Abstract

Today, confocal microscopy is widely used in biomedical applications, since its technology allows e.g. in cell biology to resolve sub- and intercelluar details in three-dimensions. Moreover, the recent miniaturization process of opto-electronical components even indicates a possible endoscopic application – to intraoperative examinations without need for a surgical biopsy. The current development of such a confocal endomicroscope, based on the concept of miniaturized fiberoptical components is described. The technical setup is explained in the context of an alternative method for confocal microscopy employing a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD). Moreover, in-vivo tissue staining techniques suitable for confocal endoscopic imaging are analyzed.

© 2003 SPIE