  We report non-destructive 3-dimensional imaging and analysis techniques for
material returned by the Stardust cometary collector. Our technique utilizes
3-dimensional laser scanning confocal microscopy (3D LSCM) to image whole
Stardust tracks, in situ, with attainable resolutions <90 nm/pixel edge. LSCM
images illustrate track morphology and fragmentation history; image
segmentation techniques provide quantifiable volumetric and dynamic
measurements. We present a method for multipart image acquisition and
registration in 3-D. Additionally, we present a 3D deconvolution method for
aerogel, using a theoretically calculated point spread function for first-order
corrections of optical aberrations induced by light diffraction and refractive
index mismatches. LSCM is a benchtop technique and is an excellent alternative
to synchrotron x-ray computed microtomography for optically transparent media.
Our technique, developed over the past 2 years, is a non-invasive, rapid
technique for fine-scale imaging of high value returned samples from the
Stardust mission, as well as various other samples from the geosciences.
