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Confocal microscopy: Potential applications in micropaleontology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 May 2016

Harry Birkmann  and
Robert F. Lundin
Harry Birkmann
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287
Robert F. Lundin
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287
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Abstract

Preliminary experiments with a confocal microscope (Sarastro 2000®) demonstrate its value in micropaleontology for photography and three-dimensional morphometric studies. High-quality images of objects in the size range of 100 to 2,000 μm can be obtained without application of nonremovable coating. Images can easily be electronically converted to stereopairs or displayed as single images. Images are in focus throughout and are superior to light photographs. Numerical data (x, y, and z coordinates) in almost any desired amount can be extracted from enough points on the visible surface to provide for the construction of a detailed topographic map of the surface. All of this can be done without manipulating the specimen once it has been mounted.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Paleontology , Volume 70 , Issue 6 , November 1996 , pp. 1084 - 1087
Copyright
Copyright © The Paleontological Society 

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