An optical injection system for use in conjunction with a microscope
having a turret supporting an objective having an optical path is
provided. The optical injection system includes a dichroic mirror
disposed between the turret and the objective, along the optical path. A
collimating lens is further provided having an optical path directed to
intersect the dichroic mirror. A laser source is positioned to project a
laser beam through the collimating lens and along the collimating lens
optical path. The laser can be used in conjunction with the microscope
for a number of microsurgery applications. A method for calculating and
displaying the isothermal contours of the energy produced by a laser in a
sample is also provided.