Multispectral line confocal imaging microscope for fluorescence applications

We present a novel line confocal microscope for investigating biological samples that simultaneously acquires images from three fluorescent channels. This instrument provides the majority of the benefits of confocal microscopes, such as depth sectioning and improved contrast, while allowing more of the excitation illumination to reach the sample area, resulting in reduced exposure times. One configuration of the line confocal fluorescent microscope is designed to work with a four laser illuminator, and three discrete cameras, while an alternate configuration allows the instrument to act as a multispectral microscope that captures the fluorescent emission over the visible and NIR wavelength range.