Variable-ambient scanning stage for a laser scanning confocal microscope

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Abstract
A variable-ambient scanning stage for a laser scanning confocal microscope was designed and tested. The stage allows for facile observation of both thin films and single molecule samples under inert conditions. High precision images have been acquired up to 174 μm2 using a single piezoceramic tube. The vacuum seal is achieved by simply placing the sample side of a standard 25×25 mm glass coverslip face down onto a Buna o ring and gently clamping it in place with a Teflon cap. Tests show that the stage holds a vacuum of at least 3×10 −6 Torr . Fluorescence experiments performed on films of an organic dye, DiIC 12 , as well as single molecule experiments performed on air sensitive oligo(phenylenevinylene) molecules, effectively demonstrate the ability of the scanner to reduce photo-oxidation rates.