Evaluating confocal microscopy system performance.
A confocal microscope was evaluated with a series of tests that measure field illumination, lens clarity, laser power, laser stability, dichroic functionality, spectral registration, axial resolution, scanning stability, PMT quality, overall machine stability, and system noise. These tests will help investigators measure various parameters on their confocal microscopes to insure that they are working correctly with the necessary resolution, sensitivity, and precision. Utilization of this proposed testing approach will help eliminate some of the subjectivity currently employed in assessing the CLSM performance.
Reproductive Toxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
Robert M
RM
Zucker
D002138:Calibration / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers / Q000592:standards*; D008029:Lighting / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000592:standards; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000592:standards*