D'FACTU
Darmstadts Fluoreszenzmikroskopie Ausbildungs Center @ Technische Universität Darmstadt

The D’FACTU core education center is aimed to provide the basics for teaching fundamental principles and modern applications in fluorescence microscopy. The education center is open for all departments and was initiated by the departments of Chemistry (FB 7), Material and Earth Sciences (FB11) and Biology (FB10).

Aim

The Darmstadt Fluoreszenzmikroskopie Ausbildungszentrum an der Technischen Universität (D'FACTU) provides modern fluorescence microscopes for teaching. Twelve identically configured Zeiss AxioVert A1 microscopes are available, which are also equipped with digital cameras and laptops. Image acquisition is made possible via the Zeiss Zen software.

In addition, there are smaller numbers of configurations available for reflected-light fluorescence microscopy, as well as objectives with high magnification. The microscopes are available for courses, including interdisciplinary courses. Bookings can be made via the tuinfra portal. The microscopes can be found there under the provider “FB10 Biology Teaching”.

Short manual microscope (opens in new tab)

Short manual software (opens in new tab)

Microscope
 Zeiss Axio Vert.A1
Condensor LD-Condensor 0.4
Phase contrast Ph1
Illumination Trans-illumination:12 V Halogen lamp

Fluorescence illumination: LED modules
  • LED-Module 385 nm
  • LED-Module 470 nm
  • LED-Module 540-580 nm
  • LED-Module 625 nm
Filter Cubes
(e.g. classical dyes) 		Alternative:
  • epi-fluorescence filter cube
Objectives
  • N-Achroplan 5x NA 0.15 Ph1 long working distance (a=12.0mm)
  • A-Plan 20x NA 0.35 Ph1 long working distance (a=4.3mm)
  • EC Plan-Neofluar 63x/1.25 Oil (no phase contrast) (a=0.1mm)
Camera
  • AxioCam ICm11,388 x 1,038 pixels
    4.65 μm x 4.65 μm pixel size
    12 bit dynamic range
  • Alternative: AxioCam ICC1 color camera
Software
  • ZEN lite 2011
  • ZEN lite Module Multi Channel

If you are interested in using the microscopes in your course please contact: and book in the online booking system via TUinfra.

The D’FACTU core education center is funded by the following bodies:

  • Mittel zur Verbesserung der Qualität der Lehre und der Studienbedingungen (QSL) der TU Darmstadt
  • QSL Funds of the Departments of Chemistry (FB 7), Material and Earth Sciences (FB11) and Biology (FB10) at the TU Darmstadt
  • Hochschulpakt 2020

A good starting point for the principles and applications of microscopy and fluorescence microscopy can be found at the

“Optical Microscopy Primer” website

or at the microscopy information page of the AG Cardoso with a focus on fluorescence microscopy in cell biology:

Cardoso Lab website

.