A confocal microscope is an advanced imaging tool used in biological and materials sciences. It enhances optical resolution by using a spatial pinhole to eliminate out-of-focus light, allowing for clearer images of specimens. This technique enables researchers to obtain detailed, three-dimensional views of cells and tissues. The confocal microscope often employs laser light to illuminate the sample, which is scanned point by point. This method provides high-resolution images and can capture multiple layers of a specimen, making it ideal for studying complex structures in biological research and microscopy.