Patent ID: 6433929
Filing Date: 2002-08-13
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A scanning optical microscope comprising:a light source configured to selectively output to a sample dyed with two or more types of fluorescent dyes an excitation light having an excitation wavelength according to each of said fluorescent dyes; scanner configured to scan said excitation light outputted from said light source; an objective lens configured to condense said excitation light scanned by said scanner on said sample; a detector configured to detect a fluorescence from said fluorescent dye according to said excitation light by using said excitation light condensed by said objective lens; one confocal pinhole whose pinhole diameter arranged in front of said detector is adjustable; and controller configured to adjust said pinhole diameter of said confocal pinhole to a diameter suitable for said fluorescence emitted from said sample by said excitation light in synchronization with switching of said excitation light from said light source, when acquiring one image by detecting each fluorescence according to said each excitation light in a time division manner through said confocal pinhole by switching said excitation light with which said sample is irradiated in synchronization with scanning by scanner.