Abstract: A confocal epi-illumination microscope includes a light laser, for supplying a light beam to a light condenser such as condenser focuses the light onto the object to be examined so as to illuminate a observational field on or within the object. Reflected, fluorescent or scattered light illuminated point field is collected by the condenser and transmitted to a returning may be a camera. The outgoing light passing from the light source to the returning light are transmitted through optical fibres in the light the returning light to a receiver. The outgoing illuminating light is subject to scan the object and the returning light is subject to similar or tandem movements to scan the photographic film. In one embodiment, the scanning movements and returning light are provided by two sets of scanning mirrors. arrangements, tandem scanning may be achieved by a pin hole or slit in a light intermediate focal point.

Abstract: A scanning confocal epi-illumination microscope comprising a light source (1), which may be a laser, for supplying a light beam to a light condenser (18), which may be a lens. Condenser (18) focuses the light onto object (20) to be examinated so as to illuminate a point observational field on or within the object. Reflected, fluorescent or scattered light from the illuminated point field is collected by condenser (18) and transmitted to detector (34). Scanning means (16, 17, 21, 22, 25) causes illuminated point field to move in scanning pattern relative to object (20). The outgoing light passing from light source (1) to condenser (18) and the returning light are transmitted via optical fibres and a light separator to divert the return light to detector (34).