Fluorescence correlation spectroscope (FCS) attached to the confocal microscope

Name/ID	Fluorescence correlation spectroscope (FCS) attached to the confocal microscope
Count	1
Facility	Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscope with Confocal Microscope
Description	Spectroscope

The FCS unit is attached to the 4th fluorescence detection port of the confocal microscope; it is a prototype designed by Prof. J Langowski (DKFZ, Heidelberg). Simultaneous auto- and crosscorrelation measurements can be carried out in two detection channels (APD detectors) at selected points of the confocal image or in solution. The localization precision is within 25 nm. Raw data are also saved with the correlation curves for later analysis (e.g. photon counting histogram). Measurable parameters: local diffusion coefficient (mobility), local concentration (sensitivity: 100 pM, <1 molecule in the confocal volume), aggregation state (molecular brightness), co-diffusion of labeled molecules (stable homo/hetero-association). Development of single molecule FRET measurement with the FCS detectors is in progress. The instrument operates under the aegis of the Molecular Cell Analysis Core Facility.