Video-rate confocal scanning laser microscope for imaging human tissues in vivo

We have built a video-rate confocal scanning laser microscope for reflectance imaging of human skin and oral mucosa in vivo. Design and imaging parameters were determined for optimum resolution and contrast. Mechanical skin-holding fixtures and oral tissue clamps were made for stable objective lens-to-tissue contact such that gross tissue motion relative to the microscope was minimized. Confocal imaging was possible to maximum depths of 350 mu m in human skin and 450 mu m in oral mucosa, with measured lateral resolution of 0.5-1 mu m and axial resolution (section thickness) of 3-5 mu m at the 1064-nm wavelength. This resolution is comparable with that of conventional microscopy of excised biopsies (histology). Normal and abnormal tissue morphology and dynamic processes were observed. (C) 1999 Optical Society of America.