University of Cologne - Imaging Core

The CECAD Imaging Facility provides core competences in the following fields:

High-Performance Microscopes

Our facility is equipped with state-of-the-art light microscopes for cellular and molecular imaging. Beside standard fluorescence confocal microscopes we offer high-end Super-Resolution microscopes (gSTED/GSD) as well as a fully equipped Mulitphoton microscope, which is especially designed for the imaging of living mice or other large organisms. Some of the microscopes are fitted with an incubator and CO2-supply, thus allowing long-term live-cell imaging under physiological conditions. Special techniques like FLIM, FRAP, FRET and laser ablation enable the study of dynamics and interactions of proteins. A Slidescanner with Autoloader for the automatized analysis of histological slices and a Laser Microdissection microscope for isolating and collecting of tissues or single cells complete our facility. The systems can be booked via our online booking system.

Individual Training Courses

We offer scientists specific training required for their individual research projects. Selection of an appropriate microscope is based on the scientific question posed and the type of sample. The imaging facility provides a professional introduction to the equipment of choice. Afterwards, the users are allowed to book this microscope and are encouraged to use it independently.

Image Analysis

To get the desired information out of your images, we provide powerful image analysis workstations that can also be booked online. Each computer is equipped with well-established image analysis software. Furthermore, we advise scientists on specific problems in the fields of image processing (e.g., background correction and deconvolution) and image analysis (e.g., segmentation and tracking algorithms).