Non-invasive visualization and quantification of natural pigments

A method comprising:

• configuring a first laser source to deliver a Stokes pulse train;
• configuring a second laser source to deliver a pump pulse train;
• wherein an energy difference between a frequency of the Stokes pulse train and a frequency of the pump pulse train is between 1750 cm−1 to 2250 cm−1
• irradiating tissue with the Stokes pulse train and the pump pulse train focused within the tissue, wherein the Stokes pulse train and the pump pulse train overlap in space and time;
• detecting a signal based on a presence of melanin within the tissue;
• and
• displaying an image based on the signal to visualize the melanin within the tissue.

A portable imaging probe comprising:

• a scanning mechanism to focus a Stokes pulse train and a pump pulse train within tissue while scanning across the tissue,
• wherein an energy difference between a frequency of the Stokes pulse train and a frequency of the pump pulse train is from 1750 cm−1 to 2250 cm−1,
• wherein the Stokes pulse train and the pump pulse train overlap in space and time to image the tissue;
• and
• a detector to detect a signal based on a presence of melanin within the tissue.