Acquisition of a confocal microscopy system with FLIM to KI

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Copenhagen is the university’s central unit for research and education in chemistry. The department conducts research on the properties, light–matter interactions, and transformations of chemical compounds and materials. Chemistry plays a critical role in addressing societal and industrial challenges, including energy, sustainability, environmental protection, and health. The department contributes to the development of new and improved compounds, materials, and processes, while providing education at all academic levels in chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and nanoscience. In addition, the department contributes to teaching in biochemistry, biology, molecular biomedicine, environmental chemistry and health, and biotechnology. To further advance research in material development and fundamental photophysical processes, the department requires advanced optical characterization equipment that can be fully integrated with existing instrumentation in this research area. The Department of Chemistry thus wishes to acquire a research-grade confocal microscopy system with fully integrated fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) capability based on time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC). The system is required for advanced studies of photogenerated charge-carrier dynamics and time-resolved fluorescence processes in semiconductor and biological materials. The platform must support direct coupling to an external femtosecond laser source and enable independent routing of excitation and emission beam paths. The required configuration includes: • A main optical unit for excitation beam in coupling and fluorescence detection. • At least two independent excitation ports, including compatibility with an existing in-house femtosecond laser source. • A customized back-port excitation module allowing excitation through the microscope back port while maintaining independent emission detection. • Fully integrated TCSPC-based FLIM operation with high time-resolution and simultaneous rapid data acquisition. These performance requirements must be achieved through a galvo-based scanning unit combined with a validated real-time TCSPC error-correction technology (patented), ensuring high temporal precision and acquisition speed within a fully integrated system architecture. • A galvo-based scanning unit capable of maintaining consistent focal volume across large scan areas (up to 250 µm × 250 µm). • A variable wavelength selector for flexible and tuneable detection. • Guaranteed interoperability between laser synchronization electronics, TCSPC modules, detectors, beam-routing optics, and microscope control software. The purchase concerns a confocal microscopy system with fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) capability, designed for advanced studies of photo-generated charge-carrier dynamics. The system must support direct coupling to an external femtosecond laser source and allow full decoupling of excitation and emission beam paths. It includes a main optical unit for excitation beam incoupling, fluorescence detection, and flexible integration of free-space and fiber-coupled excitation ports. A customized back-port excitation module is required to enable excitation through the microscope back port while independently monitoring emission, allowing confocal imaging of charge-carrier diffusion and migration. In addition, an upgrade is needed to provide a variable wavelength selector for flexible and wavelength-tunable detection.