In this chapter, we will perform real time multi-channel confocal microscopy or epi-fluorescence microscopy while performing femtosecond laser induced manipulation, all of these with different laser sources. The different laser systems are compared making use of a figure of merit (FOM) for two-photon interaction and introduce a new FOM for three photon processes. The origin of the FOMs is justified theoretically, becoming a unique tool to select the proper laser system.

Chapter Contents:

• 12.1 Multiphoton nonlinear microscopy
• 12.1.1 One-photon excited fluorescence
• 12.1.2 Two-photon excited fluorescence
• 12.1.3 Other nonlinear effects used in microscopy
• 12.1.4 The multimodal laser scanning microscope workstation
• 12.1.5 Laser FOM in multiphoton microscopy
• 12.2 Ti:sapphire laser in microscopy
• 12.3 Yb-doped lasers in nonlinear microscopy
• 12.4 Compact novel lasers for TPEF and SHG
• 12.5 Lasers for THG
• 12.6 Conclusions
• Acknowledgments
• References

Inspec keywords: nonlinear optics; biomedical optical imaging; two-photon processes; optical microscopy; high-speed optical techniques; fluorescence

Other keywords: two-photon interaction; three photon processes; figures of merit; epi-fluorescence microscopy; real time multi-channel confocal microscopy; high-power lasers; femtosecond laser induced manipulation; laser sources; nonlinear imaging applications

Subjects: Optical and laser radiation (biomedical imaging/measurement); Ultrafast optical techniques; Laser beam modulation, pulsing and switching; mode locking and tuning; Nonlinear optics; Nonlinear optics and devices; Patient diagnostic methods and instrumentation; Optical microscopy; Optical and laser radiation (medical uses); Laser beam modulation, pulsing and switching; mode locking and tuning