Super-Resolution Imaging Facility
- Unit: Life Sciences Center
- Keywords: Imaging, super-resolution, confocal scanning microscope, LightGate Technology, AOTF-based detection, SR.
Super-resolution imaging facility has recently acquired a Leica TCS SP8 confocal scanning microscope, equipped with motorized xy-stage 12 kHz tandem scanner, field of view scanner, gated HyD™ detection system, white light laser as well as LIGHTNING, FALCON and STED 3x modules.
The white light laser source (470–670 nm) perfectly matches the excitation wavelength of any fluorophore and enables simultaneous use of up to eight excitation lines. By tuning both excitation and AOTF-based detection, complete two dimensional excita-tion-emission spectra can be acquired. Integrated LightGate technology removes unwanted fluorescence by adjusting the time gate for data collection. The SP8 LIGHTNING module combines the benefit of super-resolution (up to 120 nm) and simultaneous high-speed imaging for multiple fluorescent markers with low photo toxicity. SP8 FALCON module is a truly integrated solution for fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) throughout the SP8 platform. It enables imaging fast molecular interactions via FLIM-FRET and the use of fluorescent biosensors with minimal training. The fully integrated stimulated emission depletion STED 3X system with 775 nm pulsed STED laser provides fast, intuitive and purely optical access to structural details beyond the light diffraction limit (up to 30 nm).