3D Reconstruction of Confocal Image Data

Abstract

The main advantage of the confocal microscope is often said to be the ability to produce serial optical sections of fluorescent samples, ultimately for the purpose of reconstructing microscopic objects in three dimensions {(Carlsson} and Aslund 1987). There are many ways, and reasons, to reconstruct confocal image data. As an example, consider the sample of embryonic mouse heart shown in Fig. 10.1 reconstructed using a variety of three-dimensional {(3D)} techniques. This chapter will introduce these methods and discuss topics such as (a) why one might want to undertake this task, (b) some definitions of the representation of {3D} space using images, (c) the different types of {3D} representations that can be made, and (d) the necessary steps to make useful reconstructions. Along the way, the limitations and potential pitfalls that arise will be discussed.