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Point-scanning microscopy
Scanner technologies in point-scanning confocal microscopy
The point-scanning confocal microscope acquires images by scanning a laser in a two-dimensional direction using mirrors called galvanometer mirrors. A scanner using this mirror is called a galvanometer scanner.
In addition to the galvanometer scanner, there is also a method that uses a resonant scanner (which utilizes a mirror resonating at a constant speed). A resonant scanner generally allows faster scanning than galvanometer scanners, enabling high-speed imaging. However, a drawback of resonant scanners is that they resonate at a fixed speed and angle, limiting flexibility for changing the field of view or selectively illuminating specific areas with a laser.
A resonant scanner is faster than galvanometer scanners, which means that the laser exposure time per point is shorter, resulting in weaker fluorescence intensity. If you want to achieve the same fluorescence intensity as a galvanometer scanner, you can either increase the laser intensity or perform multiple scans. Fluorescent molecules are less likely to fade when excited repeatedly with weaker excitation light compared to a single strong excitation. Therefore, using a resonant scanner for imaging within the same time frame as a galvanometer scanner offers the advantage of reduced fading.
The detectors commonly used in point-scanning confocal microscopes are photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) and silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs).
Figure 3: Schematic diagram of a point-scanning confocal microscope
Example images
Confocal images using MAICO® MEMS confocal unit
4-color live cell confocal Z-section imaging
High-speed confocal intracellular Ca2+ imaging of spontaneously beating hiPS-cardiomyocytes
Z-section imaging of mouse brain
Recommended products
The Maico confocal module adds affordable confocal capabilities to any inverted microscope. The module is self- contained, with the optics, lasers, detectors and software needed to achieve confocal imaging. This simple and easy-to-use system enables confocal capabilities on your existing wide-field microscope, bringing new dimensions to your fluorescence imaging.
This module offers high sensitivity, making it ideal for confocal microscopy applications that require capturing fine cellular details, even in low-light conditions. Its compact, PCB mountable design allows for tight integration into the optical setups, ensuring reliable performance in a neat package.
This module has all of the same features as the H16200-40, but with flying leads for ease of use to get your system up and running quickly.
Photon-counting module equipped with an MPPC enables ultra-weak light detection. Its excellent multiplication reproducibility contributes to high-contrast visualization of deep biological tissues.
An electromagnetic-driven mirror utilizing MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) technology. It achieves 2D scanning capability with low power consumption, wide optical deflection angles, high mirror reflectivity, and high scanning frequency. It is used as a mirror for point-scanning confocal microscopes.
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