Lighting method and microscopic observation device

Abstract

Standing wave-generating planar wave illumination units generate two light-wave planar waves using light from a light source assembly and irradiate a sample surface with a standing wave produced by interference of the planar waves on the sample surface. A bias planar wave illumination unit generates a bias planar wave using light from the light source assembly and irradiates the sample surface with the wave. The bias planar wave is synchronized with the standing wave to alternately oscillate to positive and negative with an equal electric field displacement irrespective of the position on the sample surface across a reference time specified in advance when the displacement of the standing wave has a value '0' at the respective positions on the sample surface, and oscillates at a bias amplitude specified in advance to raise the displacement of the standing wave on the sample surface to only a positive or negative displacement.