A unique optical arrangement for obtaining spectrally resolved confocal images

Abstract

The design for a confocal beam-scanning microscope with a unique optical configuration for the rapid acquisition of spectrally resolved images is presented. The novel aspect of the optical configuration is the location of the detection device, which is placed in an intermediate position between fully descanned detection and nondescanned detection (direct projection). This placement allows for the practical implementation of spectrally resolved confocal imaging. The device is demonstrated by the spectral resolution of a sample of fluorescently labeled microbeads.