A method for preserving biological material includes the steps of placing the biological material in thermal contact with a cryogenically coolable environment, cooling the surrounding environment to a temperature below the glass phase transition temperature of the biological material, applying radiant energy to the biological material to melt at least a portion of the biological material, and rapidly stopping the application of radiant energy to the biological material to rapidly cool and varify the melted portion of the biological material. The method produces cooling rates so rapid that the biological material is vitrified without an opportunity for ice crystals to form.