Sample image data generating apparatus and sample image data generating method

A sample image data generating apparatus comprising:

• a modulated image imager configured to pick up a modulated image that is a sample image modulated by structured illumination forming an illumination pattern having a periodic structure in an optical axis direction of an objective and an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction;
• a demodulated image data generator configured to generate demodulated image data by calculating a demodulated image according to a plurality of modulated images each picked up by the modulated image imager when the illumination pattern is located at a different position on a sample with respect to the optical axis direction and the orthogonal direction and according to a correction coefficient for correcting defocusing of the structured illumination with reference to a focal plane of the objective, the demodulated image being a sample image obtained by demodulating the modulated image;
• a display configured to display, according to the demodulated image data, the demodulated image calculated by the demodulated image data generator;
• and
• a demodulated image data regenerator that regenerates demodulated image data by changing the correction coefficient.

A sample image data generating method comprising:

• moving an illumination pattern in an optical axis direction of an objective and an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction, the illumination pattern having a periodic structure in the optical axis direction and the orthogonal direction;
• picking up a modulated image that is a sample image modulated by structured illumination forming the illumination pattern;
• and
• generating demodulated image data by calculating a demodulated image according to a plurality of modulated images each picked up when the illumination pattern is located at a different position on a sample with respect to the optical axis direction and the orthogonal direction and according to a defocusing amount of the structured illumination with reference to a focal plane of the objective, the demodulated image being a sample image obtained by demodulating the modulated image.