Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy

The confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is designed for quantitative three-dimensional analysis. This technique uses laser light in a confocal beam path where imaging is performed by spot illumination in a raster (X and Y) scanning action – point by point, line by line. The change in the X and Y coordinates generates an optical section of the sample. If the object position is changed perpendicularly to the optical axis, a second optical section of the sample is produced. With successively defined optical sections, an image stack can be assembled containing the digitized brightness levels for each individual point scanned.

Data recorded is used by the software to calculate intensity projections with extended depth of field, intensity or height profiles, and to visualise topographic maps or 3D surface topographies of materials. This approach provides a non-destructive, rapid and high-resolution 3D image acquisition of inorganic materials with minimum sample preparation required.

MTRG hosts a Carl Zeiss Z1m LSM 700 that offers excellent optical quality and precisely controlled image acquisition.

For more information, please visit Melbourne thermochronology research group website.