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MiP

Photonic Microscopy

​​ Plateforme d'Imagerie Photonique
Published on 21 October 2025


​​The Photonic Microscopy Platform (MiP) of the Department of Cellular and Molecular Radiobiology (DRCM) provides researchers at the Fontenay-aux-Roses centre with high-performance equipment and technical expertise in cellular imaging. It provides user training in photonic microscopy, image acquisition and processing, as well as personalised support for optimising experiments and analysing data. An online booking site facilitates access to the instruments, while a processing station equipped with licensed software and a dedicated server guaranteeing the confidentiality of results complete the services offered.

​​Lamya IRBAH
Principal investigator
​Phone : +33 (0)1 46 54 89 73
lamya.irbah@cea.fr


Secretary 

Aurélie GOURET
Phone : +33 (0)1 46 54 98 66
aurelie.gouret@cea.fr​



OFFERS AND SERVICES
​​The platform's microscopy systems offer the possibility of studying both living and fixed samples.


Studies of fixed samples

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  • Multiparametric studies on cells, yeasts, bacteria or tissues, using multicolour imaging thanks to a white laser offering great spectral flexibility
  • Mosaic image acquisition and reconstruction.
  • Colocalisation measurement and 3D reconstruction of observed structures.

Dynamic studies on living organisms


  • Spatio-temporal imaging in up to seven colours (5D), from the subcellular to the tissue scale.
  • Measurement of molecular diffusion velocity using techniques such as FRAP, photoactivation and photoconversion.
  • Kinetic study of repair proteins after micro-damage to DNA.
  • Automatic control modules available for acquisition and analysis in multi-well plate screening mode, up to 384 wells, enabling high-throughput studies.

EQUIPMENT AND RESOURCES​

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CerestV3 Nikon spinning disk confocal microscope
 
The microscope is equipped with a temperature-controlled chamber that allows precise control of temperature and oxygen (O₂) and CO₂ levels to ensure optimal conditions for observing living samples.
It has a motorised X, Y and Z stage (piezo) and a full range of objectives: 2×, 10×, 20×, 40× and 60× water immersion (with water dispenser system), as well as a 100× oil immersion objective, with BF or DIC imaging also possible.
It has 7 lasers covering wavelengths from 405 nm to 730 nm (405, 440, 477–514, 561, 640 and 730 nm). The system is combined with a wide-field camera, offering excellent sensitivity, a very good signal-to-noise ratio and a homogeneous image.

NIS-elements software (JOBS module included).​


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W1 Gataca inverted spinning disk confocal microscope


System equipped with a motorised x-y-z stage with piezo overstage (1,000 µm stroke). Temperature-controlled chamber with O₂/CO₂ control for acquisitions on living samples. Objectives: 10×; 20× (long distance); 20×; 40×; 60×; 100×. Lasers: 405, 488, 561, 638 nm. Prime 95 sCMOS camera. Live-SR (super-resolution) module. iLas module for FRAP, photoconversion, photoactivation and photodamage.

MetaMorph software.
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Nikon A1 inverted confocal video microscope


System equipped with a thermostatic chamber with O₂ and CO₂ supply control for studying living samples. Motorised x-y-z stage. Sets of 10×, 20×, 40× and 60× DIC-compatible objectives. Laser range: 405 nm, 488 nm, 561 nm, 638 nm. Galvano/resonant tandem scanner (up to 30 images/s). Automated acquisition via the JOBS module. Confocal imaging at different focal lengths (10×, 20×, 40×, 60×, 100×).

NIS Element software.


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Leica SP8-FLIM inverted confocal microscope

System equipped with a motorised x-y-z stage. 20×, 40× and 63× DIC-compatible objectives. Lasers: 405 nm and pulsed white laser (selectable wavelength 470–670 nm). Ultra-sensitive hybrid detector. NAVIGATOR module for wide-field image reconstruction.

LAS X software.


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An image processing and analysis workstation

Software: Volocity (3D), NIS elements (NIKON offline software), ImageJ, Metamorph Offline, LASX offline (Leica software).​​​


TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ACCESS

​​All new users are required to register with the platform manager, either by email (lamya.irbah@cea.fr) or in person, in order to receive appropriate guidance.

Access to the booking schedule is subject to completion of the mandatory training course. Once this has been completed, users can access the acquisition system independently or request assistance from the engineer; the terms and conditions will be defined during the initial contact.

Services may be offered according to requirements, to be agreed in advance with the engineer responsible for the microscopy platform.