Mirror deflection control for a confocal scanning laser microscope employing a time-modulated laser and a linear diode array

摘要

Abstract: A mirror deflection device for a CSLM has been developed. It performs repetitive scanning according to a preset waveform which can be chosen arbitrarily. It can also be used to perform stationary positioning at arbitrarily chosen points. A digital memory, comprising dual banks, is used to allow switching from one actuating waveform to another. The movement of the mirror is recorded very accurately. A burst of sequential pulse from a diode laser is deflected by the mirror and recorded by means of a linear diode array. The target pattern is analyzed digitally. The objective is to implement a control strategy whereby a new actuating waveform can be derived in order to correct any deviation between the desired waveform and the recorded one. Some results obtained with the device are reported. Foreseen applications encompass spectral analysis of selected regions and kinetic studies where a trade-off between speed and number of image points is necessary.!5