Software design and implementation of galvo mirror laser scanning

Abstract

In recent years Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy technique becomes more prominent in the field of biomedical imaging and material science. This is since the technique enables user to control the depth of field and eliminate or reduce the background information. This enables optical imaging in a better spatial resolution compared to the other techniques.

The confocal scanning microscopy technique implements a lateral (in the x-y plane) sweeping motion of the focused beam across the specimen to obtain a digital image from the specimen. To produce the scanning pattern, modern instruments use a scanning mechanism called the galvanometric scanner which is based on one/two mirrors controlled by galvanometer motors. The scanner motor can steer the laser beam coupled with a mirror. The rotor of the mirror is then controlled usually by voltage or current in some cases. Due to its light weight, the motor and mirror can move very quickly, which allows for quick scanning applications with the laser beam.

This project would mainly focus on the software-based control system. The project would also cover the components of the galvanometric scanner, as well as the design and technical details of the building blocks for the scanning program.