may be manually operated by a user to adopt the focus correction mode.

[0051] Optionally, the microscope 100 may be operable in a manual focusing mode in which a user can manually set the focus of the microscope 100 using the projection optical system 40. To this end, the microscope 100 may be configured to allow a user to manually move the objective lens 7 (and / or stage 20, if applicable) to focus a test image on the camera. The microscope 100 may also be operable in a user-initiated autofocus mode in which the microscope 100 operates the projection optical system 40 in response to a user action to focus a test image on the camera. The microscope 100 may then employ an imaging mode after focusing is completed or in response to user input.

[0052] When microscope 100 is in a supported forcing mode (which in a preferred embodiment includes any one or more of a force compensation mode, a manual focusing mode, or a user-initiated automatic focusing mode), illumination optical system 45 is optically inoperative so as not to illuminate object 55. For example, laser 25 may be switched off or otherwise inoperative, e.g., polarized or diverged.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, an emission filter 23A is provided in the optical path between the beam splitter 12 and the camera 14 so that any portion of the light 65 from the light source 25 that is reflected by the beam splitter 12 towards the camera 14 does not reach the camera 14. For example, the emission filter may be configured to pass fluorescent light emitted from the object 55 but block light in the frequency band emitted by the light source 25. During focusing, if the emission filter does not include a pass band corresponding to the wavelength of light from the projection optical system 40, the emission filter is removed from the optical path. Conveniently, the emission filter 23A is provided in a filter selector device 23 operable to move the emission filter in or out of the optical path as required. The filter selector device 23 may comprise a rotatable wheel. The filter selector device 23 may comprise an optically transparent window 23B or a suitable filter or hole that can be moved in line into the optical path during the appropriate focusing mode.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the microscope 100 operates in either the imaging mode or one of the supported focusing modes, but does not perform imaging mode and focusing simultaneously. During focusing, the microscope 100 uses the projection optical system 40 to focus a test image on the camera 14, either automatically, or with user input, as described above, if applicable. The focusing result causes the microscope 100 to adopt a reference focus state. The reference focus state has a reference axial distance between the objective lens 7 and the object, in particular between the objective lens 7 and the interface of the object 55, whichever is used to perform focusing. In some states, during the imaging mode, for the reference focus state, the objective lens 7 is moved axially relative to the stage 20, or vice versa. For example, in an embodiment in which the microscope 100 is a scanning microscope, the scanning performed during the imaging mode may include a relative axial movement of the objective lens 7 and the stage 20, for the reference focus state.

[0055] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of a microscope 100', in which the same reference numerals are used to denote the same parts and the same or similar descriptions as given for FIGS. 1 to 8 apply unless otherwise indicated. The microscope 100' differs from the microscope 100 by including a second camera 27, which is used to focus the test image in either the servo focusing mode. To facilitate this, a beam splitter 24 is included in the imaging optical system 30. The beam splitter 24 is configured to transmit light in one or more frequency bands corresponding to light emitted from the object 55 during the imaging mode (typically the fluorescent emission of the specimen) and to reflect (at least partially reflect) light in one or more frequency bands corresponding to light reflected from the object 55 during focusing, i.e. light emitted from the light source 1. The beam splitter 24 is provided in the optical path of the imaging optical system 30 and is arranged to reflect the appropriate light to the second camera 27, away from the optical path to the first camera. The beam splitter 24 may be a dichroic mirror.

[0056] A beam splitter 24 may be located between the first and second relay lenses 13, 13'. A third relay lens 13'' may be provided between the beam splitter 24 and the second camera 27 and may be arranged to cooperate with the first relay lens 13 during focusing.

[0057] In the imaging mode, the first camera 14 is used to image the object 55 as described above. In any of the supported focusing modes, a test image reflected from the object 55 is imaged and focused on the second camera 25. This may be accomplished in a similar manner as described above in relation to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 8.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the same objective lens 7, and preferably also the same camera 14, is used for both imaging and focusing. This arrangement allows a reduction in the cost and size of the microscope compared to known microscopes that provide a separate focusing system.

[0059] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but may be modified and varied without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A microscope A microscope objective lens; At least one camera; an imaging optical system configured to image an object along a first optical path through the objective lens to the at least one camera, the imaging optical system configured to form an intermediate image of the object at an intermediate image plane; a projection optical system including a first light source and configured to project a test image onto the object through the objective lens; A focus adjustment system, the imaging optical system is configured to image the projected test image from the object through the objective lens and along at least a portion of the first optical path to the at least one camera; the focusing system is operable to focus the test image onto the at least one camera; The microscope further comprises: a first beam splitter is included in the imaging optical system in the first optical path; the projection optical system is configured to project the test image onto the object through the first beam splitter; an illumination optical system for illuminating the object, the illumination optical system comprising a second light source directed onto a spinning pinhole disk; the spinning pinhole disk is located at the intermediate image plane; the illumination optical system is configured to direct light from the second light source through the first beam splitter onto the object; a second beam splitter is included in the imaging optical system in the first optical path; the illumination optical system is positioned to direct light from the second light source through the second beam splitter onto the spinning pinhole disk; the imaging optical system is positioned to image the object onto the at least one camera via the second beam splitter. microscope.

2. 2. The microscope according to claim 1, The microscope comprises: the projection optical system projects the test image onto the object; the imaging optical system images the projected test image from the object onto the at least one camera; the focusing system focuses the test image onto the at least one camera; It can operate in focusing mode.

3. 3. The microscope according to claim 1, the microscope is operable in an imaging mode in which the imaging optical system images the object onto the at least one camera; The projection optical system is inactive in the imaging mode.

4. The microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The projection optical system projects the test image along a portion of the first optical path onto the object.

5. 2. The microscope according to claim 1, the projection optical system includes an optical projector; The first beam splitter is configured to split light from the optical projector into first and second portions and direct the first portion to the objective lens for projecting the test image onto the object via the objective lens.

6. 6. The microscope according to claim 5, The first beam splitter is configured to direct the first portion to the objective lens for projecting the test image along the first optical path onto the object.

7. 7. The microscope according to claim 5, The optical projector includes a first light source configured to generate light in a first frequency band; The first beam splitter is configured to split off light in the first wavelength band.

8. 8. The microscope according to claim 7, The first beam splitter is configured to reflect the first portion of light and transmit the second portion of light.

9. The microscope according to claim 7 or 8, The first light source is an infrared (IR) or near infrared (NIR) light source or a white light source.

10. 2. The microscope according to claim 1, the second light source is configured to generate light in a second frequency band; The first beam splitter is configured to transmit light in the second frequency band.

11. The microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The microscope comprises: the projection optical system projects the test image onto the object; the imaging optical system images the projected test image from the object onto the at least one camera; the focus adjustment system is operable in a focusing mode to focus the test image onto the at least one camera; In the focusing mode, the second light source is inactive.

12. The microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The second light source comprises at least one laser device.

13. The microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The first beam splitter is configured to transmit light in a frequency range corresponding to fluorescent emissions emitted from the object.

14. The microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 13, a stage for receiving the object; The focusing system is operable to focus the test image onto the at least one camera by providing relative movement between the stage and the objective lens along an optical axis.

15. 15. The microscope according to claim 1, the at least one camera is a digital camera having a digital image sensor; The focus adjustment system is operable to focus the test image onto the image sensor.

16. 3. The microscope according to claim 2, at least one sensor for detecting one or more environmental parameters of the microscope; the microscope is configured to adopt the focusing mode in response to input from the at least one sensor; the at least one sensor comprises at least one temperature sensor; The microscope is configured to adopt the focusing mode in response to the at least one temperature sensor detecting a temperature change or gradient above a threshold value.

17. The microscope according to claim 2 or claim 16, the microscope comprises at least one shock sensor and / or at least one vibration sensor; The microscope is configured to adopt the focusing mode in response to the at least one shock or vibration sensor detecting a shock or vibration above a threshold value.

18. 3. The microscope according to claim 2, at least one movement sensor for detecting movement of the objective lens or a stage for receiving the object; The microscope is configured to adopt the focusing mode in response to the at least one motion sensor detecting movement of the stage or the objective lens above a threshold value.

19. 3. The microscope according to claim 2, The microscope is configured to adopt the focusing mode periodically or in response to user input.

20. 20. The microscope according to claim 1, The focus adjustment system is manually operable.

21. 21. The microscope according to claim 1, The focus adjustment system includes a controller programmed to perform contrast detection based autofocusing.

22. 3. The microscope according to claim 2, the at least one camera comprises a first camera; the imaging optical system is configured to image the object along the first optical path through the objective lens to the first camera; the imaging optical system is configured to image the projected test image from the object along the first optical path to the first camera; The focus adjustment system is operable to focus the test image onto the first camera.

23. 22. The microscope according to claim 1, the at least one camera comprises a first camera and a second camera; the imaging optical system is configured to image the object along the first optical path through the objective lens to the first camera; the imaging optical system images the projected test image from the object along a portion of the first optical path through the objective lens to the second camera; The focus adjustment system is operable to focus the test image onto the second camera.

24. 1. A method of focusing in a microscope having an imaging optical system that images an object along a first optical path through an objective lens onto at least one camera, comprising the steps of: projecting a test image through the objective lens onto the object via a first beam splitter and using a first light source; imaging the projected test image from the object through the objective lens onto the at least one camera; focusing the test image onto the at least one camera; illuminating the object with a second light source directed onto a spinning pinhole disk located at an intermediate image plane; light from the second light source is directed onto the object through the first beam splitter; the illuminating step includes directing light from the second light source through a second beam splitter onto the spinning pinhole disk; the imaging step includes imaging the object onto the at least one camera through the second beam splitter. How to adjust focus.

25. 25. The method of adjusting focus according to claim 24, A filter selector device is disposed between the second beam splitter and the at least one camera, and the filter selector device is operable to move an optically transparent window, filter or hole into the first optical path when the focus adjustment is performed to focus the test image onto the at least one camera.

Images