Confocal and multiphoton are modern fluorescence techniques in microscopy for generating optical sections from live or fixed biological specimens. In general, both techniques employ a point scanning and point detecting design. The confocal microscope achieves point detection by using a confocal pinhole to block off out-of-focus emission from the specimen. The multiphoton microscope, on the other hand, generates intrinsic point emission directly from the in-focus spot, thereby eliminating the need for a confocal pinhole. Subsequent scanning of the entire field of view results in an optical section. Computer reconstruction of serial optical sections, collected at consecutive axial (z) positions, can reveal the spatial localization of cells and tissues (sometime subcellular molecules) in 3D. The ability to see biochemical processes in live cells, in real time, sheds light on the vastly complex molecular world of cells and may allow IDI scientists to identify new targets for drugs that will treat exposure to dangerous toxins and bacteria as well as fight a wide variety of diseases.