Confocal microscope

Definition

A confocal microscope uses laser light and spatial pinholes to create sharp images with a shallow depth of field. It allows for the collection of three-dimensional images by scanning specimens at different depths.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Confocal microscopy eliminates out-of-focus light, resulting in clearer images.
2. It is particularly useful for thick specimens, such as biofilms or tissue sections.
3. Laser scanning helps in achieving higher resolution and contrast compared to traditional microscopes.
4. Fluorescent dyes are often used to label specific structures within the sample.
5. Confocal microscopes can be used to create detailed 3D reconstructions of specimens.

Review Questions

• What is the main advantage of using a confocal microscope over a traditional optical microscope?
• How does a confocal microscope achieve higher resolution and contrast?
• Why are fluorescent dyes commonly used in confocal microscopy?

Related terms

Fluorescence Microscopy:

A technique that uses fluorescence instead of, or in addition to, reflection and absorption to study properties of organic or inorganic substances.

Laser Scanning: A method that uses laser beams to scan a specimen point by point for high-resolution imaging.

3D Reconstruction: The process of capturing the shape and appearance of real objects from multiple perspectives to generate a three-dimensional model.