Light Microscopy

The Light Microscopy unit offers a variety of advanced imaging-related services for all in-house groups and their collaboration partners at several locations on the campus. We provide consultation, hands-on training, technical support and open access (24/7) to cutting-edge instrumentation and a broad range of applications. An integrated workflow guides the user all the way through the required process steps, starting from sample preparation, through data acquisition, up to data analysis and digital image processing.

A large number of classical fully automated widefield and confocal laser-scanning microscopes is supplemented by non-standard imaging systems for super-resolution microscopy (own development), slide-scanning, high-content live-cell microscopy, spinning-disk microscopy, multiphoton microscopy, optical projection tomography, etc.

Our sample preparation section comprises all the necessary equipment for cell culture, paraffin and cryosectioning, histological staining, as well as instrumentation for micromanipulation techniques such as laser capture microdissection and microinjection. The users can choose between assisted support and full service. Our fluorescent marker repository provides access to a range of (genetic) markers for morphological and physiological determination.

Big data is becoming a more and more important subject in light microscopy applications. We accommodate the increasing demand for automated digital image processing by providing high-end working stations, appropriate software (e.g. ImageJ/Fiji, Amira, Imaris, ZEN, LAS, Matlab, GraphPad PRISM, SigmaPlot), as well as professional support for algorithm and macro development.

Besides the daily-based individual introductions at the devices, we offer open workshops in collaboration with our external partners as well as topic-specific courses where the users familiarise themselves with the theoretical background and the appropriate and autonomous usage of the complex devices and applications such as multidimensional image acquisition, ratio imaging, FRAP, FRET, FCCS, 3D reconstruction and deconvolution, colocalisation, spectral unmixing, etc.

Booking system and further information can be found on our intranet site.