Light sheet fluorescence microscope for high resolution, non-destructive 3D imaging in the and life and engineering sciences. Acronym: LSFM-HAWK

• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas ; Ophthalmology ; Glass, Ceramics and Derived Composites ; Hematology, Oncology ; Medical Physics, Biomedical Technology ; Pathology ; Physical Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces, Material Characterisation ; Software Engineering and Programming Languages
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 533309723

A light sheet fluorescence microscope (LSFM) for imaging thick life and material sciences samples with an axial resolution of 700 nm will be acquired. Together with an infrastructure of 1) other imaging modalities, 2) high-performance computing, 3) laser techniques for precise sample preparation, 4) surface analysis methods, and 5) the registration/deep learning platform developed by HAWK and partners, a 3D microscopy and image analysis platform will be established. As a stand-alone device, the LSFM is expected to significantly strengthen the workflows in HAWK's research activities and enable further research projects as well as publications in renowned journals. Life Sciences: In contrast to conventional microscopes, the LSFM can tomographically image, display and analyze entire tissue sample volumes in slices or 3D in the submicrometer range. The 3D data sets can be computer processed and analyzed in 2D as conventional virtual histology or in 3D as tissue volumes. Non-destructive image acquisition allows histological post-processing and immunohistochemical and genomic/proteomic analyses for validation. The scientific focus is oncology, ophthalmology, and laser-/plasma-induced tissue modification research. Materials Science: With the capability of non-destructive 3D visualization at high resolution, LSFM will be used to detect defects and flaws in transparent engineering media such as glasses and plastics. Of particular interest are near-surface boundary layers up to several hundred micrometers thick. The data obtained will contribute to a better understanding of surface-environment interactions. Scientific objective: The LSFM will be used in the research areas Laser and Plasma Technology and Health, Technology, and Digitalization, as evaluated by the German Rectors' Conference. The project has a duration of 60 months and is divided into three phases: In the preparatory phase, the LSFM will be procured, set up, and commissioned, and personnel will be trained. The LSFM will be used in the projects in the subsequent research phase. Parallel to the research phase, various workshops, seminars, and events will occur in the project support phase. In addition, the research will be documented in the form of publications, conference papers, reports, and final theses.

• DFG Programme: Major Instrumentation Initiatives
• Major Instrumentation: Lichtblatt-Fluoreszenzmikroskop
• Instrumentation Group: 5040 Spezielle Mikroskope (außer 500-503)
• Applicant Institution: Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaft und Kunst; Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen
• Leader: Professor Dr. Christoph Russmann
• Co-Investigators: Professorin Dr. Claire Chalopin, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Christoph Gerhard; Professor Dr. Stephan Wieneke