Microscope apparatus
View Patent ↗An image can be prevented from becoming unclear over time during long-term observation. The invention provides a microscope apparatus including a specimen container for containing a specimen; an objective lens disposed opposite the specimen container for collecting light from the specimen in the specimen container; an immersion-liquid supplying unit for supplying immersion liquid to a space between the objective lens and the specimen container; and an immersion-liquid removing unit for removing the immersion liquid from the space between the objective lens and the specimen container. The immersion-liquid removing unit includes a nozzle for ejecting compressed air to the space between the objective lens and the specimen container.
1. A microscope apparatus comprising:
a specimen container configured to contain a specimen;
an objective lens disposed opposite the specimen container and configured to collect light from the specimen in the specimen container;
an immersion-liquid supplying unit configured to supply immersion liquid to a space between the objective lens and the specimen container; and
an immersion-liquid removing unit configured to remove substantially all of the immersion liquid from the space between the objective lens and the specimen container,
wherein the immersion-liquid removing unit includes a nozzle configured to eject compressed air to the space between the objective lens and the specimen container.
2. A microscope apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a constant-temperature case configured to contain the specimen container and keep a temperature of the specimen in the specimen container constant.
3. A microscope apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the immersion-liquid removing unit further includes an air-temperature adjusting unit configured to adjust a temperature of the compressed air ejected from the nozzle to be substantially the same as the temperature of the specimen.
4. A microscope apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an immersion-liquid collecting unit disposed facing the nozzle at a position on an opposite side of the space between the objective lens and the specimen container and configured to collect the immersion liquid scattered by the compressed air.
5. A microscope apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the immersion-liquid collecting unit includes a receiving holder configured to receive the scattered immersion liquid.
6. A microscope apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the immersion-liquid collecting unit includes a suction member configured to absorb the scattered immersion liquid.
7. A microscope apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a securing unit configured to secure the specimen container.
8. A microscope apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the immersion-liquid removing unit further includes an air filter through which the air ejected from the nozzle is passed.
9. A microscope apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the nozzle is pointed directly toward the space between the objective lens and the specimen container.
10. A microscope apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the nozzle is oriented to direct the compressed air substantially horizontally between the objective lens and the specimen container.
11. A microscope apparatus comprising:
a specimen container configured to contain a specimen;
an objective lens disposed opposite the specimen container and configured to collect light from the specimen in the specimen container;
means for supplying immersion liquid to a space between the objective lens and the specimen container; and
means for removing substantially all of the immersion liquid from the space between the objective lens and the specimen container, including a nozzle configured to eject compressed air to the space between the objective lens and the specimen container.
12. A microscope apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the nozzle is pointed directly toward the space between the objective lens and the specimen container.
13. A microscope apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the nozzle is oriented to direct the compressed air substantially horizontally between the objective lens and the specimen container.