Low-repetition rate CARS-microscopy: biomedical applications

We have constructed a microscope based on coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering using a regeneratively amplified femtosecond laser operating at 1 kHz. So far CARS-microscopes have primarily been constructed using high repetition rate laser systems operating above 1 MHz. The present microscope demonstrates very high spatial resolution with a minimum of thermal load on the samples. Preliminary results of CARS- microscopy on cornea-samples and cellular structures are presented.