Non-scanning fluorescence confocal microscopy using speckle illumination and optical data processing

We present an improved method of speckle-illuminated non-scanning fluorescence confocal microscopy that uses an optically addressed spatial light modulator (OASLM) to perform real-time image processing. Results are presented from an experimental system in which a miniature LCD in combination with an analogue CCD camera operates as the OASLM. The ability of this method to produce processed images possessing confocal characteristics and to remove additive detector noise is demonstrated with both computer simulation and experimental results.