Patent ID: 8339602
Filing Date: 2012-12-25
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of viewing and investigating a sample (SAM) comprising: a) providing a sample viewing and investigation system comprising a sequence of elements: and further comprising additional elements: such that in use a sample (SAM) can be investigated by causing a beam (B) of electromagnetic radiation from said source (LS) to pass through the hole (H) in said aperture (AP) and said first focusing means and become a focused beam, then reflect from the sample (SAM) on said sample supporting stage (STG), pass through said second focusing means (FL 2 ) and enter said data detector (DET) which produces sample characterizing data therefrom; and such that, in use, the light emitting diodes (LED's) are positioned on a sample side of the aperture and operated to direct electromagnetic radiation toward said aperture (AP), such that said electromagnetic radiation scatters therefrom and illuminates said sample (SAM), and such that a positioning of the beam directing means (PRI) in combination with the camera-display system (CCD) for detecting light from the light emitting diodes (LED's), allows visual positioning of the sample (SAM) with respect to where the focused beam of sample investigating electromagnetic radiation interacts therewith; b) while causing a focused beam of sample investigating electromagnetic radiation to impinge on said sample (SAM) and reflect therefrom, and while the light emitting diodes (LED's) are applied to cause camera-display system (CCD) detectable wavelength range light to proceed toward and scatter from said aperture (AP) and onto said sample (SAM); viewing said sample by causing said beam directing means (PRI) to be moved to a position between said second focusing means (FL c) moving the sample (SAM) into a desired position; d) removing said beam directing means (PRI) from between said second focusing means (FL