Abstract: A method for increasing the optical transparency of regions of a tissue sample (1) is proposed, in which the tissue sample (1) is introduced into a process chamber (10) and is infiltrated in the process chamber (10) with at least one process fluid (2), and in which a removal of light-scattering structures in the tissue sample (1) is carried out. The method encompasses monitoring the optical transparency of the tissue sample (1), at least during a clearing time period in which the tissue sample (1) is introduced into the process chamber (10) and in which the removal of the light-scattering structures in the tissue sample (1) is carried out, by means of an optical transparency measuring arrangement (13) associated with the process chamber (10). An apparatus (100) for carrying out the method is also a subject of the invention.

Abstract: A method for investigating a sample (1), derived from a biological source, using CARS microscopy is proposed, in which method a resonance signal generated by coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering by excitation of at least one resonance site (5) of the sample (1) by means of laser irradiation is sensed in image-producing fashion. The method according to the present invention encompasses furnishing at least one resonance site (5) by means of a bioorthogonal reaction of an intrinsic chemical structure (2) of the sample (1) with at least one reaction partner (3, 6).

Abstract: A method for increasing the optical transparency of regions of a tissue sample (1) is proposed, in which the tissue sample (1) is introduced into a process chamber (10) and is infiltrated in the process chamber (10) with at least one process fluid (2), and in which a removal of light-scattering structures in the tissue sample (1) is carried out. The method encompasses monitoring the optical transparency of the tissue sample (1), at least during a clearing time period in which the tissue sample (1) is introduced into the process chamber (10) and in which the removal of the light-scattering structures in the tissue sample (1) is carried out, by means of an optical transparency measuring arrangement (13) associated with the process chamber (10). An apparatus (100) for carrying out the method is also a subject of the invention.

Abstract: In relation with a laser-induced transport process of an object from a carrier to a collecting device, the invention provides a collecting medium in the collecting device in a liquid state. Prior to the laser-induced transport process, the object is separated from a mass on the carrier by laser irradiation. After the laser-induced transport process, the object, thus selected and separated, is transferred together with the collecting medium to a destination, for example, a container, for further treatment. To this end, a manipulation system for liquids is provided, the system permitting manipulation of the collecting medium with the object contained therein with a high degree of reliability and a high throughput.

Abstract: A microdissection method for separating and taking a target zone of a biological preparation, disposed on a carrier device with a laser light-absorbent incisable layer and a carrier means, comprises cutting the preparation and the incisable layer along an edge segment of the target zone and removing of a non-excised segment of the incisable layer from the carrier means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processing a material. The material lies on a carrier and is cut by irradiation with a laser beam, or an object of the material is catapulted from the carrier to a collection device by means of the laser beam. An image of the material on the carrier is generated. The image is evaluated automatically in order to identify structures in it. A region of the image is automatically selected on the basis of the identified structures. The selected region is then used for automatically cutting the material and/or catapulting the object, or serves as a working region in which the material is cut or from which the object is catapulted. Parallel sections through the material may in particular be employed.

Abstract: To enable contactless laser microdissection in a closed container (10, 11), for example in the form of a Petri dish, it is proposed according to the invention to use a holding device which comprises a receiving portion (4) for arrangement in the container (10, 11) and a holding portion (1) for arrangement externally of the container (10, 11). The receiving portion (4) serves to receive at least one receiving means (9), which serves in turn to receive or collect at least one biological specimen obtained by laser microdissection from biological material (15) located in the container (10, 11). The holding portion (1) is coupled to the receiving portion (4) in contactless manner, for example by means of magnetic coupling, in such a way that, by moving the holding portion (1), the receiving portion (4), together with the receiving means (9) held thereby, may be positioned in the closed container (10, 11) precisely over the biological specimen in each case to be received.