Confocal microscopy is a form of optical imaging which increases the contrast and resolution of an image taken through a microscope by blocking light that is out of focus during the image formation. By preforming optical sectioning, this technique enables the reconstruction of 3D structures within an object or a fluorescent labeled specimen. These microscopes have uses in biology, medicine, optics, crystallography, and materials science.
Things to consider when purchasing a confocal microscope include measurement range, numerical aperture, depth of field, and optical resolution. For more information on confocal microscopes, be sure to check our Buyer’s Guide.