Light Microscopy

“By the help of microscopes, there is nothing so small, as to escape our inquiry; hence there is a new visible world discovered to the understanding.”
Robert Hooke (1635 – 1703)

The mission of the Light Microscopy Facility (LMF) is to provide 24/7 access to state-of-the-art light microscopy techniques and instruments as well as to follow future trends. We assist through consultation, training, and project collaborations.

The LMF advises users during design and execution of their imaging projects. We provide support with selecting the most suitable imaging techniques, microscope systems, and setting up imaging experiments.

We offer our expertise in imaging techniques, such as

• Spinning disk confocal microscopy
• Laser scanning confocal microscopy
• 2-photon microscopy
• Light sheet microscopy
• Wide-field microscopy
• Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy 
• Laser capture microdissection
• Extended resolution microscopy
• Quantitative phase imaging
• Live cell and organoid imaging
• Photomanipulation

Furthermore, the LMF is constantly exploring new commercial technologies that can support the research mission of the MPI-CBG. We are also involved in multiple outreach and educational activities in Dresden and beyond.

The LMF is open to everybody.  If you are interested in using our services, please contact lmf(at)mpi-cbg.de. We will send you our “New user project questionnaire”. Your start in the facility will typically consist of three steps:

• General Introduction to the facility and safety briefing – 2 hours.
• Project discussion with LMF staff (based on your answers to our New user project questionnaire) – 1 hour.
• Two to three hands-on training sessions at the selected imaging system – 3 hours each.

After introduction to the facility, users can book instruments and assistance via the LMF booking database. 

External users have to go through additional administrative steps. Therefore, please contact us well in advance.