Confocal laser scanning microscope with white light interferometry mode

• Subject Area: Zoology
• Term: Funded in 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 574457139

Biological and artificial topographies fulfill different functions due to their specific properties. The effects of these properties occur on all size scales, from the macro, to the micro and even to the nanoscale. Confocal laser scanning microscopy has become an indispensable tool for characterizing surface features on the micro- and nanometer scale. It enables the non-invasive, high-resolution observation, measurement, analysis and visualization of the topography of a wide variety of objects in a 3-dimensional perspective. The versatility ranges from cell surfaces and tissue layers to artificially produced materials. In contrast, classical microscopy requires invasive methods of sample preparation and only provides a two-dimensional image of the surface and therefore a limited insight into the surface structure. There is no redundancy between the requested confocal laser scanning microscope and other devices at the institute, as none of the systems available at Kiel University meet the requirements. In addition, the constant technological development and the optimization of user-friendliness make a confocal laser scanning microscope an above-average efficient acquisition in terms of the cost-benefit factor.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Konfokales Laserscanningmikroskop mit Weißlichtinterferometrie-Modus
• Instrumentation Group: 5090 Spezialmikroskope
• Applicant Institution: Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel
• Leader: Professorin Dr. Christine Boehmer