Dual-Axis Confocal Microscopy for Point-of-Care Pathology

Abstract

Dual-axis confocal (DAC) microscopy is a high-resolution optical imaging modality that utilizes simple low-numerical-aperture (NA) beams to achieve effective optical sectioning and superior image contrast in biological tissues. In addition to providing enhanced imaging performance, the DAC architecture provides certain advantages for miniaturization, facilitating the development of endoscopic, and handheld systems for in vivo imaging. This article reviews the principles of DAC microscopy, highlighting the differences between DAC microscopy and conventional confocal microscopy. Several technical variations of DAC microscopy will be surveyed, as well as clinical DAC microscopy prototypes that have been developed as noninvasive real-time alternatives to conventional biopsy and histopathology.