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Imaging Subcellular Structures in the Living Zebrafish Embryo

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Published on: April 2, 2016

Confocal and multiphoton microscopy: A selective review.

Colin J R Sheppard¹

¹School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Journal of Microscopy

|April 1, 2026

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This review covers the development of modern confocal and multiphoton microscopy between the 1970s and 1990s, highlighting key technological advancements and commercialization. It details innovations like scanning methods and nonlinear imaging, including Guy Cox

Keywords:

confocal microscopy multiphoton microscopy

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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.