Commercialisation of a high speed, digital confocal microscope

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We have developed a high speed digital confocal microscope that uses a digital micro-mirror device developed originally by Texas Instruments for projectors and televisions. The microscope allows optical sectioning of fluorescent specimens leading to acquisition of high quality images at faster speeds. We have identified several aspects of the current configuration that need to be improved before going to market. In collaboration with Prior Scientific Ltd., we will contract a professional optical engineer to scrutinise our design and then work collaboratively with Prior to implement and evaluate changes. We will improve the coupling efficiency of the light source, remove unwanted stray light and optimise the configuration of optical components. This will improve the image quality, reduce cost and simplify manufacture. Our aim is to develop a device that can be bolted on to existing imaging systems to produce a high quality, high speed but low cost device for use in biological research.