Confocal and multiphoton microscopy: A selective review

Area of Science:

• Optical Microscopy
• Biomedical Imaging Technologies

Background:

• Confocal microscopy and multiphoton microscopy have revolutionized biological imaging.
• Their modern forms and commercial availability emerged significantly between the 1970s and 1990s.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical development of confocal and multiphoton microscopy.
• To outline key technological advancements during this formative period.
• To highlight the commercialization of these advanced imaging techniques.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of microscopy development from the 1970s to 1990s.
• Analysis of key technological innovations including scanning methods and nonlinear optics.
• Examination of the commercialization process for advanced microscopy systems.

Main Results:

• The period saw the maturation and commercialization of modern confocal and multiphoton microscopy.
• Key developments included point vs. line scanning and the emergence of nonlinear microscopy.
• Image scanning microscopy also emerged during this era.

Conclusions:

• The 1970s-1990s were crucial for establishing the current state of confocal and multiphoton microscopy.
• Technological innovations and commercial efforts shaped these powerful imaging tools.