Axial scanning confocal microscopy with no moving parts

The performance of the 3D confocal imaging of a blood vessel sample using axial scans implemented through an electronically controlled liquid crystal (LC) lens, is studied. The researchers, in an attempt towards achieving no-moving-parts depth-section scanning, have modified a commercial reflective mode 3D confocal microscope by inserting an LC lens in objective lens. The proposed technique can use any type of E-lens, and has the potential to influence the fields of fluidic biological imaging in case slight external mechanical forces on the test samples can lead to the unwanted modification of the 3D sample structures. The technique is also applicable to all-optical microscopy systems in which motion of a sample or objective is restricted.