Laser scanning microscopies refer to a group of advanced imaging techniques that utilize laser beams as a primary tool to gather high-resolution information about microscopic samples. These techniques are designed to provide highly detailed structural, chemical, and sometimes functional information about various materials and biological specimens at a microscopic scale.
Laser scanning microscopies generally involve the use of laser light to illuminate a sample, and the resulting interaction between the laser beam and the sample produces signals or responses that are captured and analyzed to create detailed images. There are several different types of laser scanning microscopy techniques, each with its own unique features and applications.
One common technique is confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), which uses a pinhole to exclude out-of-focus light, allowing for the acquisition of images with enhanced clarity and improved optical sectioning capabilities. Another technique is two-photon laser scanning microscopy, which uses longer-wavelength infrared light to enable deep tissue imaging with reduced photodamage. Other examples of laser scanning microscopies include scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM), stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, and laser scanning cytometry (LSC), among others.
Overall, laser scanning microscopies offer valuable insights into the structures, compositions, and dynamics of microscopic samples, making them essential tools across various scientific disciplines, including biology, materials science, nanotechnology, and medicine.
