Confocal microscopy
Confocal Microscopy
Confocal microscopy (pronunciation: /kənˈfoʊkəl maɪˈkrɒskəpi/) is a technique in optical imaging used to increase optical resolution and contrast of a micrograph by using a spatial pinhole to block out-of-focus light in image formation.
Etymology
The term "confocal" originates from the configuration of the optical system, which has the object and the detector in a "con-focal" point.
History
Confocal microscopy was patented by Marvin Minsky in 1957, while he was a graduate student at Harvard University. Minsky's aim was to observe neural networks in a non-destructive manner.
Principle
Confocal microscopy involves the use of point illumination and a pinhole in an optically conjugate plane in front of the detector to eliminate out-of-focus signal. This is the major difference between wide-field microscopy and confocal microscopy.
Types of Confocal Microscopy
There are several types of confocal microscopy techniques, including:
- Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy (LSCM)
- Spinning Disk Confocal Microscopy (SDCM)
- Programmable Array Microscopy (PAM)
Applications
Confocal microscopy is widely used in life sciences for imaging cells and tissues, and also in material sciences for characterizing materials.
See Also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Confocal microscopy
- Wikipedia's article - Confocal microscopy
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