OPTIMIZING THE PERFORMANCE OF CONFOCAL POINT SCANNING LASER MICROSCOPES OVER THE FULL-FIELD OF VIEW

To examine many of the imaging capabilities of confocal scanning laser microscopes rapidly and reliably over the whole field of view three simple, easily prepared specimens are required: a mirror positioned on a carefully measured shallow gradient, a film of highly fluorescent material and a rectangular grid with a readily defined centre. Using these specimens the adjustment of any combination of confocal scanning laser visualization system and light microscope can be examined throughout the field of view. The effects of misalignment of the various subcomponents of a confocal scanning laser microscope on both the axial spread function of a plane and the shading pattern oner the image field are described. Finally, where the design of the confocal optics permits, the three specimens can be used to facilitate the alignment of the various components to the optimal level achievable.