Image visualization of photon counting confocal microscopy using statistical estimation

In this paper, we propose image visualization method of photon counting confocal microscopy using statistical estimation. Since high power coherent light source is used to record sectional images from micro-objects in conventional confocal microscopy, it may cause damage for a structure of micro-objects. Thus, low power coherent light source may be required. However, in low light level environment, it is difficult to capture sectional images of micro-objects. On the other hand, photon counting imaging technique can detect sectional images of micro-objects in photon-starved conditions. Therefore, in this paper, we apply a photon counting imaging technique to conventional confocal microscopy for visualization of micro-objects. Photon counting detection can be modeled by statistical process. To visualize micro-objects under photon-starved conditions, statistical estimation methods such as maximum likelihood estimation can be used. In addition, we present color photon counting imaging system which considers different carried photon energy with each basic color channels. To prove and evaluate our method, we show simulation results for image visualization of photon counting confocal microscopy and calculate mean square error.