PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a living body observation device for acquiring tested body information on a deep part of a tested body at a higher S/N and at a higher speed than ever before.SOLUTION: This living body observation device is characterized by comprising: a sound wave generation part capable of outputting a sound wave to the tested body a control part for switching the output state of the sound wave an illumination light generation part outputting illumination light capable of reaching the interior of the tested body while gradually changing its wavelength a light receiving part for receiving body light which is the illumination light reflected and scattered within the tested body an interference signal output part outputting an interference signal acquired from interference light of light inputted into the receiving part with the illumination light when the output state of the sound wave is off and an interference signal acquired from interference light of light inputted into the receiving part when the output state of the sound wave is on and an operation part for calculating light scatter information on respective parts whose densities are increased by the sound wave based on the respective interference signals.COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT【課題】被検体深部における被検体情報を、従来に比べて高S/Nかつ高速に取得可能な生体観測装置を提供する。【解決手段】本発明の生体観測装置は、音波を被検体へ出射可能な音波発生部と、前記音波の出射状態を切り替える制御部と、前記被検体の内部に到達可能な照明光を、波長を漸次変化させつつ出射する照明光発生部と、前記被検体の内部において前記照明光が反射及び散乱された光である物体光を受光する受光部と、前記音波の出射状態がオフである場合に前記受光部に入射される光と前記照明光との干渉光から得られる干渉信号、及び、前記音波の出射状態がオンである場合に前記受光部に入射される光と前記照明光との干渉光から得られる干渉信号を出力する干渉信号出力部と、前記干渉信号各々に基づき、前記音波により密度が増大された各部位における光散乱情報を算出する演算部と、を有することを特徴とする。【選択図】図1
