DSU spinning disk confocal system uses a proprietary, patent-pending slit disk technology to enhance signal transmission while maintaining confocality. Arc lamp excitation source can be used, offering wavelength flexibility. The DSU disk and optical components are UV compatible and perform down to 350 nm. Disk operation is motorized, allowing a computer to switch remotely between widefield and confocal imaging modes. Full-frame CCD image capture is provided at 15-to-20 frames per second using a single-disk, opto-mechanical design. The DSU's disk is covered with an alternating pattern of vertical and horizontal slits. Five disks are available, each with varying slit width and spacing. This flexibility accommodates varied objective magnifications, numerical apertures and specimen thicknesses. Removing and changing disks is easy, and confocal imaging can be achieved with objectives that range in magnification from 10× to 100×. The system can be combined with a motorized microscope such as the inverted Olympus IX81 for 3D confocal imaging. Images can be deconvolved using 3i's SlideBook™ and other deconvolution software packages.