title: Optimizing the performance of dual-axis confocal microscopes via Monte-Carlo scattering simulations and diffraction theory.
abstract: Dual-axis confocal (DAC) microscopy has been found to exhibit superior rejection of out-of-focus and multiply scattered background light compared to conventional single-axis confocal microscopy. DAC microscopes rely on the use of separated illumination and collection beam paths that focus and intersect at a single focal volume (voxel) within tissue. While it is generally recognized that the resolution and contrast of a DAC microscope depends on both the crossing angle of the DAC beams, 2θ, and the focusing numerical aperture of the individual beams, α, a detailed study to investigate these dependencies has not been performed. Contrast and resolution are considered as two main criteria to assess the performance of a point-scanned DAC microscope (DAC-PS) and a line-scanned DAC microscope (DAC-LS) as a function of θ and α. The contrast and resolution of these designs are evaluated by Monte-Carlo scattering simulations and diffraction theory calculations, respectively. These results can be used for guiding the optimal designs of DAC-PS and DAC-LS microscopes.
authors.affiliation: Stony Brook University (SUNY), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA.
authors.forename: Ye
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Jonathan T C
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D016880:Anisotropy; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008027:Light; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D055095:Optics and Photonics / Q000379:methods*; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*; D012984:Software