Laser scanning third-harmonic-generation microscopy in biology

A laser scanning microscope using third-harmonic generation as a probe is s hown to produce high-resolution images of transparent biological specimens. Third harmonic light is generated by a tightly focused short-pulse laser b eam and collected point-by-point to form a digital image. Demonstrations wi th two biological samples are presented. Live neurons in a cell culture are imaged with clear and detailed images, including organelles at the thresho ld of optical resolution. Internal organelles of yeast cells are also image d, demonstrating the ability of the technique for cellular and intracellula r imaging. (C) 1999 Optical Society of America.