Abstract
Two-photon excited fluorescence microscopy (two-photon microscopy), a technology based on multi-photon excitation induced by an ultra-short pulse near infrared laser light, is one of the most promising candidates for functional analysis of cells and biomolecules in intact living organs or tissues. Two-photon microscopy has the demonstrated capability of obtaining cross-sectional images from deep layers within nearly intact tissue samples over a long observation period with excellent spatial resolution. Furthermore, two-photon microscopy facilitates the investigation of the molecular basis and the pathology underlying exocytosis. This review describes both the current and anticipated capabilities of two-photon microscopy, based on discussions of previous publications and recently obtained data.
