confocal microscopy

scaling along z dimension, u = { {2*\pi} \over {n \lambda}} NA^2 \times z scaling transverse r dimension, assuming cylindrical symmetry v = { {2*\pi} \over \lambda } NA \times r u, v are called optical units. Born and Wolf, chapter 8.8 -- CM is one of the means by which we increase contrast so that the image more faithfully exhibits the available resolution. a CM does have slightly higher resolution than a wide field microscope, but this is not the source of most of its success. -- PSF_{transverse} = 2J_1^2(v)/v^2 for a circular aperture. This is the familiar Airy disc. The pattern is characterized by the wavelength of light illuminating the circular aperture, and the aperture's size. PSF_{axial} = ({ \sin{(u/4)} \over {u/4}})^2 for a paraxial approximation. This is a diffraction pattern of a slit.