This book focuses on optical methods that are capable of surmounting the problem of intense light scattering in turbid biological media. Several of the most advanced techniques are described, such as using longer wavelengths (ranging from IR to terahertz spectral ranges) and relying on nonlinear, photoacoustic, photothermal or early-photon effects, to mention just a few.
Other factors affecting the depth of imaging are also discussed at length, including laser beam profiles, the scattering properties of tissues, detection methods and excitation modality (two-photon excited fluorescence, harmonic generation, coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering, and stimulated Raman scattering ).
There is a strong focus on applications, such as delineation between healthy and diseased tissue (brain and prostate), with an emphasis on experiments rather than theory. The exposition is not always very coherent, because of the many different subjects and authors, but the book can be recommended to microscopy researchers as an up-to-date introduction and guide.
Review by Dejan Pantelić, Institute of Physics Belgrade, Serbia.
The opinions expressed in the book review section are those of the reviewer and do not necessarily reflect those of OPN or OSA.