Fibered confocal spectroscopy and multicolor imaging system for in vivo fluorescence analysis.

We report the design and implementation of spectroscopic and multicolor imaging capabilities into a fibered confocal fluorescence microscope (FCFM) already capable of in vivo imaging. The real time imaging device and the high resolution fiber probe make this system the first reported capable of performing multi color detection in the field of FCFM. The advantages of the system will allow in vivo morphological and functional imaging. Preliminary experiments were carried out in tissue samples to demonstrate the potential of the technique. The quality of the axial sectioning achieved in the confocal fluorescence spectroscopy mode is demonstrated experimentally, and applications to multicolor imaging are shown.