Diffuse optics illuminator for reflectance microscopy and method of providing diffuse light for reflectance microscopy

#1. Field of the Invention

#The instant invention relates to microscopy in general, and to reflectance microscopy in particular. The instant invention also specifically deals with illumination of a specimen to be observed.

#2. Description of the Prior Art

#FIG. 1 is an schematic view of a reflectance microscope in accordance with the instant invention.

#FIG. 2 is a section view taken along lines II-II of FIG. 1.

#FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the illuminator and the light source of the instant invention taken along the lines III-III of FIG. 2.

#The invention and its various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments which are presented as illustrated examples of the invention defined in the claims. It is expressly understood that the invention as defined by the claims may be broader than the illustrated embodiments described below.

#FIG. 1 shows a diagram of the microscope 10 of the instant invention utilizing an illuminator 14. The illuminator 14 is positioned between the specimen 16 and the objective lens 18 in this case. Specimen 16 is viewed through an aperture 20 defined through illuminator 14. The position of the illuminator between the objective lens 18 and the specimen 16 enables reflectance type microscopy since the specimen 16 reflects light, which is emitted from the illuminator, through the opening 20 and through the objective lens 18. It is to be explicitly understood that while the illuminator 14 is described as having an aperture 20, any opening in the illuminator which permits viewing is considered to be within the spirit and scope of the invention.

#The light source 23 may be at any location that has an unobstructed path from the light source 23 to the illuminator 14. FIG. 1 shows light 24 traveling from the light source 23 and striking the illuminator 14. Thus, the light 24 is incident light. Incident light 24 enters the illuminator 14 and is diffused therein. Diffused light 25 radiates randomly in all directions. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the illuminator 14 may comprise at least one chromophoric substance 27 and thereby converts the incident light 24 from a broad spectrum of frequencies and wave lengths to a relatively narrow range of frequencies and wave lengths. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,734,498, which has been incorporated herein, for a disclosure of the types of chromophoric and diffusing substances contemplated. It is expressly contemplated that no chromophoric substance may be included in illuminator 14.