An apparatus for generating composite confocal images, comprising: an imaging apparatus configured to generate illumination; a sample stage configured to hold a sample to be illuminated by the illumination, wherein the illumination causes the sample to generate emissions that can be detected and used to image the sample, the sample stage configured to move the sample to a plurality of positions during the imaging process; and a vibration mechanism coupled with the sample stage, the motor configured to vibrate the stage after the stage moves the sample for a vibration period.