The fundamental principle of a confocal microscope is to obtain images (or signals) of focus from the detector part.

As shown in the figure, where one point of a sample is illuminated and the light reflected from the sample tries to be obtained by the detector, not only light of one point is obtained, but light around it is detected if there is no pinhole.

A confocal microscope that has a pinhole installed in its detection part blocks other kinds of light than the light reflected from an originally intended point so as to obtain signals of one point. As shown in the figure, other kinds of light (dotted line) than the intended light of the point are blocked by the pinhole.

That is the most unique feature of a confocal microscope that obtains signals of one point in a space at a time.

In the structure, a focal point can play a role just as Tip of Stylus, so it is possible to make 3D measurement. In addition, by blocking surrounding light, it is possible to remarkably reduce optical noise and increase microscopic resolution.

Measuring one point at a time has a limitation in terms of meaningful measurement. To create an image, it is necessary to use a scanning device that can obtain such point data continuously.

In the condition where Tip of Stylus stays put, it is impossible to make profile measurement. Therefore, it is as if Tip is moved over the surface of an object to measure.

2D scanning has three types (see the next page). Of them, beam scanning type is the most effective. Our company as well as high-performance confocal microscope firms including Olympus and Keyence adopts beam scanning type.

Generally, a metal sample never transmits light so that a signal can be obtained on its surface. If a signal is
extracted from the surface, the function of Profiler is executed.