3D confocal microscope
Thorlabs
28 fps Confocal Imaging @ 512 x 512 Pixels
Variety of Excitation Laser Options
Modular Design Allows for Customization and Interchangeability
Confocal scanning optical microscopy is a high-resolution optical imaging technique based on imaging either fluorescent dyes or reflectance. In many situations confocal fluorescence microscopy can be used in place of widefield fluorescence microscopy for higher resolution imaging, particularly of volumes.
Widefield fluorescence microscopy is a form of light microscopy that uses a high-intensity light source. This wide-spectrum light beam is then passed through filters to select the desired excitation wavelength. Fluorescence from the sample is then imaged with a detector source, such as a CCD camera or PMT. Fluorescent dyes and fluorescent proteins are typically used to label different parts of the sample. As the sample is completely illuminated, all of the labeled areas within the sample will fluoresce simultaneously, including that which is out of the focal plane. Since the sample is fluorescing throughout its depth, even out of focus fluorescence will be imaged, which decreases the resolution of the resulting image.
Confocal fluorescence microscopy, on the other hand, scans a laser or lasers across a sample, collecting data one point at a time. Dyes are also used to label parts of your sample. A pinhole selector is used to limit the returned light detected by the photomultiplier(s) to only collect in-focus light. As a result, much higher resolution images, particularly 3D, are possible with confocal fluorescence microscopy than are obtainable with widefield fluorescence microscopy. Although confocal systems collect data on a point-by-point basis, Thorlabs' systems are still able to image at very fast frame rates (28 fps).
Thorlabs offers full-featured, video-rate Confocal Systems for fluorescence imaging. The
VCMS-F and VCMK-F fluorescence models are dual-channel with 405 nm and 473 nm lasers. The VCMS-F is a complete, ready-to-use confocal fluorescence imaging system. Our VCMK-F is the same as our VCMS-F, but requires the customer to supply their own microscope and does not include installation. For customers that wish to build their own confocal fluorescence imaging system and already have some microscopy components, we also offer a base system that include the confocal fluorescence scan head, confocal control unit, and a PC loaded with the ThorVCM software.
If your application requires customization to a complete system or add-on kit, please contact your local Tech Support office to learn about alternate configurations (i.e., laser wavelength, fluorescence filters, PMTs).
