A unique optical arrangement for obtaining spectrally resolved confocal images

The design for a confocal beam-scanning microscope with a unique optical co nfiguration for the rapid acquisition of spectrally resolved images is pres ented. The novel aspect of the optical configuration is the location of the detection device, which is placed in an intermediate position between full y descanned detection and nondescanned detection (direct projection). This placement allows for the practical implementation of spectrally resolved co nfocal imaging. The device is demonstrated by the spectral resolution of a sample of fluorescently labeled microbeads. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S0034-6748(99)03308-0].