Module 2

Super Resolution Light Microscopy (ScopeM, ETH Zurich campus Hönggerberg)

In this module, you will learn how to identify the most appropriate super-resolution light microscopy technique to address your specific needs and sample. Numerous super-resolution or “quasi” super-resolution methods will be covered including:

  • Structured illumination Microscopy (SIM)
  • Stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy
  • Single Molecule Localization (SMLM)

and “quasi” super-resolution methods like

  • Airy-scan
  • re-scan
  • Super Resolution via Optical Re-assignment (SORA)
  • Super-Resolution Radial Fluctuations (SRRF)

Lectures will teach you to understand resolution and the various concepts of resolution enhancement that serve as theoretical basis for the different super-resolution methods. In the practical sessions you will work with the various super-resolution instruments of ScopeM and learn about all the advantages/disadvantages of the different methods, both in terms of imaging and sample preparation possibilities.

Contact:

Dr. Gabor Csucs
ScopeM, ETHZ
gabor.csucs@scopem.ethz.ch
+41 44 633 62 21

Learning outcomes:

  • Have a thorough understanding of the capabilities and limitations of the various super-resolution light microscopy methods
  • Establish a solid background enabling you to select which super-resolution technique and instrument suit best your research needs
  • Understand and apply the main concepts/principles of super-resolution microscopy (resolution vs magnification, refraction, optics, NA) to your future imaging procedure

Practical activities:

  • Hands-on super-resolution microscopy techniques available at ScopeM: SIM, STED, SMLM, Airy-scan, re-scan, SORA
  • In addition to the selected samples provided in the course, opportunity to work with your own samples (the sample preparation should be done before the course - please contact the module responsible in advance to discuss necessary preparation)

Prerequisites:

  • Have some practical experience with standard fluorescence microscopy (wide-field or confocal)
  • Have an immediate need to apply the trained skills/one of the techniques in your research project within a year