Microscope Adapter for Confocal Imaging

A module called OptiGrid converts a standard reflected-light microscope (brightfield or fluorescence) into a fully operational confocal microscope, capable of optical sectioning, image stacking, full-focus compilation, and 3-D rendering. The module is designed to work with a desktop PC and an electronic camera.

OptiGrid boasts a light efficiency of 92%, nearly twice that of alternative confocal techniques. Any spectral filter can be used in conjunction with halogen or arc lamps to narrow the spectral region and still produce confocal images with high signal-to-noise ratios. Once installed, OptiGrid allows the user to switch between conventional and confocal imaging simply by sliding the OptiGrid module in and out of the slot in your vertical illuminator.

With OptiGrid activated, the user can still observe a specimen conventionally through the eyepieces of the microscope, with easier maneuvering and fine-focusing of the specimen for confocal imaging. As the OptiGrid section is acquired, an electronic camera sends three video images to the computer, to extract the in-focus portions of the image and reject the out-of-focus portions. Every resulting confocal section is projected on the computer monitor. These sections can be stored, stacked, modeled, and manipulated using conventional imaging software.

OptiGrid is distributed by Klughammer GmbH (Germany) and is available in different versions. These include the module alone or the module as part of a complete system that includes the microscope, computer, and software. Most existing microscopes can be upgraded with OptiGrid.



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