Biophysical Society Thematic Meeting | Tutzing 2026

Single-Molecule FRET: The Next 30 Years

Poster Abstracts

7-POS Board 3 PLUG-AND-PLAY LASER CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ADVANCED FLUORESCENCE MICROSCOPY Richard Börner 1 ; Josephine Meitzner 1 ; Paul Lehmann 1 ; Sascha Klötzer 1 ; 1 Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, Laserinstitut Hochschule Mittweida, Mittweida, Germany Single-molecule microscopy utilizing alternating laser excitation (ALEX) is an established method for the characterization of biomolecules. However, existing laser control systems are often costly and OEM-specific, limiting flexibility in customized microscopy environments. To overcome these limitations, we developed an independent, user-friendly laser control approach based on a microcontroller architecture capable of managing up to four individual laser sources. The system is specifically designed for advanced fluorescence microscopy, allowing users to implement preconfigured as well as fully customizable triggering schemes via an intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI). This enables complex illumination modes such as ALEX or sALEX for total internal reflection (TIR) and confocal fluorescence microscopy assays, respectively. The developed solution supports both external hardware triggering and flexible frequency or pulse-width modulation (PWM), achieving pulse durations from 20 µs to 10 s with pulse repetition rates reaching up to 50 kHz. The approach is compatible with any laser source that can be externally modulated via standard TTL signals, providing a highly adaptable and ready-to-use solution for integrated optical systems in the life sciences and beyond.

103