Konfokal/Multiphoton/FCS Mikroskop

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Limited access of scientists at the FAU “Cell Biology Division” to confocal, multiphoton and FCS (Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy) microscopy currently represents a major bottle neck that substantially hinders research progress. These technologies are required 1) for two-channel fully spectral confocal and multiphoton imaging of various highly dynamic, weakly fluorescent probes in different types of living plant cells and tissues at maximal sensitivity and resolution, as well as 2) for in vivo analyses of protein dynamics and of cytoplasmic Ca2+ or cAMP concentrations based a) on FCS and b) on multiphoton excitation, photoactivation or -conversion of fluorescent probes specifically within the focal plane. Only the preferred supplier has offered a microscope that 1) meets all specifications required for the research described in this proposal, and 2) comes at an excellent price/performance ratio. Based on the implementation of innovative new technology, which is currently not available from any other supplier, this microscope allows 1) optional super-resolution or high-speed confocal imaging in two channels, 2) spectral imaging also in the multiphoton mode, and 3) state-of the-art FCS experiments enabled by a fully integrated, high-end FCS module. 20% of the working time available at the requested microscope will be administratively incorporated into the “Optical Imaging Center Erlangen (OICE)”, such that users of this FAU central imaging facility will also gain access to technologies currently unavailable at this institution, which include flexible and spectral multiphoton microscopy as well as FCS.