Patent ID: 6317258
Filing Date: 2001-11-13
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A scanning confocal microscope for obtaining three-dimensional information of a sample by repeating two-dimensional scanning of the sample and processing of relatively moving the sample and a focal position of an objective lens along an optical path of light passing through the objective lens, comprising:moving means for relatively moving the sample and the focal position of the objective lens along the optical path;two-dimensional scanning means having first scanning means for scanning the sample with focused light in one axial direction, and second scanning means for scanning the sample with the focused light in an axial direction perpendicular to the direction in which the sample is scanned with the focused light by said first scanning means; andinhibition means for inhibiting two-dimensional scanning of said two-dimensional scanning means during a relative movement period of the sample and the focal point of the objective lens by said moving means.