Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy: Realising High Spatial Resolution

From an original Ushio Europe article https://www.ushio.eu/confocal-laser-scanning-microscopy/ June 8th, 2021

Confocal microscopes have a very high spatial resolution among optical microscopes. In a modern process known as confocal laser scanning microscopy, they are widely used for cell imaging in the biomedical field and high-precision shape measurement in the semiconductor industry. The principle of confocal microscopy is based on a confocal optical system in which a point light source is projected onto a sample, while a pinhole and detector are placed at the image position of the sample.

The invention of the confocal microscope (1957, M. Minsky) actually came before the invention of the laser (1960). Initially, a lamp light source was used, however, lasers are now used in most cases because they are extremely bright, have high flux utilisation, and can provide monochromatic light of the wavelengths required for fluorescence observation, which is important in biomedical applications.

The history of the development of fluorescent reagents for fluorescence observation is strongly linked to the history of available light sources such as mercury lamps and gas lasers. For example, the use of fluorescent reagents with excitation wavelengths of 365 nm (i-line of mercury lamp) and 488 nm (argon ion laser) is a remnant of this history. Examples of excitation wavelengths used in biomedical confocal microscopy include 405, 488, 514, 561, 594, 640, and 647 nm, many of which use semiconductor lasers.

Types of confocal microscopes by scanning method

Since the confocal optical system is designed to detect only one spatial point, the detection position on the sample needs to be scanned to form an image. The scanning is achieved through a combination of moving the sample stage and beam scanning by using optics, such as a Galvano mirror. For single-scan type confocal microscopes with only one detection point, a transverse single-mode laser is used for reasons of light transmission and utilisation efficiency.

The spinning disc type confocal microscope enables scanning of a large number of detection points on a sample by means of a rotating disc with a large number (thousands to tens of thousands) of pinholes precisely arranged in a spiral manner. Since the spinning disc type scans by dividing the laser beam into multiple points, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the cells to be observed (photo-toxicity) and the fading of fluorescent reagents due to light irradiation. Spinning-disc confocal microscopes can use multi-mode lasers in addition to transverse single-mode lasers.

Examples of laser diodes suitable for confocal microscopy

With a wavelength of 405 nm and an optical output power of 300 mW (CW), the HL40071MG is a violet laser diode that achieves the highest level of optical output power for a single-mode laser diode of this wavelength. It is suitable for fluorescence excitation in a wide range of biomedical fields including confocal microscopy.

The HL40113MG and HL40115MG, also at 405 nm, are multi-mode products with 600 mW output power and are suitable for use in spinning disc confocal microscopes as well as for situations where high power is required for fluorescence excitation. HL63391DG/392DG and HL65014DG are single-mode red laser diodes in the 640 nm and 647 nm bands, respectively, and can be applied to all types of confocal microscopes.

All of the products introduced here are available in a small TO-CAN package with a diameter of 5.6 mm. In addition, a photodiode is built into the CAN package to monitor the laser power, making it easy to control the optical output.

Ushio laser diodes

All Ushio high performance laser diodes are available from the Optoelectronics Company. Please contact the Optoelectronics Company to request samples for testing.

ABOUT Ushio

Ushio’s laser diode collection offers wavelengths across UV (375–405 nm), red (630–690 nm), and NIR (705–852 nm), with prospective optical output powers from 5 mW to 3,500 mW. Our LD collection has low and high power lasers, with low-operating currents, long lifespans, and efficiency, all while remaining 100% RoHS-compliant.

Ushio’s Epitex division has grown into the largest collection of light emitting diodes on the market. Covering all violet, visible, and infrared wavelengths, from 365 nanometres (nm) to 1,750 nm, this vast catalogue creates a one-stop-shop for single and multi-wavelength LEDs.

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The Optoelectronics Company is a manufacturer of custom-designed and standard laser diode modules and laser diode collimators. It is also an authorised distributor and supplier of Ushio Laser Diodes and LEDs, OSRAM laser diodes and Panasonic Aspherical Glass Lenses to customers worldwide.

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