The Nikon AX is a point-scanning confocal laser scanning microscope. The system at AMF is equipped with the NSPARC (Nikon Spatial Array Confocal) super-resolution detector module, which uses a spatial-array detector to extract additional resolution beyond the conventional confocal diffraction limit while preserving optical sectioning. The instrument was installed and acceptance-tested in April 2025, and is in routine operation under the Nikon Reference Site agreement at ICMS.
Configuration
- Stand: Nikon Ti2 inverted research microscope
- Scan head: AX-SHR (AX R, resonant) with dual scanner: galvo for high-resolution, resonant for high-throughput live imaging. Bidirectional scanning up to 2048 × 2048
- NSPARC detector: Nikon NSPARC modular super-resolution single-photon-sensitive detector, ~120 nm lateral resolution achievable with Nikon deconvolution
- Lasers (4 lines): 405 / 488 / 561 / 640 nm via the LUD-S4 unit
- Detection: 4-channel DUX-VB4 with two GaAsP and two multi-alkali PMTs, tunable spectral detection
- Primary objective: CFI Plan Apochromat Lambda D 60× oil. Additional objectives are available on the turret for low-magnification overview imaging
- Z-control: Perfect Focus System for drift compensation across long acquisitions
- Live-cell: Tokai Hit incubator (temperature, CO₂, humidity), water-immersion dispenser for long well-plate runs
- Software: NIS-Elements C-ER with NSPARC deconvolution, JOBS Bundle 2.0 for intelligent acquisition pipelines, Clarify.ai, Autosignal.ai, AI denoising
Located at
AMF, AdBio Lab, Helix building, TU/e campus.
Status
Operational since April 2025. Covered by free preventive maintenance and on-site engineer support under the Nikon Reference Site agreement. First annual preventive maintenance was completed in April 2026.
Questions or training? Ask the super-user
For general facility access or new project scoping, contact superresolution@tue.nl.
Booking and training
For training and access, see the training pathway and book via Calira. Day-to-day operation and user training are coordinated by the AMF team in AdBio Lab. To start using the Nikon AX with NSPARC, contact Ewelina Kluza (AdBio Lab manager) and Victor Veenbrink for instructor and access.
Vendor resources
Nikon AX with NSPARC product page: microscope.healthcare.nikon.com. The instrument is part of Nikon Europe’s Reference Site network, hosted at ICMS through a collaboration agreement between Nikon and TU/e.