JPH06222272A - Condenser lens for inverted microscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To at least partially hold a maximum numerical aperture and easily operate a manipulator by providing a notch directed from a first surface to a second surface while leaving a part of the peripheral part of the first surface. CONSTITUTION:A condenser lens 4 has notches 4a, 4b on the side surfaces, and a cylinder 6 for supporting the lens 4 partially has notches 6a on the side surfaces opposite to the notches 4a, 4b. The notches 4a, 4b are set slantingly at 45 deg. to a slide glass 2, and the notches 6a and the notches 4a, 4b have dimensions sufficient to insert a manipulator 7. The manipulator 7 for operating a sample 3 is inserted through the notches 6a and the notches 4a, 4b. Since at least a part of the peripheral part is left on the surface on the sample side of the lens 4, the maximum numerical aperture is kept to ensure the resolution of an objective lens 5 with high numerical aperture.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a condenser lens for a microscope.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When observing an object to be inspected with an inverted microscope, particularly when the object to be inspected is a living object,
An electric signal generated in the test object may be detected. For example, a living cell, which is a test object, is pierced with a microelectrode attached to a manipulator, and an electric signal generated in the cell is measured. The operation of puncturing or contacting such a minute electrode is performed by inserting a manipulator or an electrode or the like between the slide glass and the condenser lens.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a condenser lens mounted on a conventional inverted microscope along the optical axis. In FIG. 6, the slide glass 2 is placed on the stage 1, and the sample 3 is formed on the surface of the slide glass 2. The illumination light from the light source is condensed by the condenser lens 40 and illuminates the sample 3. Light from the illuminated sample 3 enters the objective lens 5, and the sample 3 is observed through an eyepiece lens (not shown). The manipulator 7 for operating the sample 3 is inserted between the condenser lens 40 and the sample 3.

In order to carry out an operation experiment of the sample 3 efficiently, the angle θ formed by the operating micromanipulator, the electrode and the like with the slide glass 2 is about 45 because of the ease of operation.
° is most suitable. If there is no angle of at least about 30 ° or more, it will be difficult to actually operate.

[0005]

However, when a condenser lens having a high numerical aperture is used in order to obtain high resolution, the angle formed between the outer periphery of the first surface of the condenser lens on the specimen side and the specimen is generally small. . This is because an objective lens with a high numerical aperture is generally used in an inverted microscope to obtain high resolution, but in this case, the numerical aperture of the condenser lens also needs to be as high as the numerical aperture of the objective lens. is there. As described above, when the numerical aperture of the condenser lens is increased with the inverted microscope, the diameter of the first surface is large and the outer circumference is widened, and the distance between the first surface of the condenser lens and the sample surface is relatively small. Therefore, the angle formed by the outer periphery of the first surface of the condenser lens and the sample becomes small. This angle becomes as small as 30 ° when the numerical aperture of the condenser lens is increased, and when the tip of the manipulator or electrode is brought closer to the sample,
Manipulators and electrodes had to be held almost horizontally along the surface of the slide glass, which made the operation extremely difficult.

In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a condenser lens capable of holding a maximum numerical aperture at least partially and easily manipulating a manipulator or the like.

[0007]

According to the present invention, in a condenser lens of an inverted microscope comprising a lens body and a lens barrel holding the lens body, a first surface of the condenser lens facing the stage of the inverted microscope is in front. Extending toward the second surface away from the writing platform and leaving at least a portion of the peripheral portion of the first surface to maintain a maximum numerical aperture,
It is characterized in that a notch extending from the first surface to the second surface is formed.

From the first surface of the condenser lens to the second surface
It is also preferable that the notch facing the surface be formed so as to be inclined so as to separate from the optical axis of the lens main body from the first surface toward the second surface.

It is also preferable that the inclined notch is formed as a hole penetrating the notch, leaving the entire peripheral portion of the first surface of the condenser lens.

The inclined notch is left open at a side of the lens body, leaving a part of the lens peripheral portion at a position symmetrical with respect to the optical axis of the first surface of the condenser lens. Perforated ones are also preferable.

Further, the inclined notch leaves a part of the lens peripheral part of the first surface of the condenser lens, but does not leave the lens peripheral part at a position symmetrical with respect to the optical axis of the part, and the notch is formed. It is also preferable that the hole is opened to the side.

Further, it is desirable that the angle of inclination of the notch with respect to the above-described object platform is about 45 °. Furthermore, it is particularly preferable that the lens barrel is formed with an opening penetrating a side surface facing the notch.

[0013]

According to the present invention, the condenser lens is provided with a notch having a sufficient angle for operation so as to extend in the direction from the first surface on the sample side to the second surface on the opposite side. A laboratory tool for operation such as a manipulator can be inserted into the notch. Then, since at least a part of the peripheral portion of the first surface is left, the maximum numerical aperture is maintained.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows the use state of the condenser lens according to this embodiment, and shows a sectional view along the optical axis together with the inverted microscope portion. As shown in the figure, the slide glass 2 is placed on the stage 1, and the sample 3 is formed on the surface of the slide glass 2. The illumination light from the light source is
It is condensed by the condenser lens 4 and illuminates this sample 3. The light from the illuminated sample 3 enters the objective lens 5 and the sample 3 is observed through an eyepiece lens (not shown).

The condenser lens 4 has a notch 4 on the side surface.
a and 4b are provided, and a part of the cylinder 6 that supports the condenser lens 4 is provided with a notch 6a on the side surface facing the notches 4a and 4b. The notches 4a and 4b are set to be inclined at an angle of 45 ° with respect to the slide glass 2. The notch 6a and the notches 4a and 4b are large enough to insert the manipulator 7.

The manipulator 7 for operating the sample 3 is inserted through the notch 6a and the notches 4a and 4b.

The condenser lens 4 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane including the notches 4a and 4b passing through the optical axis of the condenser lens 4, and FIG.
(B) is a front view seen from the first surface facing the stage 1. The condenser lens 4 is provided with notches 4a and 4b at positions symmetrical with respect to the optical axis. Notches 4a, 4b
Has a substantially triangular cut shape with openings on the first surface and side surfaces. The slopes of the notches 4a and 4b on the optical axis side have an elongated semi-cut cylinder shape, and from the second surface of the condenser lens 4 away from the stage 1, that is, from the light source side surface 4d,
The first surface facing the stage 1, that is, the surface 4c on the sample 3 side, is provided at an angle of 45 ° toward the center of the lens.
The side surfaces of the cut-out shape are two substantially parallel surfaces.

Illumination and operation by the condenser lens 4 will be described below. Specimen 3 using an inverted microscope
When operating, the slide glass 2 on which the sample 3 has been prepared is first placed on the stage 1.

Then, the condenser lens 4 collects the illumination light to illuminate the sample 3. At this time, since the condenser lens 4 has a high numerical aperture equivalent to that of the objective lens 5 having a high numerical aperture, the diameter of the lens is large, and the surface 4c on the side of the sample 3 is close to the sample 3. It is arranged.

The objective lens 5 is focused on the illuminated sample 3 for observation, and a desired operation is performed. When performing the operation, the manipulator 7 is moved from the left and right of the observer to the slide glass 2 at a maximum angle of 45 ° through the notch 6a provided in the tube 6 and the notches 4a and 4b of the condenser lens 4. Insert and operate. Other manipulators instead of the manipulator 7 such as electrodes, etc. up to 45 ° with respect to the sample 3
It can be operated at any angle.

Due to the provision of such cutouts, the numerical aperture of the condenser lens 4 is not uniform over the entire lens surface, but has partially different regions. That is, the numerical aperture in the direction of the cutouts 4a, 4b from the optical axis becomes low, and the numerical aperture in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis holds the maximum numerical aperture, which is a high numerical aperture corresponding to the absence of the cutouts 4a, 4b, and The resolution of the objective lens obtained at the maximum numerical aperture of the lens 4 is maintained.

Although the field of view is not reduced by the cutouts 4a and 4b, there is a region where the amount of light is reduced in the direction of the cutouts 4a and 4b.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3A shows the optical axis of the condenser lens 44,
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along a plane including the cutouts 44a and 44b.
(B) is a front view seen from the first surface facing the stage 1. The condenser lens 44 is provided with notches 44a and 44b at positions symmetrical with respect to the optical axis. Notch 44
Each of a and 44b has a substantially trapezoidal cut shape with openings on the first surface, the second surface, and the side surface. Notches 44a, 4
The surface of 4b on the optical axis side is a flat surface and is provided parallel to the optical axis. The side surfaces of the cut-out shape are two substantially parallel surfaces. The surfaces of the notches 44a and 44b on the optical axis side do not hinder the operation of the manipulator 7 as long as they are inclined by about 45 with respect to the optical axis, but they are inclined by engraving parallel to the optical axis. It has the feature that it is easier to manufacture than engraving.

Illumination and operation by the condenser lens 44 will be described below. When the operation is performed, the notch 6a provided on the tube 6 and the notch 4 of the condenser lens 44 are provided.
The manipulator 7 is inserted and operated from the left and right sides of the observer via 4a and 44b.

Regarding the numerical aperture of the condenser lens 44, the numerical aperture in the direction of the cutouts 44a, 44b from the optical axis becomes low, and the numerical aperture in the direction perpendicular to the cutouts 44a, 44b.
The maximum numerical aperture, which is a correspondingly high numerical aperture when b is absent, is held, and the resolution of the objective lens obtained at the maximum numerical aperture of the condenser lens 44 is maintained.

Although the field of view is not reduced by the notches 44a and 44b, there is a region where the amount of light is reduced in the direction of the notches 44a and 44b.

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4A shows the optical axis of the condenser lens 41,
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along a plane including the notches 41a and 41b.
(B) is a front view seen from the first surface facing the stage 1. Since only the cutout portion of the cylinder is different from the first embodiment except for the lens shape, the same parts will be described with the same reference numerals. The condenser lens 41 is provided with notches 41a and 41b at positions symmetrical with respect to the optical axis.
The notches 41a and 41b are formed by the first surface and the sloped surface that is open to the side surface. An inclined surface inclined with respect to the optical axis side of the notches 41a and 41b is provided at an angle of 45 ° from the light source side surface 41d toward the sample 3 side surface 41c.

Illumination and operation by the condenser lens 41 will be described below. When the operation is performed, the notch 6a provided on the tube 6 and the notch 41 of the condenser lens 41 are provided.
From the left and right of the observer, the manipulator 7 is cut away from the slide glass 2 through the cutouts 41a and 41b.
The sample 3 is inserted at a maximum angle of 45 ° with respect to the specimen 3 along the inclined surface of the table. Further, since the observer can operate the manipulator 7 while tilting it also in the front-back direction, there is an advantage that the sample 3 can be operated in the front-back direction in addition to the left-right direction.

Regarding the numerical aperture of the condenser lens 41, the numerical aperture in the direction of the notches 41a and 41b from the optical axis becomes low, and in the direction perpendicular to the notches 41a and 41b.
The maximum numerical aperture, which is a correspondingly high numerical aperture when b is absent, is held, and the resolution of the objective lens obtained at the maximum numerical aperture of the condenser lens 41 is maintained.

Although the field of view is not reduced by the notches 41a and 41b, the amount of light in the direction in which the notches 41a and 41b are reduced is larger than that in the first embodiment.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane including the notches 42a and 42b passing through the optical axis of the condenser lens 42, FIG.
(B) is a front view seen from the first surface facing the stage 1. Since only the cutout portion of the cylinder is different from the first embodiment except for the lens shape, the same parts will be described with the same reference numerals. The condenser lens 42 is provided with notches 42a and 42b at positions symmetrical with respect to the optical axis.
The notches 42a and 42b are formed by through holes opened on the first surface and the side surface or the second surface. Notch 42a,
The through-hole 42b extends from the surface 42d on the light source side to the surface 4 on the sample 3 side.
It is provided at an angle of 45 ° toward the optical axis toward 2c.

Illumination and operation by the condenser lens 42 will be described below. When the operation is performed, the notch 6a provided in the tube 6 and the notch 42 of the condenser lens 42
the manipulator 7 from the left and right sides of the observer with respect to the slide glass 2 via the a and 42b.
And is inserted at an angle of 45 ° with respect to the sample 3 for operation. The direction of operation is largely limited because the notches 42a and 42b are hole-shaped.

Regarding the numerical aperture of the condenser lens 42, the numerical aperture in the direction of the cutouts 42a and 42b from the optical axis is low, but the degree of decrease is small because the cutout portion is small. Further, in the perpendicular direction, the maximum numerical aperture, which is a high numerical aperture corresponding to the absence of the notches 42a and 42b, is held, and the resolution of the objective lens obtained at the maximum numerical aperture of the condenser lens 42 is maintained.

The field of view is not reduced by the notches 42a and 42b, and the amount of light in the direction in which the notches 42a and 42b are reduced is less than in the first and second embodiments.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6A is a sectional view taken along a plane including the notches 43a and 43b, which passes through the optical axis of the condenser lens 43.
(B) is a front view seen from the first surface facing the stage 1. Since only the cutout portion of the cylinder is different from the first embodiment except for the lens shape, the same parts will be described with the same reference numerals. The condenser lens 43 is provided with notches 43a and 43b at positions symmetrical with respect to the optical axis, and notches 43c at positions perpendicular to the notches 43a and 43b. Notch 43
Each of a, 43b, and 43c is formed by a first surface and an inclined surface that is open to the side surface. The slopes of the notches 43a, 43b, 43c are provided at an angle of 45 ° on the optical axis side of the lens from the light source side surface 43d to the sample 3 side surface 43e.

Illumination and operation by the condenser lens 43 will be described below. When the operation is performed, the notch 6a provided in the tube 6 and the notch 43 of the condenser lens 43
The manipulator 7 from the left and right of the observer with respect to the slide glass 2 via the a and 43b at a maximum of 4 with respect to the specimen 3.
Insert and operate at an angle of 5 °. Similarly, the notch 43
Since it is possible to incline the viewer 3 from the front side of the front side via c, there is an advantage that the sample 3 can be easily operated from the front side in addition to the left and right sides.

Regarding the numerical aperture of the condenser lens 43, the numerical aperture in the direction of the cutouts 43a, 43b, 43c from the optical axis becomes lower, but there is no cutout 43a, 43b, 43c in the direction opposite to the cutout 43c. The maximum numerical aperture, which is a correspondingly high numerical aperture, is held, and the resolution of the objective lens obtained at the maximum numerical aperture of the condenser lens 43 is maintained.

The field of view is not reduced by the notches 43a and 43b, but the light amount is notched by the notches 43a, 43b and 4b.
There is a decrease in the direction of 3c, which is considerably larger than that of the first embodiment as a whole.

[0039]

As described above, according to the present invention, since the notch is formed in the condenser lens and the manipulator or the like can be inserted into the notch at a large angle with respect to the sample, the device such as the manipulator or the like can be inserted. It becomes possible to easily operate the sample by. Moreover, since at least a part of the peripheral portion is left on the sample-side surface of the condenser lens, the maximum numerical aperture is maintained, and the resolution of the objective lens having a high numerical aperture is secured. Since a device such as a manipulator can be brought close to the sample from the peripheral direction of the condenser lens, a conventional device such as a manipulator can be used without any change.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a condenser lens and an inverted microscope portion along an optical axis showing a usage state of a first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view and a front view of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view and a front view of the second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view and a front view of a third embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view and a front view of a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view and a front view of a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the optical axis showing a usage state of a conventional condenser lens.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Stage 2 ... Slide glass 3 ... Specimen 4, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 ... Condenser lens 4a, 4b, 40a, 40b, 41a, 41b, 42
a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, 44b, 45
a, 45b, notch 4c, surface of sample side 4d, surface of light source 5, objective lens 6, cylinder 6a, notch 7, manipulator

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A condenser lens for an inverted microscope comprising a lens body and a lens barrel for holding the lens body, wherein the condenser lens is separated from a first surface of the condenser lens facing a stage of the inverted microscope. A notch extending from the first surface to the second surface was bored extending toward the second surface and leaving at least a part of the peripheral portion of the first surface to maintain the maximum numerical aperture. This is a condenser lens for inverted microscopes. 2. The notch extending from the first surface to the second surface of the condenser lens is formed so as to be inclined away from the optical axis of the lens main body from the first surface toward the second surface. The condenser lens of the inverted microscope according to claim 1. 3. The condenser lens for an inverted microscope according to claim 1, wherein the notch is formed in a hole shape penetrating the entire surface of the first edge of the condenser lens. . 4. A part of the lens peripheral portion is left at a position symmetrical with respect to the optical axis of the first surface of the condenser lens,
2. The condenser lens for an inverted microscope according to claim 1, wherein the notch is formed so as to open laterally of the lens body. 5. A part of the lens peripheral part of the first surface of the condenser lens is left, but the lens peripheral part is not left at a position symmetrical with respect to the optical axis of the part, and the notch is opened laterally. The condenser lens for an inverted microscope according to claim 1, wherein the condenser lens is provided by drilling. 6. A condenser lens for an inverted microscope according to claim 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the notch has an inclination angle of about 45 ° with respect to the object table. 7. The inverted microscope according to claim 1, wherein the lens barrel has an opening penetrating a side surface facing the notch. Condenser lens.