Microscope and segmenting device for a microscope

Abstract

A microscope, in particular for confocal scanning microscopy, having a light source ( 1 ) for illuminating an object ( 6 ) to be investigated. An optical device ( 9, 12 ) is provided for splitting transmitted light ( 15 ) passing through the object ( 6 ) and fluorescent light ( 10, 13 ) produced in the object ( 6 ). A segmenting device ( 17 ) acting on the transmitted light ( 15 ) is configured with regard to a detection-light path which is as short as possible in such a way that the segmenting device ( 17 ) is arranged between the object ( 6 ) and the light-splitting device ( 9, 12 ).

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A microscope comprising: a light source ( 1 ) for illuminating an object ( 6 ) to be investigated, a an optical device ( 9 ,  12 ) for splitting transmitted light ( 15 ) passing through the object ( 6 ) and fluorescent light ( 10 ,  13 ) generated in the object ( 6 ), a segmenting device ( 17 ) acting on the transmitted light ( 15 ), wherein the segmenting device ( 17 ) is arranged between the object ( 6 ) and the optical device ( 9 ,  12 ).  
     
     
         2 . Microscope according to    claim 1   , characterized in that a condenser ( 7 ) for the transmitted light ( 15 ) and the fluorescent light ( 10 ,  13 ) is arranged on the side of the object ( 6 ) averted from the light source ( 1 ).  
     
     
         3 . Microscope according to    claim 2   , characterized in that the segmenting device ( 17 ) is arranged between the condenser ( 7 ) and the optical device ( 9 ,  12 ).  
     
     
         4 . Microscope according to    claim 3   , characterized in that the segmenting device ( 17 ) is arranged in a Fourier plane between the condenser ( 7 ) and the optical device ( 9 ,  12 ).  
     
     
         5 . Microscope according to    claim 1   , characterized in that the segmenting device ( 17 ) is arranged on a device for inserting optical components into a beam path.  
     
     
         6 . Microscope according to    claim 1   , characterized in that the segmenting device ( 17 ) has a segment stop, a segment phase stop or a segment phase filter.  
     
     
         7 . Microscope according to    claim 1   , characterized in that the segmenting device ( 17 ) has a transparent substrate ( 19 ) with a colour-selective coating ( 20 ).  
     
     
         8 . Microscope according to    claim 7   , characterized in that the coating ( 20 ) is opaque to the transmitted light ( 15 ) and transparent to the fluorescent light ( 10 ,  13 ).  
     
     
         9 . Microscope according to    claim 1   , characterized in that the segmenting device has a colour LCD matrix.  
     
     
         10 . Microscope according to    claim 1   , characterized in that the optically active part of the segmenting device ( 17 ) is arranged perpendicular to an optical axis of the microscope.  
     
     
         11 . A confocal microscope comprising: a laser light source ( 1 ) for illuminating an object ( 6 ) to be investigated, a an optical device ( 9 ,  12 ) for splitting transmitted light ( 15 ) passing through the object ( 6 ) and fluorescent light ( 10 ,  13 ) generated in the object ( 6 ), a segmenting device ( 17 ) acting on the transmitted light ( 15 ), wherein the segmenting device ( 17 ) is arranged between the object ( 6 ) and the optical device ( 9 ,  12 ).  
     
     
         12 . The confocal microscope according to    claim 11   , characterized in that a condenser ( 7 ) for the transmitted light ( 15 ) and the fluorescent light ( 10 ,  13 ) is arranged on the side of the object ( 6 ) averted from the light source ( 1 ).  
     
     
         13 . The confocal microscope according to    claim 12   , characterized in that the segmenting device ( 17 ) is arranged between the condenser ( 7 ) and the optical device ( 9 ,  12 ).  
     
     
         14 . The confocal microscope according to    claim 11   , characterized in that the segmenting device ( 17 ) is arranged on a device for inserting optical components into a beam path.  
     
     
         15 . The confocal microscope according to    claim 11   , characterized in that the segmenting device ( 17 ) has a transparent substrate ( 19 ) with a colour-selective coating ( 20 ).  
     
     
         16 . The confocal microscope according to    claim 15   , characterized in that the coating ( 20 ) is opaque to the transmitted light ( 15 ) and transparent to the fluorescent light ( 10 ,  13 ).  
     
     
         17 . The confocal microscope according to    claim 11    characterized in that a multiband detector arranged to the optical device ( 9 ,  12 ).  
     
     
         18 . The confocal microscope according to    claim 11   , characterized in that at least one fluorescent light detector ( 11 ,  14 ) for detecting the fluorescent light ( 10 ,  13 ) and at least one transmitted-light detector ( 16 ) for detecting the transmitted light ( 15 ) are arranged, for the purpose of simultaneously detecting fluorescent and transmitted light ( 10 ,  13 ;  15 ), on the side of the object ( 6 ) averted from the light source ( 1 ).  
     
     
         19 . A segmenting device ( 17 ) comprising: a transparent substrate ( 19 ) and a colour-selective coating ( 20 ) formed on said transparent substrate ( 19 ).  
     
     
         20 . The segmenting device according to    claim 19   , characterized in that the coating ( 20 ) is opaque to the transmitted light ( 15 ) and transparent to the fluorescent light ( 10 ,  13 ).  
     
     
         21 . Segmenting device according to    claim 19   , characterized in that the coating ( 20 ) is dielectric.  
     
     
         22 . Segmenting device according to    claim 19   , characterized in that the coating ( 20 ) is vapour-deposited onto the substrate ( 19 ).  
     
     
         23 . Segmenting device, according to    claim 19   , characterized in that the segmenting device has a suitably configured, preferably tailored, colour filter.  
     
     
         24 . Segmenting device according to    claim 23   , characterized in that the colour filter is produced from plastic.  
     
     
         25 . Segmenting device, according to    claim 19   , characterized in that the segmenting device has a colour LCD matrix.