Project Details
Projekt
Multiscale Microscopy System
Subject Area
Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
Term
Funded in 2024
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 549031455
Multi-scale processes, in which microscopic interactions determine macroscopic phenomenology, are among the most fascinating and still poorly understood features of soft and living matter. The proposed device will be used to investigate such multi-scale processes. Simultaneous imaging of the entire macroscopic sample behavior and (partially) of the relevant processes on a microscopic scale will enable measuring the link between the scales. This can be illustrated by two examples: (i) Millimeter-sized drops of complex liquids show a wetting behavior that differs greatly from conventional drops due to microscopic flows near their contact line, especially in combination with substrate structures on the same scale. (ii) Microbial organisms, especially filamentous cyanobacteria, aggregate into complex two- and three-dimensional colonies with dynamic and adaptive morphology, which is based on the motility of the individuals. In order to make the relationship between macro- and micro-dynamics experimentally accessible, simultaneous observation of both length scales is required in both cases. In order to investigate such multi-scale processes in different experimental systems, we are applying for a multi-scale microscopy system combining an upright zoom microscope, an inverted light microscope, high-resolution cameras, a light pattern projector, and a graphics processing unit. These are supplemented by a central data storage unit. The inverted and upright microscopes are equipped with different observation modes (bright field, fluorescence, phase contrast) and are largely automated in order to be able to measure different variables (morphology, absorption, autofluorescence, particle trajectories) simultaneously. With the help of the cameras, image data is captured simultaneously on both length scales and temporarily stored in the central data storage. The data is primarily analyzed with the aid of machine-learned convolutional networks, which are implemented on the requested graphics processor. This enables not only the ex-situ analysis of large, temporarily stored data volumes, but especially also real-time analysis, whereby measurements can be coupled to the microscope control or light pattern projection. Hypotheses can thus be tested through targeted feedback, and likewise physical-virtual hybrid experiments can be realized.
DFG Programme
Major Research Instrumentation
Major Instrumentation
Multiskalen-Mikroskopiesystem
Instrumentation Group
5040 Spezielle Mikroskope (außer 500-503)
Applicant Institution
Universität Konstanz
