Patent ID: 6528279
Filing Date: 2003-03-04
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A method for analyzing a three-dimensional internal structure, comprising the steps of:providing an apparatus for analyzing a three-dimensional internal structure wherein the apparatus comprises a sample extrusion device that operates to sequentially extrude a sample in a predetermined direction, a sample cutting device that operates to sequentially cut an extruded sample, and a con-focal image pickup device that operates to focus illuminating light onto portions of a cut section and operates to capture light reflected from the illuminated cut section to form a two-dimensional image; providing a sample having a three-dimensional internal structure; sequentially extruding the sample in a predetermined direction using the sample extrusion device of the apparatus for analyzing a three-dimensional structure; sequentially cutting the extruded sample to generate a plurality of cut sections using the sample cutting device of the apparatus for analyzing a three-dimensional structure; and generating a two-dimensional image of each cut section by focusing illuminating light onto each cut section and subsequently capturing the light reflected respectively from each cut section using the con-focal image pickup device of the apparatus for analyzing a three-dimensional image.