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Related Concept Videos

Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy01:16

Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy

Confocal microscopy is an advanced microscopic technique. The prime advantage of the confocal microscope over other microscopy techniques is its ability to block the out-of-focus light from the illuminated samples using pinholes. It is widely used with fluorescence optics to obtain high-resolution, sharp contrast images. Unlike optical microscopes, confocal microscopes use a focused beam of light laser to scan the entire sample surface at different z-planes. These microscopes are, therefore,...
Super-resolution Fluorescence Microscopy01:37

Super-resolution Fluorescence Microscopy

Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy (SRFM) provides a better resolution than conventional fluorescence microscopy by reducing the point spread function (PSF). PSF is the light intensity distribution from a point that causes it to appear blurred. Due to PSF, each fluorescing point appears bigger than its actual size, and it is the PSF interference of nearby fluorophores that causes the blurred image. Various approaches to achieving higher resolution through SRFM have recently been developed.
Three-Dimensional Microscopy in Microbiology01:28

Three-Dimensional Microscopy in Microbiology

Three-dimensional imaging techniques are essential in cell biology, allowing researchers to visualize intricate cellular structures with high resolution. Two prominent methods, Differential Interference Contrast Microscopy (DIC) and Confocal Scanning Laser Microscopy (CSLM), provide distinct advantages for imaging live and thick specimens, respectively.Differential Interference Contrast MicroscopyDIC microscopy enhances contrast in transparent, unstained samples by converting phase...
Immunofluorescence Microscopy01:12

Immunofluorescence Microscopy

A fluorescence microscope uses fluorescent chromophores called fluorochromes, which can absorb energy from a light source and then emit this energy as visible light. Fluorochromes include naturally fluorescent substances (such as chlorophylls) and fluorescent stains that are added to the specimen to create contrast. Dyes such as Texas red and FITC are examples of fluorochromes. Other examples include the nucleic acid dyes 4’,6’-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), and acridine orange.
The...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Near Simultaneous Laser Scanning Confocal and Atomic Force Microscopy (Conpokal) on Live Cells
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Near Simultaneous Laser Scanning Confocal and Atomic Force Microscopy (Conpokal) on Live Cells

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[Confocal microscopy].

Ken Hashimoto1, Noriyuki Kataoka, Fumihiko Kajiya

  • 1Department of Physiology, Kawasaki Medical School.

Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine
|February 17, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Confocal microscopy revolutionized biomedical research by enabling optical sectioning of biological samples. This review covers its principles, advancements like high-speed imaging and two-photon excitation, and diverse applications.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical imaging
  • Cell biology
  • Microscopy techniques

Context:

  • Fluorescence-based molecular imaging is crucial in biomedical research.
  • Conventional fluorescence microscopy has limitations in resolving sample depth.
  • Confocal microscopy emerged as a significant advancement in the 1980s.

Purpose:

  • To review the fundamental principles and benefits of confocal microscopy.
  • To discuss recent innovations and improved confocal microscopy techniques.
  • To highlight key biomedical applications of confocal microscopy.

Summary:

  • Confocal microscopy provides optical sectioning capabilities, overcoming limitations of conventional methods.
  • Key advancements include high-speed imaging, Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET), Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP), and two-photon excitation microscopy.

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Imaging Subcellular Structures in the Living Zebrafish Embryo

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Video-rate Scanning Confocal Microscopy and Microendoscopy
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  • The review details the underlying mechanisms and advantages of these techniques.

    • Impact:

    • Confocal microscopy has become an indispensable tool in biological and medical research.
    • Improved techniques enhance imaging speed, resolution, and functional analysis of biological processes.
    • Applications span various fields, aiding in the understanding of cellular structures and dynamics.