Research overview

We develop and improve fast super resolution imaging methods to investigate the high dynamics of living cells - with and without fluorescence

Project 1: Structured illumination microscopy (SIM)
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Project 2: Rotating coherent scattering (ROCS) microscopy
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Spiroplasms are tiny and deformable bacteria without cell wall. Using scanning optical line traps and light scattering, we investigate their molecular driving concepts leading to fast switching between contraction and relaxation.

Particle binding and uptake into cells

See a   >>> Graphical overview of the cell periphery interacting with particles

Project 1: Nano-mechanics of phagocytosis and filopodia
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Project 2: Cargo-transport of coupled molecular motors
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Project 3: Particle uptake in giant vesicles (GUV)
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We shape the phase profile of iilluminating laser beams in fluorescence light-sheet microscopy (LSM) to optimize the propagation through biological material and thereby the 3D image quality.

Project 1:  Beam shaping with dynamic computer holograms 
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Project 2:  Bessel beam LSM with 2-photon excitation or STED     
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We investigate the frequency dependent viscoelastic properties of microtubules coupled by optically trapped beads as nucleation sites.

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With fast super-resolution microscopy (TIRF-SIM) we investigate the dynamics of MreB filaments inside B.Subtilis. The protein cytoskeleton protein MreB is a key player for the syntheis of the bacterial cell wall.

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Surface scanning with optically trapped probes in the presence of phase disturbing structures.

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We use video rate spectroscopy and MHz interferometric particle tracking to to understand the formation of metal nanoparticles (NP) to more complex structures inside an optical trap.

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Wave optics. We developed theories and program code to describe light propagation in inhomogeneous media, scattering, optical forces and advanced 3D imaging.  
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Brownian Dynamics. We develop theories and program code to describe particular diffusion and binding in complex environments.      
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Interferometric tracking of dynamic particle interactions with scanning line optical tweezers.

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