Confocal microscopy with a microlens array

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is a preferred method for obtaining optical images with submicrometer resolution. Replacing the pinhole and detector of a CLSM with a digital camera [charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)] has the potential to simplify the design and reduce cost. However, the relatively slow speed of a typical camera results in long scans. To address this issue, in the present investigation a microlens array was used to split the laser beam into 48 beamlets that are focused onto the sample. In essence, 48 pinhole-detector measurements were performed in parallel. Images obtained from the 48 laser spots were stitched together into a final image.