Quantitative nonlinear optical microscopy using a shaped beam

A nonlinear optical microscope comprising:

• a source of a pulsed laser beam;
• a motorized stage of histology slide scanner assembly, wherein said stage is configured to carry a specimen;
• detection means for collecting coherent and non-coherent signals originating from the specimen,
• sweeping means for sweeping the laser beam onto the specimen;
• a spatial light modulator configured for modulating a spatial profile of the pulsed laser beam;
• and
• an objective configured for guiding the modulated beam towards the slide,
• wherein the spatial light modulator is configured to modulate at least one of an intensity and a phase of the pulsed laser beam on a rear pupil of the objective so as to produce a beam that is axially extended and confined in one or two lateral directions after focusing by the objective.