The objective is the development of a versatile, low-cost confocal laser scanning microscope module with the following features:(1) video image acquisition rate and display,(2) vector scanning capability,(3) sub raster (zoom) steerable within the entire field,(4) adaptable to most commercial laboratory microscopes, and(5) distortion-free image.Recent development in scanner technology, permits the design of special purpose scanners which enable the incorporation of these features to a laser scanning microscope. These are, triangular wave resonant scanners, reactionless resonant scanners and the "paddle scanner" configuration, which nearly eliminates any astigmatism from the system. Multiple beam scanning offers the benefits of efficient use of light source and detectors, as well as simple image decoding.Awardee's statement of the potential commercial applications of the research:The availability of such a product would develop the market for scanning microscopes as it offers desirable features and a low cost. An additional $10 million in annual sales is expected. The video rate capabilities are essential to study transient phenomena such as neurological information transfer.
