Abstract
While evaluating the performance of a microscope, one must consider not only the resolution but also SNR. The two criteria are each important to bio-imaging and interdependent such that attempts of optimising one generally tends to degrade the other. Here a novel detection scheme using an alternative pinhole geometry, a differential pinhole, is introduced. The scheme offers enhanced lateral as well as axial resolution resulting in an improved SNR-resolution tradeoff in a confocal fluorescence microscope. Up to 20 % resolution gain in either direction has been achieved and the performance enhancement has been demonstrated through computer simulations . The new detection scheme if used in conjunction with annular lens apertures could see further resolution gains.
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Kakade, R., Walker, J.G., Phillips, A.J. (2015). Enhanced Confocal Fluorescence Microscope performance using a differential pinhole. In: Polychroniadis, E., Oral, A., Ozer, M. (eds) 2nd International Multidisciplinary Microscopy and Microanalysis Congress. Springer Proceedings in Physics, vol 164. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16919-4_20
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16919-4_20
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