This book discusses the various principles in confocal scanning microscopy which has become a useful tool in many practical fields including biological studies and industrial inspection. The methodology presented in this book is unique and is based on the concept of the three-dimensional transfer functions which have been developed by the author and his colleagues over the last five years. With the 3-D transfer functions, resolving power in 3-D confocal imaging can be defined in a unified way, different optical arrangements can be compared with an insight into their inter-relationship, and images of thick objects can be modeled in terms of the Fourier transform which makes the analysis easy. The aim of this book is to provide a systematic introduction to the concept of the 3-D transfer functions in various confocal microscopes, to describe the methods for the derivation of different 3-D transfer functions, and to explain the principles of 3-D confocal imaging in terms of these functions.

"This book provides the reader with a concrete understanding of basic principles and pitfalls for 3-D capturing, highlighting stereoscopic imaging systems including holography"--

The integration of confocal microscopy and volume investigation has led to an unprecedented ability to examine spatial relationships between cellular structure and function. The goal of this book is to familiarize the reader with these new technologies and to demonstrate their applicability to a wide range of biological and clinical problems. - Volume investigation - Three-dimensional reconstruction - Fluroescent probe design - Biological applications of confocal microscopy, including calcium imaging, receptor movement, and diagnostic pathology - Confocal data display and analysis - Twenty-eight pages of color

This third edition of a classic text in biological microscopy includes detailed descriptions and in-depth comparisons of parts of the microscope itself, digital aspects of data acquisition and properties of fluorescent dyes, the techniques of 3D specimen preparation and the fundamental limitations, and practical complexities of quantitative confocal fluorescence imaging. Coverage includes practical multiphoton, photodamage and phototoxicity, 3D FRET, 3D microscopy correlated with micro-MNR, CARS, second and third harmonic signals, ion imaging in 3D, scanning RAMAN, plant specimens, practical 3D microscopy and correlated optical tomography.

This book covers important aspects of modern optical microscopy and image restoration technologies. Instead of pure optical treatment, the book is delivered with the consideration of the scientists who utilize optical microscopy in their daily research. However, enough details are provided in basic imaging principles, optics and instrumentation in microscopy, spherical aberrations, deconvolution and image restoration. A number of microscopic technologies such as polarization, confocal and multi-photon microscopy are highlighted with their applications in biological and materials sciences/engineering.