Design and optimization of a high-speed, high- sensitivity, spinning disk confocal microscopy system

We describe the principles, design, and systems integration of a flexible, high-speed, high-sensitivity, high-resolution confocal spinning disk microscopy SDCM system. We present several artifacts unique to high-speed SDCM along with techniques to minimize them. We show example experimental results from a specific implementa- tion capable of generating 3-D image stacks containing 30 2-D slices at 30 stacks per second. This implementation also includes optics for differential interference contrast DIC, phase, and bright-field imag- ing, as well as an optical trap with sensitive force and position measurement. © 2008 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. DOI: 10.1117/1.2992141