Patent attributes
An illumination device irradiates a sample with excitation light spatially modulated according to a two-dimensional pattern while temporally varying the pattern. A plate-shaped first optical member has a light receiving face that faces the sample face, receives fluorescence light emitted from the sample via the light receiving face, and guides the fluorescence light in a direction that is in parallel with the light receiving face. A photodetector receives the fluorescence light guided by the first optical member, and outputs a detection signal. A fluorescence image of the sample is generated using the detection signal and an intensity distribution formed on the sample face due to the excitation light acquired for every pattern.