Innovative Light Sources for Biological Imaging

Abstract

Ultrafast lasers have enabled a number of advanced imaging modalities, including two-photon fluorescence excitation (TPFE), Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS), Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS), Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) imaging, and Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM). The core principle that governs this important body of research is multiphoton absorption of a femtosecond laser pulse that allows for 2 or more photons being simultaneously absorbed. Images are produced from the resulting fluorescence. Over the years, multiphoton light sources have become more powerful, more tunable, and more accessible to more users. We will present the latest light source technologies with special focus on the experiments and images enabled by these technologies including neuroscience, cell biology, and optogenetics.