Abstract: A microscope apparatus and a microscopic method that uses the microscope apparatus for examining a sample or a specimen, such as but not limited to a tissue sample or a tissue specimen, includes a convex curved distal exit window at a distal end of the microscope apparatus. Due to the presence of the convex curved distal exit window, the microscope apparatus may readily make contact with the sample or the specimen absent trauma to the sample or the specimen. In addition, an index of refraction matched immersion fluid may be used for focusing the microscope apparatus by hydraulic movement of an objective optic lens assembly interior to the distal exit window with respect to the distal exit window. The convex curved distal exit window and index of refraction matched immersion fluid characteristics may be extended to various microscope apparatuses and methods, and in particular medical microscope apparatuses and methods.

Abstract: A microscope apparatus and a microscopic method that uses the microscope apparatus for examining a sample or a specimen, such as but not limited to a tissue sample or a tissue specimen, includes a convex curved distal exit window at a distal end of the microscope apparatus. Due to the presence of the convex curved distal exit window, the microscope apparatus may readily make contact with the sample or the specimen absent trauma to the sample or the specimen. In addition, an index of refraction matched immersion fluid may be used for focusing the microscope apparatus by hydraulic movement of an objective optic lens assembly interior to the distal exit window with respect to the distal exit window. The convex curved distal exit window and index of refraction matched immersion fluid characteristics may be extended to various microscope apparatuses and methods, and in particular medical microscope apparatuses and methods.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of applying radiation through an optical fiber for detecting disease within a plant or animal or other penetrable tissue, or imaging a particular tissue of a plant or animal. In addition, fluorescence and nonlinear scattering signals can be detected and localized within a subject by such application of radiation through an optical fiber. The radiation is effective to promote simultaneous multiphoton excitation. The optical fibers are used alone to examine internal regions of tissue, in conjunction with an optical biopsy needle to evaluate sub-surface tissue, or with an endoscope to evaluate tissue within body cavities. The present invention also relates to a device for coupling in radiation from an ultrashort mode-locked laser into the beam path of a microscope.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of detecting a neurodegenerative disease in a mammal by activating brain tissue of the mammal by application of radiation under conditions effective to promote a simultaneous multiphoton excitation of the brain tissue and to emit a fluorescence characteristic. The fluorescence characteristic is then compared to a standard fluorescence emitted by exciting healthy brain tissue of the mammal under the same conditions used to carry out the activating step. Brain tissue where the fluorescence characteristic differs from the standard fluorescence is identified as potentially having a neurodegenerative disease. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of producing an image of brain tissue from a mammal by activating brain tissue of a mammal with radiation applied under conditions effective to promote a simultaneous multiphoton excitation of the brain tissue and to produce fluorescence.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of detecting a neurodegenerative disease in a mammal by activating brain tissue of the mammal by application of radiation under conditions effective to promote a simultaneous multiphoton excitation of the brain tissue and to emit a fluorescence characteristic. The fluorescence characteristic is then compared to a standard fluorescence emitted by exciting healthy brain tissue of the mammal under the same conditions used to carry out the activating step. Brain tissue where the fluorescence characteristic differs from the standard fluorescence is identified as potentially having a neurodegenerative disease. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of producing an image of brain tissue from a mammal by activating brain tissue of a mammal with radiation applied under conditions effective to promote a simultaneous multiphoton excitation of the brain tissue and to produce fluorescence.