A confocal microscope (10) for generating a video-rate, real-time image of a sample (22). The microscope (10) includes an optical delivery system, and horizontal (44) and vertical (56) scanning elements for generating a two-dimensional imaging field. The confocal microscope (10) additionally includes a focal-plane scanning element (16), positioned along the imaging fields' optical pathway, which includes an oscillating, motor-driven reflecting or transmitting optical component for spatially varying, in a time-dependent manner, the focal plane of the two-dimensional imaging field. Alternatively, in another aspect the microscope (10) features a pivoting articulated arm (20) for housing the vertical scanning element (56) and the imaging lens (72). The arm (20) includes at least one reflective elbow joint (68) configured to receive the two-dimensional imaging field from the vertical scanning element (56) and then deliver the field to the imaging lens (72).
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