Fluorescence microscopy with ease-of-use
PicoQuant has created a system that is easier to use without any compromise on sensitivity. It makes these systems accessible for users who do not enjoy the support of a trained physicist.
Over the past decades, the developers at PicoQuant have focused on making the most quantitative and reproducible time-resolved fluorescence microscopes. Their new Luminosa instrument now allows every researcher in molecular biophysics or structural biology to easily integrate methods from single molecule and time-resolved fluorescence microscopy into their toolbox.
“Today, I need the help of my physics post-doc, when I want to exploit the capabilities of my single photon fluorescence microscope,” says a prominent group leader in biochemistry. “Your new system with this judicious technology would release him to do his actual work.”
That statement was given when developers from PicoQuant in Germany asked the professor for his feedback on their latest prototype of a new single photon counting fluorescence microscope. In the meantime, the prototype has become a full product named Luminosa.
Main features of the Luminosa system include a one-click auto-alignment procedure and context-based intuitive workflows. For example, the system can automatically recognize individual molecules, or it may determine correction factors for single-molecule FRET (smFRET) automatically.
For the experienced expert it still offers advanced flexibility. All optomechanical components are accessible, data is stored in open formats, and the workflow as well as the graphical user interface can be customized. The user is given full access to experimental parameters such as the adjustable observation volume.
The new Luminosa itself is a versatile toolbox for time-resolved fluorescence microscopy. It is made for research in dynamic structural biology at the single molecule level. The methodologies include fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), rapidFLIMHiRes for fast processes, FLIM-FRET, single molecule FRET (burst and time trace analysis), fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), anisotropy imaging, and differential interference contrast (DIC) imaging.
As the user base of time-resolved fluorescence microscopy is expanding, the demand for reproducibility, accuracy, and general good practice rules becomes apparent. Luminosa already includes guidelines developed in collective efforts by scientists, for example in the benchmark study from the single molecule FRET community.
Company
PicoQuant GmbHRudower Chaussee 29
12489 Berlin
Germany
most read
ZVEI Calls for Swift Protection of Critical Power Infrastructure
The association has issued a statement in response to the recent attempted attacks on substations in Brandenburg and North Rhine-Westphalia and warns of the consequences for Germany's energy security.
European machine vision expects slight recovery and growth in 2026
According to the VDMA Machine Vision department, sales are expected to increase by around 3%, following a decline of 2% in 2025.
Icecube Neutrino Observatory: Hamamatsu Photonics Boosts Sensitivity with New Photodetectors
The detector array is installed in one cubic kilometer of clear Antarctic ice and detects Cherenkov light produced by neutrino interactions.
Solid-State Transformers for AI Data Centers
As part of a strategic partnership, Siemens and Reinhausen are developing a solid-state transformer for AI data centers with an 800-volt DC system.
Siemens Consolidates Its Automation Business into a New Unit Called Automation
Rainer Brehm, who previously served as COO of the automation business and CTO of Digital Industries, was appointed president of the new unit.