Comparison of Line Spread Obtained in a Confocal Microscopic Setup with a Conventional Video Microscope

Abstract

Confocal microscopy is a special technique in the field of optical microscopy with wide applications in the areas of surface micro structuring of metal and non-metal surfaces, finger print observations in forensic sciences, 3D volume rendering of biological specimen etc. The main feature of confocal microscope is higher lateral as well as higher axial resolution. The higher axial resolution of confocal microscope gives rise to optical slicing capability. In the present paper the line spread function (LSF) is evaluated with the help of edge spread function (ESF) obtained through point scanning of an edge object in a reflection mode confocal microscopic setup. The spread of the LSF is also evaluated from the edge image obtained through a conventional transmission mode microscope fitted with a video camera. The comparison of LSF spread yields an estimation of improvement in lateral resolution in a confocal microscopic setup.

Indexing terms:

• Confocal microscope
• Edge spread function
• Line spread function
• Lateral resolution

Additional information

Notes on contributors

B Chakraborty

Biswajit Chakraborty received BSc with Physics Honours from Calcutta University in 1978–79, MSc (Tech) in Applied Physics with specialization in Optics and Optoelectronics and PhD (Tech) from Department of Applied Physics, University of Calcutta in 1982–83. and 1989 respectively. Worked as a “Scientist” in Central Scientific Instruments Organization (A CSIR Laboratory), Chandigarh in 1988–89 and as a “Senior Scientist” in the Department of Electronics (Govt, of India) sponsored project in the Department of Applied Physics, Calcutta University during 1990. Currently working as Asst General Manager in the R&D Division of MECON LIMITED (A Govt of India Enterprise under Ministry of Steel), Ranchi. Published and presented number of papers in National and International journals and symposiums as principal single author. Refereed papers in Optical Engineering (USA) and IEEE Transactions in Instrumentation and Measurement (USA). Reprint republished in the MILESTONE SERIES published by SPIE (USA). Designed, developed, patented and commercialized Optical systems for industrial use. Successfully completed a number of projects as Principal Investigator. Presently, carrying out R&D project on infrared and vibration based slag detection system for Steel Plants as Principal Investigator. The project is funded by Ministry of Steel, Govt, of India with a total grant of Rs. 1.43 Crore. Member of SPIE (USA) and Life Member of Optical Society of India and Computer Society of India. Fellow of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers.