Open AccessConfocal microscopy with a high numerical aperture parabolic mirror
Author(s) -
Andreas Drechsler,
M. Lieb,
Christian Debus,
Alfred J. Meixner,
G. Tarrach
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.9.000637
Subject(s) - optics , confocal , parabolic reflector , numerical aperture , microscope , materials science , microscopy , resolution (logic) , confocal microscopy , light sheet fluorescence microscopy , image resolution , 4pi microscope , fluorescence , diffraction , scanning confocal electron microscopy , fluorescence microscope , physics , wavelength , multiphoton fluorescence microscope , artificial intelligence , computer science
A novel high-resolution stage scanning confocal microscope for fluorescence microscopy and spatially resolved spectroscopy with a high numerical aperture (NA 1) parabolic mirror objective is investigated. A spatial resolution close to the diffraction limit is achieved. As microscopic fluorescent test objects, dye-loaded zeolite microcrystals (diameter approx. 0.4 microm) and single fluorescent molecules were used. Confocal fluorescence images show a spatial resolution of .x = 0.8 . both at room temperature and at 1.8 K. Imaging of a quasi-point light source and focusing by the parabolic mirror were investigated experimentally and theoretically. Deviations between the theoretical results for a perfect parabolic mirror and the experimental results can be attributed to small deviations of the mirror profile from an ideal parabola.