Speckle reduction method and apparatus

An apparatus adapted for confocal imaging of a non-flat specimen, said apparatus having an optical axis and a predetermined lateral resolution and comprising a coherent light source for producing a light beam, imaging optics adapted to focus the light beam into at least one spot on a surface of a specimen, and a detector having an integration time and adapted to receive and detect light reflected from said surface;

• said imaging optics comprising at least one optical component located so that the light reflected from the specimen surface passes therethrough on its way to the detector, said optical component being movable so as to move the at least one spot, within a range of movement, to a number of distinct locations in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, within said integration time of the detector.