Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope Definition
A confocal laser scanning microscope uses fluorescence, a pin-point focus, mirrors, a laser, and computer to create clear three-dimensional pictures of a specimen. It allows layers of thick specimen to be imaged.
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History
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The confocal microscope was created by Marvin Minsky in 1955. He did this while working on his discovery of artificial intelligence. It did not come together for practical use until the late 1980s.
Fluorescence
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Different colored light shining from a molecule is a simple explanation of fluorescence. Using fluorescence in microscopy allows you to choose what you see and to distinguish parts of a specimen.
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Confocal Microscopy
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Confocal microscopy focuses the light through a pinhole to the focal point. Researchers see a much clearer image; the point without the distraction of the light around it.
Laser
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In confocal microscopy, the dye is fluoresced by a laser. Lasers allow a thick specimen to be imaged by layers.
Computer
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The microscope is attached to a computer that receives the images from the scanning mirrors at a rate of about three per second. These images are put together into a three-dimensional picture of the specimen.
Uses
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Confocal microscopy is considered fairly new, and it is used in a variety of scientific disciplines. These areas include biology, dentistry, forensics, and research.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Matthew Hine
