Advanced imaging facilities for research and collaboration. We offer advanced imaging technologies for studying biological samples, materials and structures, from the nanoscale to larger complex systems. The facility provides access to specialised equipment, expert support and image analysis for both internal and external researchers.

Available equipment

Three principally different types of microscopes are available:

  • Light microscopy – for lower-resolution imaging of reflected or transmitted light,
  • Confocal laser scanning microscopy – for higher-resolution imaging of transmitted light, including 3D imaging, but only for fluorescently labelled or auto-fluorescing samples,
  • Scanning electron microscopy – for highest-resolution imaging of reflected light (electrons).

Light microscope

The Nikon Eclipse LV100ND is an upright research-type light microscope with LED illumination, capable of imaging both transmitted and reflected light. The dual light source setup allows the microscope to be used both for transparent samples, such as fixed biological samples or lipids (transmitted light), as well as for material science applications such as metals or polymers (non-transparent samples, reflected light).

More about Nikon Eclipse LV100ND light microscope

  • The microscope is equipped with a Linkam Analysa-LTS350 temperature-controlled stage to allow imaging of samples at elevated temperatures, for example to investigate temperature-induced phase transitions. It is further equipped with polarising filters for both reflected and transmitted light, to allow study of birefringent samples. There are two sets of objectives, one for short working distance (10X, 40X, 100X) for imaging of flat samples with cover glass; and one set with long working distance (10X, 50X), for imaging the surface of non-flat samples or when using the temperature-controlled stage. A TransferMan NK2 micromanipulator allows manipulation of samples during imaging, such as mounting of AFM colloidal probes. The microscope is equipped with a CAM-UC90, 9 megapixel, 1” CCD, 4k resolution digital camera and is running cellSens Entry V2.

Specifications

  • Upright light microscope
  • LED illumination for both transmitted and reflected light

Available objectives:

  • CFI Plan Akromat 10X, N.A. 0.25, W.D. 10.5 mm
  • CFI Plan Akromat 40X, N.A. 0.65, W.D. 0.56 mm
  • CFI Plan Akromat 100X olja, N.A. 1.25, W.D. 0.2 mm
  • CFI TU Plan Fluor Epi 10X, N.A. 0.30, W.D. 17.5 mm
  • CFI TU Plan Epi ELWD 50X, N.A. 0.60, W.D. 11 mm

Special features:

  • Temperature-controlled stage Linkam Analysa-LTS350
  • TransferMan NK2 micromanipulator
  • Polarising filters for both reflected and transmitted light
  • Acquisition Software: cellSens Entry V2

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Confocal laser scanning microscope

The Evident FLUOVIEW FV5000 is a fully motorised, inverted, high-performance laser scanning confocal microscope designed for advanced biomedical research. The system enables high-resolution, quantitative, and three-dimensional fluorescence imaging of fixed and live specimens. The microscope can be used to visualise cellular and subcellular structures, monitor dynamic biological processes, and analyse complex tissues with high spatial and temporal resolution. Applications include multiplex fluorescence imaging with up to six channels simultaneously, imaging of thick tissue and organoids, and quantitative analysis.

More about Evident FLUOVIEW FV5000 confocal laser scanning microscope

The system also supports live-cell imaging, as it is equipped with a temperature- and CO2-controlled climate chamber. In addition to the galvanometric scanner, the platform includes a resonant scanner that provides ultra-fast image acquisition, making it well-suited for imaging dynamic biological processes. The instrument can be used in research areas such as cell biology, neuroscience, developmental biology, cancer research, immunology, and drug discovery. The microscope supports studies ranging from single-cell analyses to large-scale tissue imaging, and facilitates investigations of molecular localisation, cell-cell interactions, and physiological processes.

Specifications

Laser lines: 405 nm, 445 nm, 488 nm, 561 nm, 594 nm, 640 nm

Detectors:

  • 4 low-noise SilVIR type detectors (2 blue sensitive, 2 red sensitive)
  • 1 transmitted light detector

Scanners:

  • 8kx8k Galvanometric scanner, for best quality images
  • 2kx2k Resonance scanner, for fast imaging

Available objectives:

  • UPLXAPO 4X NA 0.16 (dry)
  • UPLXAPO10X O  NA 0.40 WD 3.1mm (dry)
  • UPLXAPO 20X NA 0.80 WD 0.6mm (dry)
  • UPLAPO 25x NA 1.0 WD 1.0mm
  • UPLXAPO 40x NA0.95 WD0.18 (dry)
  • UPLSAPO 60xOHR NA1.50 WD 0.11 (oil, highest numerical aperture)
  • PLAPON 60XOSC2 NA 1.40 WD 0.12 (oil, super-corrected, for co-localisation studies)

Acquisition Software: cellSensFV

Special Features:

  • Stage-top climate control chamber Okolab UNO+
  • LED fluorescence light source for transmitted and reflected light
  • High-resolution camera for wide-field fluorescence imaging or non-fluorescent staining
  • Software-controlled auto-correction collar for one objective
  • Auto-adjusted laser intensity
  • Auto sample finder
  • Auto-focus finder with hardware-based z-drift compensator
  • AI-supported de-noising functions
  • Live and post-processing deconvolution functions
  • FV-OSR Super resolution module for X-Y imaging down to 120 nm
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Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

Zeiss EVO LS-10 scanning electron microscope. A scanning electron microscope uses an electron beam that sweeps over the sample pixel by pixel, and by collecting emitted or reflected electrons from the sample, it can create an image of the sample surface. Due to the shorter wavelength of electrons compared to light, maximum resolution is higher, in principle down to 2 nm for the EVO LS-10. It allows imaging of samples over a wide range of magnifications (the EVO LS-10 can, for normal working distances, give a sharp picture at any magnification in the range 50X-50000X) and with a much larger focal depth than a light microscope. This is especially important for non-flat samples, where one wants the entire view to be in focus even though different parts are at different heights.

More about Zeiss EVO LS-10 scanning electron microscope

By using different types of detectors, different types of signals can be collected, revealing complementary information about the sample. The standard secondary electron detector will give the best signal-to-noise and thereby the best image quality. The backscatter detector detects only high-energy backscatter electrons, potentially originating from deeper into the sample, which gives a flatter and less detailed image, but additionally offers information about sample composition, as differences in intensity will indicate differences in atomic weight of the exited elements. By collecting X-ray radiation generated by the sample, the EDX (electro-dispersive X-ray) detector can identify and quantify the relative composition of the elements in selected parts of the sample, either for larger areas (entire part of the sample currently imaged), point and ID (for selected parts/features of the sample) or by mapping.

The Zeiss EVO LS10 is an environmental scanning electron microscope, equipped with a LaB6 filament. The EVO LS10 offers two additional imaging modes, apart from the standard high vacuum mode for fully conducting samples. In variable pressure mode, a low pressure of nitrogen gas (usually 10-40 Pa) is allowed in the chamber. The gas is ionised by the electron beam and the ions help dissipate the surface charge built up in poorly conducting samples, allowing imaging of non-conductive samples without surface coating. In extended pressure mode, water vapour is introduced into the chamber, which, together with a Peltier Coolstage, allows imaging of hydrated samples at controlled temperature and relative humidity.

An Agar automatic sputter coater is also available for gold coating of samples.

Specifications

  • LaB6 filament, 1-30 kV

 Detectors:

  • Everhart-Thornley Secondary electron detector
  • Lens mounted 4Q-BSD backscatter detector
  • VPSE G3 (Variable pressure secondary electron detector)
  • INCA x-act LN3-free EDX detector

Imaging modes:

High vacuum

  • Best image quality, for conductive or gold-coated samples

Variable pressure

  • Lower image quality, for non-conductive samples where coating is impossible or unwanted
  • 10-40 Pa of nitrogen gas in the sample chamber

Extended pressure

  • For cooled, hydrated samples such as cells/bacteria, skin, polymers
  • Temperature-controlled Peltier stage
  • 1-3000 Pa of water vapour in the sample chamber, allows controlled relative humidity

Sample holder and stage:

  • 8-position sample carousel for Zeiss 13 mm pin-type sample stubs
  • Multi-purpose quick-fit sample holder for larger irregular specimens
  • Maximum specimen height 100 mm, maximum diameter 230 mm
  • 5-axis stage: X, Y, Z, rotation (0-360) and tilt (0-90)
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Imaging infrastructure in short

What is it?

A multidisciplinary imaging infrastructure providing access to advanced microscopy technologies, including light microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

What is it used for?

To visualise, analyse and characterise biological, biomedical and material samples across multiple length scales, from micrometre-level structures to nanoscale features. The infrastructure supports both routine imaging and advanced applications such as 3D imaging, live-cell studies, surface characterisation and elemental analysis.

Why is it important?

Different research questions require different imaging approaches. By combining complementary microscopy techniques within a single infrastructure, researchers can gain detailed insights into the structure, composition and behaviour of samples, enabling discoveries across life sciences, health research and materials science.

Research environments

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