Abstract: A tunable multiple laser pulse scanning microscope and a method of operating the same is described, applying two pulsed laser beams with distinct wavelengths incident on a scanning spot of a sample to be imaged simultaneously or at a specific time delay. The microscope comprises at least two pulsed laser light sources emitting laser light of distinct wavelengths, an acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) for tuning at least one of the laser pulses, a delay stage provided upstream of the AOTF, and an actuator for moving delay stage depending on the time delay. As a result, the wavelength of at least one type of pulses is tuned, and the delay between at least two pulses of distinct wavelengths is adjusted.

Abstract: An apparatus for the microscopic examination of an object has an illumination system which generates a first illumination light beam and a second illumination light beam. A first polarization filter (28) circularly polarizes the first illumination light beam. A second polarization filter (32) linearly polarizes the second illumination light beam. A modulator (34) allows a modulation of the polarized second illumination light beam. An excitation optical system directs the two illumination light beams onto an object. A detection optical system directs detection light beams emanating from the object onto at least two detector units, a first detector unit detecting a first nonlinear Raman effect and a second detector unit detecting a second nonlinear Raman effect.

Abstract: An optical evaluation method and an apparatus for performing said method are described. First laser pulses of a first type and second laser pulses of a second type that differs from the first type are sent onto a sample to be examined. The sample is hit with first incident light from the two laser pulses in at least one manner of simultaneously, within a very short time lag between the two laser pulses, and a time-correlated manner of the two laser pulses, thereby generating a first optical signal, and hit with second incident light from the two laser pulses, thereby generating a second optical signal. The generated first and second optical signals are detected with at least one detector; and an electronic difference between the first and second optical signals is generated.

Abstract: A tunable multiple laser pulse scanning microscope and a method of operating the same is described, applying two pulsed laser beams with distinct wavelengths incident on a scanning spot of a sample to be imaged simultaneously or at a specific time delay. The microscope comprises at least two pulsed laser light sources emitting laser light of distinct wavelengths, an acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) for tuning at least one of the laser pulses, a delay stage provided upstream of the AOTF, and an actuator for moving delay stage depending on the time delay. As a result, the wavelength of at least one type of pulses is tuned, and the delay between at least two pulses of distinct wavelengths is adjusted.

Abstract: An apparatus for the microscopic examination of an object has an illumination system which generates a first illumination light beam and a second illumination light beam. A first polarization filter (28) circularly polarizes the first illumination light beam. A second polarization filter (32) linearly polarizes the second illumination light beam. A modulator (34) allows a modulation of the polarized second illumination light beam. An excitation optical system directs the two illumination light beams onto an object. A detection optical system directs detection light beams emanating from the object onto at least two detector units, a first detector unit detecting a first nonlinear Raman effect and a second detector unit detecting a second nonlinear Raman effect.

Abstract: An optical evaluation method and an apparatus for performing said method are described. First laser pulses of a first type and second laser pulses of a second type that differs from the first type are sent onto a sample to be examined. The sample is hit with first incident light from the two laser pulses in at least one manner of simultaneously, within a very short time lag between the two laser pulses, and a time-correlated manner of the two laser pulses, thereby generating a first optical signal, and hit with second incident light from the two laser pulses, thereby generating a second optical signal. The generated first and second optical signals are detected with at least one detector; and an electronic difference between the first and second optical signals is generated.