Course Contents
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to fluorescence microscopy, covering its physical principles and technical advancements. It begins with fundamental concepts of optics – including refraction, diffraction, dispersion, and the point spread function – to build a solid foundation for understanding light- and fluorescence-based imaging. This is followed by an in-depth discussion of lasers, fluorophores, excitation-emission processes, and detection technologies such as PMTs, CCDs, and sCMOS cameras.
Special emphasis is placed on comparing various fluorescence microscopy techniques, including widefield, confocal, TIRF, light-sheet, and super-resolution methods such as STORM, PALM, STED, and SIM. Their commonalities and distinctions are explored to provide a clear overview of the diverse approaches in fluorescence microscopy.
In addition, the module introduces key concepts of digital imaging, which are essential for quantitative image analysis – a crucial step in extracting meaningful data from fluorescence microscopy experiments.
Literature
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9783527671595
Official Course Description
After completing the module, students will be able to assess the possibilities of investigating cell biological, biochemical, or materials science questions using fluorescence-based methods and determine which method and analysis are required for a given application.
Additional Information
It is helpful to install the software “Fiji” ( http://fiji.sc) on your own computer.
- Lecturer: MeckelTobias