Confocal microscopy: Potential applications in micropaleontology

Preliminary experiments with a confocal microscope (Sarastro 2000(R)) demonstrate its value in micropaleontology for photography and three-dimensional morphometric studies. High-quality images of objects in the size range of 100 to 2,000 mu m can be obtained without application of nonremovable coating. Images on easily be electronically converted to stereopairs or displayed as single images. Images are in focus throughout and are superior to light photographs. Numerical data (x, y, and z coordinates) in almost any desired amount can be extracted from enough points on the visible surface to provide for the construction of a detailed topographic map of the surface. Al of this can be done without manipulating the specimen once it has been mounted.