Discover 21st Century Laser-Free Confocal Microscopy

About the Event

Confocal microscopy is valued for its ability to capture thin, high-resolution, in-focus slices from deep within thick specimens. These optical sections improve image contrast, remove out of focus fluorescence which blurs the images, and can be reconstructed into 3D models.

The first confocal design, proposed by Marvin Minsky in the 1950s, used a point illumination–point detection system that naturally rejects out-of-focus light. To build images, the system required point-by-point scanning, a powerful laser light source, and sensitive detectors such as PMTs to compensate for weak signals. This design became feasible in the 1970s and was typically added onto conventional microscopes.

Since then, technological advances have introduced alternative approaches. CCD cameras, non-laser light sources, and computational image processing now make it possible to achieve optical sectioning without relying solely on lasers, single pinholes and PMTs. 

In this webinar, we will discuss a modern technique which combines structured illumination with sensitive structured detection, enabling the production of thin, high-contrast, high-resolution optical slices similar to traditional confocal imaging, but with simpler, more flexible instrumentation, based on new LED light sources, advanced aperture correlation methods and a sensitive high resolution sCMOS camera.

Key Learnings for Attendees:

• Understand how you can upgrade your microscope to an economical confocal imaging system without the need for expensive lasers and equipment.
• Discover modern approaches to biological imaging, including how to apply best practices and streamline workflows in confocal imaging.

Who Should Attend: 

• Design & Development/Systems Integration Teams 
• Engineering Managers 
• Product Managers 
• Lab Researchers 
• Biology Research Technicians 
• Post-Doctoral Biological Researchers