confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM)

A technique in which an image is formed point-by-point as a focused laser spot is scanned across a sample and emitted light is read by a point detector. Importantly, emitted light is passed through a physical pinhole that blocks out of focus light from reaching the detector to enable optical sectioning.

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Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy

Laser scanning confocal microscopes employ a pair of pinhole apertures to limit the specimen focal plane to a confined volume approximately a micron in size. Relatively thick specimens can be imaged in successive volumes by acquiring a series of sections along the optical (z) axis of the microscope.