A confocal laser scanning microscope is a microscope that performs confocal measurement with laser light. HYBRID⁺ works as a confocal laser scanning microscope using a laser light source in combination with the optics of the white light confocal microscope. The laser used for HYBRID⁺ is a violet laser with 405nm wavelength. It requires no sample pre-processing, allows operation in the atmospheric environment, and visualizes nanoscale ultrafine structures clearly with a high level of resolution comparable to that of a scanning electron microscope. The wavelength of light provided by the violet laser is at the shortest end of the visible spectrum. Because of its high energy density, it enables high-magnification and high-contrast imaging. The laser scanning microscope uses a single wavelength and provides monochromatic images.

As shown in the examples below, high-magnification observation is possible with this function. It enables users to observe the ultrafine structures of various samples including crystals, organic materials, semiconductor materials, and device structures. This capability is useful for providing quick feedback to the team developing a new material or production process.