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The combination of microscopy, micromechanical tests and specialised imaging techniques creates an interface between real microstructures and the virtual realm. The CLSM (confocal laser scanning microscope) for example is capable of rendering diatoms in four dimensions down to a resolution of less than 200 nm. Calibrated micro-pipettes equipped micromanipulators in combination with a high-speed camera allow for the measurements of smallest forces in micro-crush-tests, a technique recently expanded by a micro-force sensor that directly maps forces in the experiments.
The combined data are subsequently fed into computer simulations and used to abstract and validate bionic-inspired lightweight structures. In addition to the microscopes, stereo lenses with attached colour cameras help us to isolate and analyse diatoms (eg. derived from net hauls on our doorstep).
All in all, the following tools and methods are applied to plankton research:
Feel free to contact us for any questions regarding methods, equipment or co-operations.
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