Histology-Equivalent Vertical Optical Sectioning Using a 2-Axis Magnetic Confocal Microscanner

Abstract

This paper presents a 2-axis confocal scanner for real-time and direct imaging of vertical cross-sections of biological samples. The device incorporated an out-of-plane lens actuator and a transverse optical fiber scanner. Two-dimensional dynamic scanning of samples using this device has been demonstrated by obtaining a scanning range of 145 µm and 190 µm in the X-Z plane (perpendicular to the surface of sample). Optical resolutions of 4.8 µm and 10.7 µm have been demonstrated in X and Z directions respectively. Images obtained by this scanner are analogous to conventional histology images and can facilitate noninvasive clinical diagnosis and evaluation of diseases such as skin cancer.