How the Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope entered Biological Research

A history of the early development of the confocal laser scanning microscope in the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge is presented. The rapid uptake of this technology is explained by the wide use of fluorescence in the 80s. The key innovations were the scanning of the light beam over...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biology of the cell 2003-09, Vol.95 (6), p.335-342
Main Authors: Amos, W.B., White, J.G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Biology - history
Biology - instrumentation
Electronics
History, 20th Century
History, 21st Century
Humans
Laser scanning microscopy confocal history MRC diagnostic medicine cervical smear leukaemia instrumentation funding
Microscopy, Confocal - history
Microscopy, Confocal - instrumentation
Optics and Photonics
Research - history
Research - instrumentation
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Summary:A history of the early development of the confocal laser scanning microscope in the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge is presented. The rapid uptake of this technology is explained by the wide use of fluorescence in the 80s. The key innovations were the scanning of the light beam over the specimen rather than vice-versa and a high magnification at the level of the detector, allowing the use of a macroscopic iris. These were followed by an achromatic all-reflective relay system, a non-confocal transmission detector and novel software for control and basic image processing. This design was commercialized successfully and has been produced and developed over 17 years, surviving challenges from alternative technologies, including solid-state scanning systems. Lessons are pointed out from the unusual nature of the original funding and research environment. Attention is drawn to the slow adoption of the instrument in diagnostic medicine, despite promising applications.
ISSN:0248-4900
1768-322X
DOI:10.1016/S0248-4900(03)00078-9