{"id":114,"date":"2020-06-25T08:53:23","date_gmt":"2020-06-25T08:53:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/groups\/advanced-light-microscopy-service\/?page_id=114"},"modified":"2026-01-29T13:49:54","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T13:49:54","slug":"services","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/groups\/advanced-light-microscopy-core-facility\/services\/","title":{"rendered":"Services"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\u25c6 We encourage prospective users and their supervisors to join an initial project discussion to clarify microscopy needs to ensure optimal imaging guidance.<\/em> \u25c6<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The ALMF offers the following microscopy and high-throughput services:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Image courtesy: Annika Vogler,
Furlong group<\/em>
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Widefield microscopy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wide-field microscopy uses visible light to capture images of whole samples quickly, without rejecting out-of-focus light. It is great for observing live cells and large areas. It’s a key tool for general observation and initial assessments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore systems<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Image courtesy: Nobuko Tsuchida-Straeten, Simons &<\/em><\/em> Aulehla lab<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Confocal microscopy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Confocal microscopes capture optical slices by rejecting out-of-focus fluorescence, enabling the acquisition of z-stacks for precise 3D imaging. It provides high contrast and clarity, making it ideal for studying complex biological processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Additional modalities available:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spinning disc confocal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

AIRY fast confocal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sample courtesy: Enrico Salvatore Atorino, Banterle & Dodonova labs, imaged by ALMF<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Super-Resolution microscopy<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Super-resolution microscopy uses techniques like Single Molecule Localization Microscopy (SMLM<\/a>) and Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED<\/a>) to go beyond the diffraction limit of light, providing high-resolution imaging at the nanometer scale. With achievable resolution down to ~20nm, this technique lets us study biological processes at the molecular level, bridging light and electron microscopy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sample courtesy: DB unit, imaged by ALMF<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Multiphoton microscopy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Multiphoton microscopy uses long-wavelength light to excite fluorescence only in the focal volume. This reduces scattering and photobleaching, making it ideal for imaging thick, living samples with less photodamage. The technique is especially effective for deep tissue imaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sample courtesy: Schwab group, imaged by ALMF<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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F-techniques<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

F-techniques like FRET<\/a>, FRAP<\/a>, FCS<\/a>, and FLIM<\/a> are used to study molecular interactions, particle movement, diffusion, and fluorescence dynamics in live cells, providing detailed insights into cellular processes and molecular environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sample courtesy: Martin Jechlinger, imaged by ALMF<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Light sheet microscopy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Light sheet microscopy uses thin light sheets for fast, high-contrast 3D imaging with minimal photodamage, making it ideal for imaging large, live specimens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image courtesy: Aliaksandr Halavatyi, ALMF<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Advanced workflows<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feedback microscopy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Optogenetic microscopy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Laser micro-dissection microscopy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

RNAi technology<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image courtesy: Martin Fritsch, ALMF<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Cross disciplinary workflows<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) with EMCF<\/a> \/Imaging Centre<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drug screening with Chemical Biology Core Facility<\/a> (CBCF)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image courtesy: Pinto et al., 2022, J. Molbiol<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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High Throughput microscopy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Automated imaging approach that allows rapid screening and analysis of large numbers of samples or cells. It combines robotics, advanced imaging, and data processing to efficiently handle large-scale experiments, such as drug screening, genetic screens, or cell behavior studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore systems<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Sample courtesy: Mereke Suleimenov, Banterle lab, imaged by ALMF<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Data processing, handling<\/strong> & management<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We offer support for basic image handling (Fiji<\/a>), Deconvolution (Huygens<\/a>), 3D visualisation\/segmentation (Imaris<\/a>) and access to virtual machines: installation and usage instructions<\/a>, software versions and specifications<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more advanced image analysis support, contact the BAST<\/a>. For data management support, contact the DM team<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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