Patent ID: 6727987
Filing Date: 2004-04-27
Classification: G01N,G03F

Abstract:
An image pickup apparatus comprising:a sample stage for moving a sample whose image is to be picked up in a first direction; an illumination light source for projecting illumination light on the sample; a first spatial filter arranged between the illumination light source and sample and having a plurality of slits formed at a predetermined pitch along the first direction and extending in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction; an image sensor for receiving reflected light or transmitted light from the sample, having a plurality of light receiving elements arranged in a two-dimensional array along said first and second directions, successively transferring the charges stored in one line of light receiving elements arranged in the second direction for each line at a predetermined transfer speed, and successively outputting the charges stored in the light receiving elements; a second spatial filter arranged between the sample stage and the second image sensor and having a plurality of slits formed at a predetermined pitch along the first direction and extending in the second direction; an objective lens arranged between said sample stage and second spatial filter and forming an image of transmitted light or reflected light from the sample on the image sensor via the slits of the second spatial filter; and a drive control circuit for controlling the charge transfer speed of the image sensors and speed of movement of the sample stage; wherein, the first and second spatial filters are arranged so that light emitted from the slits of the first spatial filter strikes the sample and the image sensor through the slits of the second spatial filter.