Patent ID: 6989925
Filing Date: 2006-01-24
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A dark field illumination device to provide dark field illumination to a sample that is located on a stage glass and is to be observed by an observation optical system, the device comprising: an illumination light source which emits illumination light rays; a light shielding plate which is located between the sample and the illumination light source, and which selectively shields the illumination light rays that would directly enter the observation optical system among the illumination light rays emitted from the illumination light source; an optical member which directs toward the sample the illumination light rays passing outside the illumination light rays shielded by the light shielding plate; and a background member which is disposed between the sample and the light shielding plate, and which comprises a smooth surface on a side thereof facing the sample; wherein the illumination light rays that are directed toward the sample by the optical member illuminate the sample through the stage glass, and the background member attenuates light rays that are reflected by the stage glass among the illumination light rays directed toward the sample.