Abstract: The invention relates to improving the spatial resolution of images captured using multi-beam scanning confocal imaging systems by developing the mechanisms required in a variety of multibeam confocal scanner formats that enable the data capture requirements of the prior art calculations to be met.

Abstract: According to a first embodiment the invention provides for increasing the throughput and reducing the striping due to imperfections in the microlens and/or confocal aperture arrays of a Laser Confocal Scanning Microscope by increasing the number of repeat patterns in the microlens and confocal aperture arrays to more than one, and incorporating an intensity modulation function that ensures constant integrated image intensities at the image detector independent of the instantaneous speed of scanning. According to a second embodiment the invention provides for reducing the striping in a Laser Confocal Scanning Microscope by introducing a second galvanometer mirror such that the emitted laser light beam is descanned at the image (sample) plane.

Abstract: According to a first embodiment the invention provides for increasing the throughput and reducing the striping due to imperfections in the microlens and/or confocal aperture arrays of a Laser Confocal Scanning Microscope by increasing the number of repeat patterns in the microlens and confocal aperture arrays to more than one, and incorporating an intensity modulation function that ensures constant integrated image intensities at the image detector independent of the instantaneous speed of scanning. According to a second embodiment the invention provides for reducing the striping in a Laser Confocal Scanning Microscope by introducing a second galvanometer mirror such that the emitted laser light beam is descanned at the image (sample) plane.

Abstract: According to a first embodiment the invention provides, for achieving fast multi-wavelength scanning in an acousto-optical deflector based confocal scanning microscope, dynamically adjusting an optical path of said an acousto-optical deflector based confocal microscope by mechanical means in accordance with a selected wavelength of a laser light beam, to compensate for astigmatism and collimation changes due to the change in input beam wavelength and modifying detected images of an object by electronic means to maintain alignment of the scan lines of the image at all wavelengths. According to a second embodiment the invention provides, for achieving fast multi-wavelength scanning in an acousto-optical deflector based laser confocal scanning microscope, dynamically adjusting drive parameters of the acousto-optical deflector in accordance with the selected wavelength of the input laser light beams, to maintain alignment of the scan lines of the image at all wavelengths.

Abstract: An optical image separation system, connected to a confocal image output port of a Nipkow disk type confocal scanner, wherein light returned from a sample and emitted from the confocal image output port is separated into a plurality of different wavelen regions, respectively, so that a plurality of samples emitting different wavelenghts are concurrently detected.