Single laser source for multimodal coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy

Short laser pulse technology has significantly contributed to biomedical research, especially via nonlinear optical microscopy. Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy is a label-free, chemical-selective method that is growing in importance as improved methods and light sources develop. Here we discuss different approaches to laser source development for CARS microscopy and highlight the advantages of a multimodal CARS microscope, illustrated by selected applications in biomedical research.