Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for producing a microscopic image with an extended depth of field by means of a microscope. The microscope comprises an images sensor that comprises pixels that are arranged as a matrix that is formed by lines. In a step of the method, a plurality of microscopic frames of a specimen is acquired while a focus position (z) is changed. The microscopic frames are acquired line by line. The focus position (z) is changed over a course of acquiring individuals of the microscopic frames. In a further step, parts of individuals of the acquired lines are identified. These parts sharply image the specimen. The identified parts of the lines are composed in order to form a microscopic image of the specimen with an extended depth of field. Furthermore, the present invention concerns a microscope.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes aperture array element and vari-focus optical element in confocal microscopy system. With the aperture array element lateral scanning property can be obtained and with vari-focus optical element axial scanning property can be obtained. Especially Micromirror Array Lens is used as a vari-focus optical element, fast and extended depth of focus scan range can be obtained. Thus the present invention of confocal microscopy with the vari-focus optical element increases scan speed of confocal microscopy system. The confocal microscopy system of the present invention comprises an illumination source, an aperture array element, a vari-focus optical element, an objective lens element, a photosensitive optical sensor device. With these elements, confocal microscopy is performed to get three dimensional images.