Humboldt, PicoQuant Host MSCA, BE-OPTICAL Researcher

Humboldt University Berlin and optoelectronics developer PicoQuant are co-hosting an early stage researcher (ESR) within the framework of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie actions (MSCA) of the Innovative Training Networks H2020 BE-OPTICAL training network.

Microscopy images demonstrating the resolution difference between confocal and STED imaging. Courtesy of PicoQuant.

The researcher is working on a Ph.D. thesis titled “Advanced Nanoscale Microscopy: Time-Resolved Super-Resolution Fluorescence Studies of Biological Structures.” The aim of the project lies in exploring novel strategies based on pulsed excitation coupled with nanosecond time-resolved detection to carry
out multiplexed studies of complex dynamics
in biological structures under optical superresolution conditions. In the scope of this project, different pulsed interleaved excitation schemes will be combined with pattern-based fluorescence decay recognition to optimize the separation of multiple labels.

Part of the project also includes the screening and full characterization of promising dye labels as well as identifying optimal sample preparation and experimental conditions, starting from artificial model systems up to studies in real cell. This latter part will be performed in collaboration with company partners. The project uses PicoQuant’s time-resolved and super-resolution microscopy via stimulated emission depletion.

The project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Program for research, technological development and demonstration.

PicoQuant is a developer of picosecond pulsed diode lasers and LEDs, photon counting instrumentation, fluorescence lifetime spectrometers, FLIM and FCS upgrade kits for laser scanning microscopes as well as time-resolved confocal and superresolution microscopes.