To provide an optical image separation system, connected to the confocal image output port of a Nipkow disk type confocal scanner, the system being capable of detecting the light returned from a sample and emitted from the above confocal image output port by separating the return light into a plurality of different wavelength regions respectively, and of holding the throughput high without increasing the cost.
Optical image separation system 300 is realized, which is provided with a dichroic mirror or dichroic mirrors 30 (return light separating means) that separates return light 7 from sample 60, emitted from confocal image output port 110 of confocal scanner 100.