Abstract

Confocal microscopes utilize conjugate field stops in the illumination and image systems to achieve an optical sectioning effect. Systems employing pinholes require a 2-D scan to reconstruct an image, while slit systems need only a 1-D scan. A further refinement is added to the slit system to enhance its optical sectioning capability for incident light applications: illuminating and imaging through separate portions of the objective.

© 1989 Optical Society of America