Femtosecond Laser–Driven Multiphoton Microscopy for Neuronal Imaging

Multiphoton microscopy has been in use for more than 30 years. Initially applied to a wide variety of samples, it found its main application in imaging live and relatively transparent organs - most spectacularly, the brains of model animals, like mice - to a depth of >1 mm. The successive development of genetically encoded probes and high-powered laser pulses enabled researchers to measure and stimulate neuronal populations in arbitrary configurations, while the addition of three-photon excitation has doubled the depth of imaging.

Faster probes now enable neuron functionality monitoring on its natural millisecond scale. In addition to its unique combination of deep tissue imaging and diffraction-limited resolution, multiphoton microscopy uniquely provides label-free imaging of collagen, metabolic function, cell boundaries, and lipid content. The combination of these imaging modalities also opened a path towards clinical and even intraoperative opportunities. This presentation will describe the full gamut of femtosecond lasers that are the foundation of all these applications and modalities.

About the presenter
Marco Arrigoni is the vice president of marketing at Light Conversion with over 30 years of experience in market development for ultrafast lasers.