Resolution doubling in fluorescence microscopy with confocal spinning-disk image scanning microscopy.

We demonstrate how a conventional confocal spinning-disk (CSD) microscope can be converted into a doubly resolving image scanning microscopy (ISM) system without changing any part of its optical or mechanical elements. Making use of the intrinsic properties of a CSD microscope, we illuminate stroboscopically, generating an array of excitation foci that are moved across the sample by varying the phase between stroboscopic excitation and rotation of the spinning disk. ISM then generates an image with nearly doubled resolution.

Dual-focus fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.

This chapter introduces into the technique of dual-focus fluorescence correlation spectroscopy or 2fFCS. In 2fFCS, the fluorescence signals generated in two laterally shifted but overlapping focal regions are auto- and crosscorrelated. The resulting correlation curves are then used to determine diffusion coefficients of fluorescent molecules or particles in solutions or membranes.