| 摘要 |
<p>Scanning confocal microscopes often use an optical fibre to deliver illuminating light from a source to the optical system of the microscope. When the microscope is configured for use in fluorescent imaging applications, the user is typically allowed to select from a number of excitation wavebands (colours) with which to illuminate a target object. These different wavebands of illumination are generally provided by a number of separate light sources, and in known systems they are coupled into a common light path. This coupling process tends to be difficult and costly to achieve and involves light loss. A multiple point scanning confocal microscope is provided which includes an optical system for transmitting light inputted at its entrance pupil to the object; and a plurality of separate flexible light guides (41 to 47) for carrying light from respective light sources at their distal ends to their proximal ends, wherein the proximal ends are gathered together and mounted so as to output light into the optical system within its entrance pupil, with the light emerging from respective spaced apart points. In a multiple point scanning confocal microscope, it has been found that there is a reasonable tolerance in the location of the light input. Thus, in accordance with the invention, light from separate sources can emerge and be emitted from the light guides into the optical system from separate, spaced apart points at the ends of separate respective light guides, providing they are sufficiently close together to be within the entrance pupil of the optical system.</p> |
