CA1228915A - Method for microphotometering microscope specimens, and apparatus for carrying out the method - Google Patents
Method for microphotometering microscope specimens, and apparatus for carrying out the methodInfo
- Publication number
- CA1228915A CA1228915A CA000475769A CA475769A CA1228915A CA 1228915 A CA1228915 A CA 1228915A CA 000475769 A CA000475769 A CA 000475769A CA 475769 A CA475769 A CA 475769A CA 1228915 A CA1228915 A CA 1228915A
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- Prior art keywords
- specimen
- microscope
- stepwise
- object table
- light
- Prior art date
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- Expired
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 21
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000004458 analytical method Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims 4
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 238000003556 assay Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000011835 investigation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 210000004185 liver Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 210000004027 cell Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 2
- 210000002569 neuron Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 238000011160 research Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001755 vocal effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241001527902 Aratus Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000000349 chromosome Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013480 data collection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 201000010099 disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000037265 diseases, disorders, signs and symptoms Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B21/00—Microscopes
- G02B21/0004—Microscopes specially adapted for specific applications
- G02B21/002—Scanning microscopes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
- G01N21/59—Transmissivity
- G01N21/5907—Densitometers
- G01N21/5911—Densitometers of the scanning type
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B21/00—Microscopes
- G02B21/0096—Microscopes with photometer devices
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
- G01N21/47—Scattering, i.e. diffuse reflection
- G01N21/4738—Diffuse reflection, e.g. also for testing fluids, fibrous materials
- G01N21/474—Details of optical heads therefor, e.g. using optical fibres
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/62—Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light
- G01N21/63—Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light optically excited
- G01N21/64—Fluorescence; Phosphorescence
- G01N21/645—Specially adapted constructive features of fluorimeters
- G01N21/6456—Spatial resolved fluorescence measurements; Imaging
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N2201/00—Features of devices classified in G01N21/00
- G01N2201/10—Scanning
- G01N2201/108—Miscellaneous
- G01N2201/1087—Focussed scan beam, e.g. laser
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A method for microphotometering individual volume elements of a microscope specimen, comprising generating a luminous dot or cursor and progressively illuminating a plurality of part elements in the focal plane of the microscope through the specimen. The mutual position between the specimen and the focal plane is then changed and a plurality of part elements in the focal plane are illuminated. Reflected and/or fluorescent light and transmitted light respectively created by the illumination is collected, detected and stored for generating a three-dimensional image of that part of the specimen composed of the volume elements. Illumination of multiples of part elements is implemented by deflecting the cursor and/or by moving the specimen. The change in the relative mutual position between the specimen and the focal plane of the microscope is effected either by displacing the specimen or the objective. Apparatus for carrying out the method include a specimen table, a microscope objective and light source. The table or the objective are arranged for stepwise movement along the main axis of the microscope synchronously with punctilinear light scanning of the specimen. The table is arranged for stepwise movement at right angles to the main axis and/or the light source is arranged for deflection over the focal plane through the specimen.
A method for microphotometering individual volume elements of a microscope specimen, comprising generating a luminous dot or cursor and progressively illuminating a plurality of part elements in the focal plane of the microscope through the specimen. The mutual position between the specimen and the focal plane is then changed and a plurality of part elements in the focal plane are illuminated. Reflected and/or fluorescent light and transmitted light respectively created by the illumination is collected, detected and stored for generating a three-dimensional image of that part of the specimen composed of the volume elements. Illumination of multiples of part elements is implemented by deflecting the cursor and/or by moving the specimen. The change in the relative mutual position between the specimen and the focal plane of the microscope is effected either by displacing the specimen or the objective. Apparatus for carrying out the method include a specimen table, a microscope objective and light source. The table or the objective are arranged for stepwise movement along the main axis of the microscope synchronously with punctilinear light scanning of the specimen. The table is arranged for stepwise movement at right angles to the main axis and/or the light source is arranged for deflection over the focal plane through the specimen.
Description
~22~39 The invention relates to a method for microphotographing prepared specimens and displaying the resultant images thereof, by generating with the aid of a convergent light beam a luminous dot or cursor in the focal plane of a microscope, matching the cursor with a plurality of part elements in the prepared specimen, collecting the light created by the cursor and the prepared specimen, detecting the collected light, and generating corresponding e]ectric signals. The invention also relates to apparatus for carrying out the method.
Qualitative and quantitative microscopic investigations (study assays) of prepared specimens of the human body and of animals constitute an important and time-consuming part of research work, for example, within the field of medicine. For example, when wishing to make a close study of a liver there is first prepared a given number of thin specimens of the liver to be examined (these specimens being prepared with the aid of a microtome), whereafter the specimens are subjected to a qualitative and quantitative examination under a microscope. A picture of the general condition of the liver, changes in its state of disease, etc., can then be obtained by combining the results oE the assays.
It is also known to obtain the assay result from a plurality of locations on the surface of a microscope specimen with the aid of electronic scanning techniques.
When applying known techniques it is still necessary in general to prepare a relatively large number of specimens sections) from the subject to be examined, which is expensive, time-consuming and highly laborious.
The object of the present invention is to simplify and, in many instances, even to refine the methodology of effecting such microscopic investigations, and at less cost The present invention provides a method for microphotometering and subsequent image combination by generating with the aid of a convergent light beam a luminous dot or cursor in the focal plane of a microscope, :~2~89~5 fitting the cursor to a plurality of part elements in the specimen, and collecting light created by the luminous cursor and the specimen, detecting the collected light and producing corresponding electric signals, which includes the steps of changing the mutual position between the specimen and the focal plane and re-fitting the luminous cursor to a plurality of part elements in the specimen, repeating stepwise changes in the mutual position between the specimen and the focal plane and, subsequent to each such change, again fitting or matching the luminous cursor to a plurality of part elements in the specimen collecting the light created by the luminous cursor and part elements in the specimen and screening-off any disturbing light created synchronously from adjacent (above, beneath, beside) part elements in the specimen, detecting the thus collected light and storing measurement values obtained through the detection, the storage optionally being effected synchronously with the matching of the luminous cursor with part elements in the specimen and with the changes in the mutual position between the specimen and the focal plane, the measurement values being representative of locations in various layers through the specimen, and combining the measurement values from locations in a plurality oE layers, representative of a given volume of the specimen, in dependence upon a planned/desired analysis of the specimen.
The aforesaid measurement values together give a detailed description or picture of the whole of the volume determined through all of said plurality of locations. By converting the measurement values to digital form and storing the same in the memory of a data processor, it is possible to produce three-dimensional images suitable for assay and further analysis.
Thus, it is possible - without preparing fresh physical specimens - to study the specimen on a data screen from different projections and to combine two such projections to obtain a stereoscopic image. This enables the person carrying out the investigation to produce in a 39~5 very short time precisely those views and incident angles which may be desired as the investigation proceeds.
The study of nerve cells is an examyle of an area in which the method according to the invention is particularly well suited. Nerve cells exhibit an extremely large number of branches and present a complicated three-dimensional structure. Investigatory studies of such structures with the aid of traditional microscope equipment are extremely difficult to carry out and are also very time-consuming. In addition the information obtained therefrom is incomplete.
Corresponding studies carried out in accordance with the invention have been found to provide abundantly more information than that obtained when carrying out the studies in accordance with known methods. Other possible areas where the three-dimensional structure is of great interest include studies of the inner structures of cells, for example a skudy of the configuration of the cell core, chromosomes etc.
The illumination and registration technique according to the invention affords the following advantagesO It is possible -to select a thin section from the specimen for registration and to combine several such sections to produce a three-dimensional image. The images are made rlcher in contrast and clearer by decreasing the level of stray light. Sensitive and delicate specimens are protected from harm, because the total light exposure is low.
The present invention further provides an apparatus for the microphotometering and subsequent image combination of a specimen, comprising a microscope having an object table, a light source, a detector and a control and data-collecting assembly, wherein the object table of the microscope is arranged for stepwise movement in a direction corresponding to the main axis (z-direction) of the microscope, the movement being controlled and effected in response to guide pulses from the control and data-collecting assembly in synchronization with the scanning ,, 39~5 of the light source of part elements in a microscope specimen placed on the object table; and in that the apparatus also includes equipment for storing, processing and visually displaying data originating from the measurements values.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and in more detail with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which Figure 1 illustrates in perspective the contour of a specimen and a section laid through the specimen;
Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of a specimen with a section according to Figure 1 laid in the surface structure of the specimen;
Figure 3 i llustrates app aratus for microphotometering a microscope specimen while using reflected and/or fluorescent light, comprising a two-dimensional scanner and a vertically movable object table;
Figure 4 illustrates the apparatus according to Figure 3 modiEied with a single-dimension scanner and a vertically and laterally adjustable table;
Figure 5 illustrates the apparatus according to Figure 3 which lacks the scanner but has an object table which can be moved in three dimensions Figure 6 illustrates the apparatus according to Figure 5 modified for transmitted or fluorescent light;
and Figure 7 illustrates a specimen in which a plurality o sections have been laid.
In Figure 1 the reEerence 10 identifies a microscope specimen through which there is laid an imaginary horizontal section comprising a plurality of part elements: for reasons relating to the technicalities of the drawing the section exhibits 20 rows in the x-direction and 15 rows in the y-direction, i.e. a total of 300 part elements, such as part elements 12 and 13 for example, but may in practice of course exhibit many more or far less elements and with sections of a different 3l Z~39~5 form, such as square or elongated rectangular sections for example, depending entirely upon the form of the specimen.
When microphotometering a microscope specimen, 75/ 100~ or 200 such imaginary sections may be envisaged in practice, these sections being plane parallel and bordering upon one another, two and two, or spaced equidistantly from one another. That part of the section 11 which lies within the specimen 10 has been shown in the figure with a thicker line 14.
The specimen 20 illustrated in vertical sections in Figure 2 constitutes part of a material surface to be studied. A section 21, corresponding to the section 11 in Figure 1, is placed in the upper part of the specimen and is thus here seen from the side. The two indicated sections 11 and 21 are representative of what is referred to hereinafter as "the focal plane".
The apparatus illustrated in Figure 3 includes a microscope 30 having an object table 301, a laser-light source 31 for producing a beam of light through a beam-splitting unit 32~ and a scanner 33 operative in panningthe beam oE light to a plurality of locations in the focal plane ~x-y-plane) of the microscope 30, an aperture 34, and a control and data-collection assembly 36 for controlling, inter alia, the scanner 33 via a line 361, and for collecting electric signals deriving from reflected and/or fluorescent light arriving at the detector 35 after having passed from the object table 301 through the microscope 30, the scanner 33 and the aperture 34, this light being converted in the detector 35 to electric signals which are transferred through the line 351 to the control assembly 36, and finally externally located equipment for storing, processing and visually displaying data originating from said signals, this equipment comprising a data processor 37 and an auxiliary store 38, and a display screen 39 connected to the data processor 37 A luminous dot or cursor created by the light beam from the laser source 31 is deflected by the scanner ~z~
33 to a number of positions in a specimen placed on the object -table 301, in the focal plane, which focal plane may be the section indicated in Figure 1. Stray light, possibly emanating from locations (volume elements) above, beneath or beside the location in the x-y-plane just scanned by the scanner 33, is excluded by the aperture 34 and is caused to deliver information relating to its characteristics through, for example reflected light.
When a location has been scanned a control pulse is delivered from the control assembly 36 -to the scanner 33, via the line 361, and the scanner therewith reflects the beam to the next location ~e.g. an x-square) in the same row (y-row), this procedure being continued until the whole of section 11 has been scanned or sensed. The object table 301 is thereupon moved stepwise (up or down) in response to a control pulse (signal) fed from the control assembly 36 to a drive unit 363 via the line 362, which drive unit guides directly movement of the table 301 in the z-direction. The object table with the specimen thereon is thus displaced through a given distance in the z-direction, whereupon the focal plane of the microscope 30 will obtain a new position through the specimen, this new position being scanned in the same manner as that previously described. The whole of the specimen is thus scanned in this way successively at equidistant locations along equidistant parallel lines in equidistant planes.
Signals are transferred from the scanner 33 and the drive unit 363 respectively to the control assembly 36, bearing information relating to the current position of the cursor created by the light beam (x-y-direction) and of the table 301 (z-direction~.
When creating a three-dimensional picture of a volume of a microscope specimen with the aid of the apparatus just described, the following operational steps are taken:
- a luminous dot or cursor is created in the focal plane 11 of the microscope 30, this plane passing khrough the specimen 9~5 - the cursor is deflected to a plurality of locations in the focal plane 11;
- the mutual relative positions of the specimen and the focal plane 11 are changed and deflection of the cursor to a plurality of locations in the focal plane is renewed;
- the change in the relative mutual positions of the specimen and focal plane is repeated stepwise, and after each such change the luminous cursor is again deflected to a number of locations in the focal plane;
- the light created by the luminous cursor and part elements of the specimen is collected, this light carrying information relating to locations in the specimen, and any disturbing light emanating synchronously from adjacent locations is screened-off and - the thus collected light is collected and the measurement values obtained through said detection are stored, the storage of the measurement values being eEfected synchronously with the deflection of the luminous cursor in the vocal plane and with the change in the mutual position between the specimen and the focal plane.
In this way there is obtained a description or picture of the whole of the volume of the specimen comprising the individual volume elements (the locations), this being achieved in an extremely short period of time.
By way of example it can be mentioned that when microphotometering a specimen through approximately 100 sections and having 2562 measurement values (locations in each section, the actual apparatus time is approximately 10 minutes. In addition to the highly simplified preparation of the specimen, however, it is also possible to produce through the data processor 37 three-dimensional images with selectable projection directions and with the possibility of making volumetric measurements.
The apparatus illustrated in Figure 4 coincides with the apparatus illustrated in Figure 3 with the exception that deflection caused through the scanner 43 is effected only in one direction (e.g. the y-direction), ,. . i ~'~Z89~
while the object table 401 is moved stepwise in the horizontal direction (x-direction) subsequent to the light beam having been advanced along a whole row or line and being displaced stepwise in a vertical direction ~z-direction subsequent to the light beam having beenadvanced along a whole section. This modification may be suitable when studying specimens of substantially elongated rectangular shape.
With the aforegiven exceptions in the functioning of the apparatus, the corresponding circuits and devices illustrated in Figures 3 and are identified by reference numerals differing only in their first digits.
The apparatus illustrated in Figure 5 coincides with that illustrated in Figure 3 with the exception that the scanner 33 is omitted totally and the object table 501 is instead arranged to be moved stepwise along a surface in the horizontal plane ~x-y-plane) and stepwise in a vertical direction (z-direction). These movements are n controlled from the drive unit 563 which receives, in turn, synchronizing pulses from the control assembly 56.
Mutually corresponding circuits and devices in Figures 3 and 5 are identified by reference numerals differing only in their first digits.
The apparatus according to Figures 3 to 5 are intended to utilize reflected and/or fluorescent light prom the specimen. It is also possible to work with transmitted light, however, and the apparatus illus-trated in Figure 6 is intended for this case. Light from the laser 61 passes the microscope 60 and is focused on a point in the vocal plane in a specimen placed on thy object table 601. The light allowed to pass through or excited (fluorescence) by the specimen at the point in question is collected by an objective 602 and permitted to pass an aperture 64 and, in the case of fluorescence, a filter 603 to eliminate exiting laser light, whereupon detection is effected in the detector 6~ (conversion to electric signals and analogue/digital conversion) and collection in the control and data collecting assembly 66 in the afore-described mannerO In a manner similar to that described with reference to Figure 5, the object table ~01 is also caused to move stepwise, in response to control signals from the assembly 66, along a line or row in a surface plane tx-y-plane) and in a direction (z-dlrection) perpendicular to the surface plane. The function of the apparatus i5 similar in other respects to the function of the previously described apparatus.
The various remaining circuits or devices in Figure 6 corresponding to the circuits or devices in Figure 5 are identified by reference numerals differing only in their first digits.
The invention is not restricted to the afore-described and illustrated embodiments. For example, although the methods forming the basis for the apparatus illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, see also the following claims 2 and 3, probably give optimal results in respect of reElected light, modifications can be made in principle for the use of transmitted light. In addition, the drive units 363, 4~3 and 563 of respective apparatus according to Figures 3 to 5 can also be used to advantage for controlling movement of the microscope objective in z-directions instead of respective object tables 301, 401 and 501. There is obtained in both instances (fixed objective, movable object table in z-direction; movable objective in z-directions, fixed object table in z-directions) a change in th mutual distance between the specimen 10 and the focal plane 11.
In the aEoregoing mention has been made as to how the light beam is stepped forward along a line on (in) the specimen with the aid of control signals from the control assembly (e.g. 36 in Figure 3). Modifications may be made, however, to enable the light beam to be swung continuously forwards and backwards for example, but so that detection of the reflected signal takes place exactly at moments in time corresponding to given positional locations in the focal plane in the specimen.
39~5 It has been mentioned in the aforeyoing that images in selectable projections can be readily obtained once the specimen has been microphotometered in accordance with the invention.
Figure 7 illustrates schematically a specimen 10 through which sections l-n have been laid (at right angles to the plane of the drawing) in accordance with the invention. A researcher who during the course of his/her work finds that he needs to view a section through a given part of the specimen from a different anglet e.g. through sec-tions 70-70, is able to immediately obtain from the measurement value equipment an image comprised of measuring results from a plurality of sections l-n, and with a starting point from this view image can then find reason to concentrate his/her interest to another part of the specimen, perhaps along an additional section. The possibilities are manifold and afford a high degree of flexibility in respect of research work.
Qualitative and quantitative microscopic investigations (study assays) of prepared specimens of the human body and of animals constitute an important and time-consuming part of research work, for example, within the field of medicine. For example, when wishing to make a close study of a liver there is first prepared a given number of thin specimens of the liver to be examined (these specimens being prepared with the aid of a microtome), whereafter the specimens are subjected to a qualitative and quantitative examination under a microscope. A picture of the general condition of the liver, changes in its state of disease, etc., can then be obtained by combining the results oE the assays.
It is also known to obtain the assay result from a plurality of locations on the surface of a microscope specimen with the aid of electronic scanning techniques.
When applying known techniques it is still necessary in general to prepare a relatively large number of specimens sections) from the subject to be examined, which is expensive, time-consuming and highly laborious.
The object of the present invention is to simplify and, in many instances, even to refine the methodology of effecting such microscopic investigations, and at less cost The present invention provides a method for microphotometering and subsequent image combination by generating with the aid of a convergent light beam a luminous dot or cursor in the focal plane of a microscope, :~2~89~5 fitting the cursor to a plurality of part elements in the specimen, and collecting light created by the luminous cursor and the specimen, detecting the collected light and producing corresponding electric signals, which includes the steps of changing the mutual position between the specimen and the focal plane and re-fitting the luminous cursor to a plurality of part elements in the specimen, repeating stepwise changes in the mutual position between the specimen and the focal plane and, subsequent to each such change, again fitting or matching the luminous cursor to a plurality of part elements in the specimen collecting the light created by the luminous cursor and part elements in the specimen and screening-off any disturbing light created synchronously from adjacent (above, beneath, beside) part elements in the specimen, detecting the thus collected light and storing measurement values obtained through the detection, the storage optionally being effected synchronously with the matching of the luminous cursor with part elements in the specimen and with the changes in the mutual position between the specimen and the focal plane, the measurement values being representative of locations in various layers through the specimen, and combining the measurement values from locations in a plurality oE layers, representative of a given volume of the specimen, in dependence upon a planned/desired analysis of the specimen.
The aforesaid measurement values together give a detailed description or picture of the whole of the volume determined through all of said plurality of locations. By converting the measurement values to digital form and storing the same in the memory of a data processor, it is possible to produce three-dimensional images suitable for assay and further analysis.
Thus, it is possible - without preparing fresh physical specimens - to study the specimen on a data screen from different projections and to combine two such projections to obtain a stereoscopic image. This enables the person carrying out the investigation to produce in a 39~5 very short time precisely those views and incident angles which may be desired as the investigation proceeds.
The study of nerve cells is an examyle of an area in which the method according to the invention is particularly well suited. Nerve cells exhibit an extremely large number of branches and present a complicated three-dimensional structure. Investigatory studies of such structures with the aid of traditional microscope equipment are extremely difficult to carry out and are also very time-consuming. In addition the information obtained therefrom is incomplete.
Corresponding studies carried out in accordance with the invention have been found to provide abundantly more information than that obtained when carrying out the studies in accordance with known methods. Other possible areas where the three-dimensional structure is of great interest include studies of the inner structures of cells, for example a skudy of the configuration of the cell core, chromosomes etc.
The illumination and registration technique according to the invention affords the following advantagesO It is possible -to select a thin section from the specimen for registration and to combine several such sections to produce a three-dimensional image. The images are made rlcher in contrast and clearer by decreasing the level of stray light. Sensitive and delicate specimens are protected from harm, because the total light exposure is low.
The present invention further provides an apparatus for the microphotometering and subsequent image combination of a specimen, comprising a microscope having an object table, a light source, a detector and a control and data-collecting assembly, wherein the object table of the microscope is arranged for stepwise movement in a direction corresponding to the main axis (z-direction) of the microscope, the movement being controlled and effected in response to guide pulses from the control and data-collecting assembly in synchronization with the scanning ,, 39~5 of the light source of part elements in a microscope specimen placed on the object table; and in that the apparatus also includes equipment for storing, processing and visually displaying data originating from the measurements values.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and in more detail with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which Figure 1 illustrates in perspective the contour of a specimen and a section laid through the specimen;
Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of a specimen with a section according to Figure 1 laid in the surface structure of the specimen;
Figure 3 i llustrates app aratus for microphotometering a microscope specimen while using reflected and/or fluorescent light, comprising a two-dimensional scanner and a vertically movable object table;
Figure 4 illustrates the apparatus according to Figure 3 modiEied with a single-dimension scanner and a vertically and laterally adjustable table;
Figure 5 illustrates the apparatus according to Figure 3 which lacks the scanner but has an object table which can be moved in three dimensions Figure 6 illustrates the apparatus according to Figure 5 modified for transmitted or fluorescent light;
and Figure 7 illustrates a specimen in which a plurality o sections have been laid.
In Figure 1 the reEerence 10 identifies a microscope specimen through which there is laid an imaginary horizontal section comprising a plurality of part elements: for reasons relating to the technicalities of the drawing the section exhibits 20 rows in the x-direction and 15 rows in the y-direction, i.e. a total of 300 part elements, such as part elements 12 and 13 for example, but may in practice of course exhibit many more or far less elements and with sections of a different 3l Z~39~5 form, such as square or elongated rectangular sections for example, depending entirely upon the form of the specimen.
When microphotometering a microscope specimen, 75/ 100~ or 200 such imaginary sections may be envisaged in practice, these sections being plane parallel and bordering upon one another, two and two, or spaced equidistantly from one another. That part of the section 11 which lies within the specimen 10 has been shown in the figure with a thicker line 14.
The specimen 20 illustrated in vertical sections in Figure 2 constitutes part of a material surface to be studied. A section 21, corresponding to the section 11 in Figure 1, is placed in the upper part of the specimen and is thus here seen from the side. The two indicated sections 11 and 21 are representative of what is referred to hereinafter as "the focal plane".
The apparatus illustrated in Figure 3 includes a microscope 30 having an object table 301, a laser-light source 31 for producing a beam of light through a beam-splitting unit 32~ and a scanner 33 operative in panningthe beam oE light to a plurality of locations in the focal plane ~x-y-plane) of the microscope 30, an aperture 34, and a control and data-collection assembly 36 for controlling, inter alia, the scanner 33 via a line 361, and for collecting electric signals deriving from reflected and/or fluorescent light arriving at the detector 35 after having passed from the object table 301 through the microscope 30, the scanner 33 and the aperture 34, this light being converted in the detector 35 to electric signals which are transferred through the line 351 to the control assembly 36, and finally externally located equipment for storing, processing and visually displaying data originating from said signals, this equipment comprising a data processor 37 and an auxiliary store 38, and a display screen 39 connected to the data processor 37 A luminous dot or cursor created by the light beam from the laser source 31 is deflected by the scanner ~z~
33 to a number of positions in a specimen placed on the object -table 301, in the focal plane, which focal plane may be the section indicated in Figure 1. Stray light, possibly emanating from locations (volume elements) above, beneath or beside the location in the x-y-plane just scanned by the scanner 33, is excluded by the aperture 34 and is caused to deliver information relating to its characteristics through, for example reflected light.
When a location has been scanned a control pulse is delivered from the control assembly 36 -to the scanner 33, via the line 361, and the scanner therewith reflects the beam to the next location ~e.g. an x-square) in the same row (y-row), this procedure being continued until the whole of section 11 has been scanned or sensed. The object table 301 is thereupon moved stepwise (up or down) in response to a control pulse (signal) fed from the control assembly 36 to a drive unit 363 via the line 362, which drive unit guides directly movement of the table 301 in the z-direction. The object table with the specimen thereon is thus displaced through a given distance in the z-direction, whereupon the focal plane of the microscope 30 will obtain a new position through the specimen, this new position being scanned in the same manner as that previously described. The whole of the specimen is thus scanned in this way successively at equidistant locations along equidistant parallel lines in equidistant planes.
Signals are transferred from the scanner 33 and the drive unit 363 respectively to the control assembly 36, bearing information relating to the current position of the cursor created by the light beam (x-y-direction) and of the table 301 (z-direction~.
When creating a three-dimensional picture of a volume of a microscope specimen with the aid of the apparatus just described, the following operational steps are taken:
- a luminous dot or cursor is created in the focal plane 11 of the microscope 30, this plane passing khrough the specimen 9~5 - the cursor is deflected to a plurality of locations in the focal plane 11;
- the mutual relative positions of the specimen and the focal plane 11 are changed and deflection of the cursor to a plurality of locations in the focal plane is renewed;
- the change in the relative mutual positions of the specimen and focal plane is repeated stepwise, and after each such change the luminous cursor is again deflected to a number of locations in the focal plane;
- the light created by the luminous cursor and part elements of the specimen is collected, this light carrying information relating to locations in the specimen, and any disturbing light emanating synchronously from adjacent locations is screened-off and - the thus collected light is collected and the measurement values obtained through said detection are stored, the storage of the measurement values being eEfected synchronously with the deflection of the luminous cursor in the vocal plane and with the change in the mutual position between the specimen and the focal plane.
In this way there is obtained a description or picture of the whole of the volume of the specimen comprising the individual volume elements (the locations), this being achieved in an extremely short period of time.
By way of example it can be mentioned that when microphotometering a specimen through approximately 100 sections and having 2562 measurement values (locations in each section, the actual apparatus time is approximately 10 minutes. In addition to the highly simplified preparation of the specimen, however, it is also possible to produce through the data processor 37 three-dimensional images with selectable projection directions and with the possibility of making volumetric measurements.
The apparatus illustrated in Figure 4 coincides with the apparatus illustrated in Figure 3 with the exception that deflection caused through the scanner 43 is effected only in one direction (e.g. the y-direction), ,. . i ~'~Z89~
while the object table 401 is moved stepwise in the horizontal direction (x-direction) subsequent to the light beam having been advanced along a whole row or line and being displaced stepwise in a vertical direction ~z-direction subsequent to the light beam having beenadvanced along a whole section. This modification may be suitable when studying specimens of substantially elongated rectangular shape.
With the aforegiven exceptions in the functioning of the apparatus, the corresponding circuits and devices illustrated in Figures 3 and are identified by reference numerals differing only in their first digits.
The apparatus illustrated in Figure 5 coincides with that illustrated in Figure 3 with the exception that the scanner 33 is omitted totally and the object table 501 is instead arranged to be moved stepwise along a surface in the horizontal plane ~x-y-plane) and stepwise in a vertical direction (z-direction). These movements are n controlled from the drive unit 563 which receives, in turn, synchronizing pulses from the control assembly 56.
Mutually corresponding circuits and devices in Figures 3 and 5 are identified by reference numerals differing only in their first digits.
The apparatus according to Figures 3 to 5 are intended to utilize reflected and/or fluorescent light prom the specimen. It is also possible to work with transmitted light, however, and the apparatus illus-trated in Figure 6 is intended for this case. Light from the laser 61 passes the microscope 60 and is focused on a point in the vocal plane in a specimen placed on thy object table 601. The light allowed to pass through or excited (fluorescence) by the specimen at the point in question is collected by an objective 602 and permitted to pass an aperture 64 and, in the case of fluorescence, a filter 603 to eliminate exiting laser light, whereupon detection is effected in the detector 6~ (conversion to electric signals and analogue/digital conversion) and collection in the control and data collecting assembly 66 in the afore-described mannerO In a manner similar to that described with reference to Figure 5, the object table ~01 is also caused to move stepwise, in response to control signals from the assembly 66, along a line or row in a surface plane tx-y-plane) and in a direction (z-dlrection) perpendicular to the surface plane. The function of the apparatus i5 similar in other respects to the function of the previously described apparatus.
The various remaining circuits or devices in Figure 6 corresponding to the circuits or devices in Figure 5 are identified by reference numerals differing only in their first digits.
The invention is not restricted to the afore-described and illustrated embodiments. For example, although the methods forming the basis for the apparatus illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, see also the following claims 2 and 3, probably give optimal results in respect of reElected light, modifications can be made in principle for the use of transmitted light. In addition, the drive units 363, 4~3 and 563 of respective apparatus according to Figures 3 to 5 can also be used to advantage for controlling movement of the microscope objective in z-directions instead of respective object tables 301, 401 and 501. There is obtained in both instances (fixed objective, movable object table in z-direction; movable objective in z-directions, fixed object table in z-directions) a change in th mutual distance between the specimen 10 and the focal plane 11.
In the aEoregoing mention has been made as to how the light beam is stepped forward along a line on (in) the specimen with the aid of control signals from the control assembly (e.g. 36 in Figure 3). Modifications may be made, however, to enable the light beam to be swung continuously forwards and backwards for example, but so that detection of the reflected signal takes place exactly at moments in time corresponding to given positional locations in the focal plane in the specimen.
39~5 It has been mentioned in the aforeyoing that images in selectable projections can be readily obtained once the specimen has been microphotometered in accordance with the invention.
Figure 7 illustrates schematically a specimen 10 through which sections l-n have been laid (at right angles to the plane of the drawing) in accordance with the invention. A researcher who during the course of his/her work finds that he needs to view a section through a given part of the specimen from a different anglet e.g. through sec-tions 70-70, is able to immediately obtain from the measurement value equipment an image comprised of measuring results from a plurality of sections l-n, and with a starting point from this view image can then find reason to concentrate his/her interest to another part of the specimen, perhaps along an additional section. The possibilities are manifold and afford a high degree of flexibility in respect of research work.
Claims (9)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A method for microphotometering and subsequent image combination by generating with the aid of a convergent light beam a luminous dot or cursor in the focal plane of a microscope, fitting the cursor to a plurality of part elements in the specimen, and collecting light created by the luminous cursor and the specimen, detecting the collected light and producing corresponding electric signals, which includes the steps of:-changing the mutual position between the specimen and the focal plane and re-fitting the luminous cursor to a plurality of part elements in the specimen;
repeating stepwise changes in the mutual position between the specimen and the focal plane and, subsequent to each such change, again fitting or matching the luminous cursor to a plurality of part elements in the specimen;
collecting the light created by the luminous cursor and part elements in the specimen and screening-off any disturbing light created synchronously from adjacent (above, beneath, beside) part elements in the specimen;
detecting the thus collected light and storing measurement values obtained through said detection, said storage optionally being effected synchronously with the matching of the luminous cursor with part elements in the specimen and with the changes in the mutual position between the specimen and the focal plane, said measurement values being representative of locations in various layers through the specimen; and combining the measurement values from locations in a plurality of layers, representative of a given volume of the specimen, in dependence upon a planned/desired analysis of the specimen.
repeating stepwise changes in the mutual position between the specimen and the focal plane and, subsequent to each such change, again fitting or matching the luminous cursor to a plurality of part elements in the specimen;
collecting the light created by the luminous cursor and part elements in the specimen and screening-off any disturbing light created synchronously from adjacent (above, beneath, beside) part elements in the specimen;
detecting the thus collected light and storing measurement values obtained through said detection, said storage optionally being effected synchronously with the matching of the luminous cursor with part elements in the specimen and with the changes in the mutual position between the specimen and the focal plane, said measurement values being representative of locations in various layers through the specimen; and combining the measurement values from locations in a plurality of layers, representative of a given volume of the specimen, in dependence upon a planned/desired analysis of the specimen.
2. A method according to Claim 1, wherein matching of the luminous cursor with a plurality of part elements in the specimen is effected by delinking stepwise the convergent light beam in two dimensions (x- and y-directions); and in that the stepwise change in the mutual position between the specimen and the focal plane of the microscope is effected by moving stepwise the microscope object table on which the specimen is placed (z-direction).
3. A method according to Claim 1, wherein matching of the luminous cursor with a plurality of part elements in the specimen is effected by relatively rapid stepwise deflection of the convergent light beam in one dimension (y-direction), and by relatively slow stepwise displacement of the microscope object table on which the specimen is placed in a further dimension (x-direction);
and in that the stepwise change in the mutual position between the specimen and the microscope focal plane is effected by stepwise displacement of the microscope object table (z-direction).
and in that the stepwise change in the mutual position between the specimen and the microscope focal plane is effected by stepwise displacement of the microscope object table (z-direction).
4. A method according to Claim 1, wherein matching of the luminous cursor with a plurality of part elements in the specimen is effected by stepwise displacement of the microscope object table along a surface (x-y-plane) perpendicular to the main axis of the microscope; and in that the stepwise change in the mutual position between the specimen and the focal plane of the microscope is effected by stepwise displacement of the object table of the microscope (z-direction).
5. A method according to Claim 4, wherein collection of light (reflected fluorescent light) created by the luminous cursor and part elements in the specimen is effected on that side of the object table on which the microscope is placed.
6. A method according to Claim 5, wherein collection of light (transmitted light) created by the luminous cursor and part elements in the specimen is effected on the opposite side of the object table to that on which the microscope is placed.
7. Apparatus for the microphotometering and subsequent image combination of a specimen, comprising a microscope having an object table, a light source, a detector and a control and data-collecting assembly, wherein the object table of the microscope is arranged for stepwise movement in a direction corresponding to the main axis (z-direction) of the microscope, said movement being controlled and effected in response to guide pulses from the control and data-collecting assembly in synchronization with the scanning of the light source of part elements in a microscope specimen placed on the object table and in that the apparatus also includes equipment for storing, processing and visually displaying data originating from said measurements values.
8. Apparatus according to Claim 7, wherein the object table of the microscope is arranged for stepwise movement in a first direction (x-direction) at right angles to the main axis of the microscope (z-direction);
in that the light source is arranged to scan stepwise part elements in the specimen in a further direction (y-direction) at right angles to the main axis of the microscope (z-direction); and in that movements of the object table and the light source are co-ordinated for scanning a first plurality of part elements in a first plane through the specimen, and then of a second plurality of part elements in a second plane through said specimen, said second plane extending plane parallel with the first plane, etc. for scanning the whole specimen.
in that the light source is arranged to scan stepwise part elements in the specimen in a further direction (y-direction) at right angles to the main axis of the microscope (z-direction); and in that movements of the object table and the light source are co-ordinated for scanning a first plurality of part elements in a first plane through the specimen, and then of a second plurality of part elements in a second plane through said specimen, said second plane extending plane parallel with the first plane, etc. for scanning the whole specimen.
9. Apparatus according to Claim 7, wherein the object table of the microscope is arranged for relatively slow stepwise movement in a first direction (x-direction) at right angles to the main axis (z-direction) of the microscope and in a relatively rapid stepwise movement in a further direction (y-direction) at right angles to the main axis (z-direction) of the microscope, wherewith movements of the object table in planes at right angles to the main axis of the microscope and parallel with the main axis are co-ordinated through control pulses from the control and data-collecting assembly for scanning part element after part element through the whole of the specimen.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE8401458A SE455736B (en) | 1984-03-15 | 1984-03-15 | PROCEDURE KIT AND MICROPHOTOMETRATION AND ADDITIONAL IMAGE COMPOSITION |
| SE8401458-8 | 1984-03-15 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1228915A true CA1228915A (en) | 1987-11-03 |
Family
ID=20355166
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000475769A Expired CA1228915A (en) | 1984-03-15 | 1985-03-05 | Method for microphotometering microscope specimens, and apparatus for carrying out the method |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (2) | US4631581A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0155247B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS60212716A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1228915A (en) |
| DD (1) | DD244415A5 (en) |
| DE (2) | DE155247T1 (en) |
| SE (1) | SE455736B (en) |
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-
1984
- 1984-03-15 SE SE8401458A patent/SE455736B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1985
- 1985-02-19 DE DE198585850055T patent/DE155247T1/en active Pending
- 1985-02-19 DE DE8585850055T patent/DE3583050D1/en not_active Revoked
- 1985-02-19 EP EP85850055A patent/EP0155247B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1985-02-21 US US06/703,842 patent/US4631581A/en not_active Ceased
- 1985-03-05 CA CA000475769A patent/CA1228915A/en not_active Expired
- 1985-03-13 DD DD27409085A patent/DD244415A5/en unknown
- 1985-03-14 JP JP60049469A patent/JPS60212716A/en active Granted
-
1988
- 1988-12-21 US US07/288,287 patent/USRE34214E/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0155247A2 (en) | 1985-09-18 |
| EP0155247A3 (en) | 1988-06-08 |
| SE455736B (en) | 1988-08-01 |
| USRE34214E (en) | 1993-04-06 |
| SE8401458D0 (en) | 1984-03-15 |
| JPH0569210B2 (en) | 1993-09-30 |
| US4631581A (en) | 1986-12-23 |
| EP0155247B1 (en) | 1991-06-05 |
| SE8401458L (en) | 1985-09-16 |
| DE155247T1 (en) | 1987-10-15 |
| DE3583050D1 (en) | 1991-07-11 |
| DD244415A5 (en) | 1987-04-01 |
| JPS60212716A (en) | 1985-10-25 |
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