Second Harmonic Generation Imaging

<p>Second-harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy has shown great promise for imaging live cells and tissues with applications in basic science medical research and tissue engineering. <strong>Second Harmonic Generation Imaging </strong>offers a complete guide to this optical modality from basic principles instrumentation methods and image analysis to biomedical applications. The book features contributions by experts in second-harmonic imaging including many pioneering researchers in the field. Written for researchers at all levels it takes an in-depth look at the current state of the art and possibilities of SHG microscopy.</p><p></p><p>Organized into three sections the book:</p><p></p><ul> <br><br><li>Provides an introduction to the physics of the process step-by-step instructions on how to build an SHG microscope and comparisons with related imaging techniques</li> <br><br><li>Gives an overview of the capabilities of SHG microscopy for imaging tissues and cells—including cell membranes muscle collagen in tissues and microtubules in live cells—by summarizing experimental and analytical methods</li> <br><br><li>Highlights representative biomedical and medical applications in imaging cancer fibroses autoimmune diseases connective tissue disorders eye pathologies and cardiovascular disease</li> </ul><p></p><p>Historically clinical imaging at the cellular and tissue level has been performed by pathologists on <em>ex vivo</em> biopsies removed by the surgeon. While histology remains the gold standard for pathologists its interpretation remains highly subjective. Much of SHG research has focused on developing more quantitative objective metrics. A tutorial for newcomers and an up-to-date review for experts this book explores how SHG may be used to more precisely image a wide range of pathological conditions and diseases.</p>