| 摘要 |
<p>The present invention relates to a microscopic image capturing apparatus having a structure that, in scanning an imageable area of an imaging unit in a predetermined direction in an imaging object area, in which a sample is present, can reliably set a focal point of the imaging unit on each imaging position set inside the imaging object area regardless of the type of focusing actuator. The microscopic image capturing apparatus has a sample setting stage having a sample setting surface that is inclined with respect to a scan plane orthogonal to an optical axis of an objective lens. By moving the sample setting stage, which has such a sample setting surface, along the scan plane in a manner such that the distance in the optical axis direction between the imaging unit and the sample setting surface varies monotonously, the focal point position of the imaging unit is adjusted in only one direction along the optical axis of the objective lens. In this case, even when a stepping motor is applied as the focusing actuator, the occurrence of lost motion in a driving system based on the stepping motor is prevented reliably and the focal point of the imaging unit can be set reliably on each imaging position set inside the imaging object area.</p> |
