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Luminosa

Luminosa

Single Photon Counting Confocal Microscope

Complete confocal fluorescence microscope that empowers researchers to advance quantitative functional imaging from individual molecules to cells and tissues.
Luminosa single photon counting confocal fluorescence microscope designed for quantitative time-resolved and single-molecule imaging.
Table of contents

Key Benefits

Reliable single-molecule precision
Time-saving workflows
Fast learning for non-expert users
Flexible for custom experimental setups
Quick results through automated analysis
Expert-level application support
Remarkably Simple. Precisely Yours.

Explore New Paths in Confocal Microscopy

Designed for Quantitative Single-Molecule Research

Inspired for demanding single-molecule research, Luminosa combines precision engineering and streamlined workflows to deliver reproducible, high-quality data with exceptional sensitivity. With a big selection of excitation sources from 375 to 1064 nm and available detectors (HybridPMTs, point SPAD, SPAD array) and full access to every optomechanical component via software, this confocal microscope offers full control and flexibility for scientists at every level, accelerating results and elevating the standard of confocal imaging.

Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy of fixed neurons using pattern matching analysis. Synapses (PSD95) are shown in red and intermediate filaments (GFAP) in cyan. Sample courtesy of the Rizzoli Group, Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University of Göttingen Medical Center.

Precision Designed for Single-Photon Fluorescence

Built around a powerful inverted confocal fluorescence microscope, Luminosa delivers exceptional sensitivity. Its architecture combines the flexibility and precision that modern life science demands.

Key Technologies

  • Optimized detection: up to six parallel channels with SPADs or hybrid PMTs capture every photon with unmatched precision.
  • Flexible  scanning options: ultra-fast galvo mirrors for fast imaging or piezo objective control for maximum photon detection efficiency.
  • High-throughput time tagging & TCSPC electronics: less than 700 ps dead time per channel and timing precision  enable high-speed, high-fidelity lifetime imaging.
  • Variable PSF: Match the confocal volume to your assay for smFRET and FCS studies
  • LumiPy:  A Python interface for customizable, adaptive workflows.
  • PDA-23 array: An integrated SPAD array with full time-tagging.
PDA-23 cooled 23-pixel SPAD array optimized for Image Scanning Microscopy and parallel TCSPC detection.

PDA-23 Detection: Confocal Time-Resolved Detection with a SPAD Array

The PDA-23 SPAD array extends Luminosa with true multi-pixel, time-resolved detection at the single-photon level. By combining parallel photon counting with precise timing, it enables enhanced resolution and contrast in image scanning microscopy (ISM) while preserving quantitative fluorescence lifetime information. This makes PDA-23 a powerful upgrade for advanced confocal, FLIM, ISM applications and even the development of new methodologies for FCS and single molecule fluorescence.

NovaISM software interface for Image Scanning Microscopy analysis, enabling pixel reassignment, resolution enhancement, lifetime evaluation, and quantitative data visualization within a unified workflow.

Analyze. Visualize. Understand.

In combination with NovaFLIM and NovaISM, Luminosa extends beyond conventional confocal imaging. Advanced FLIM, FLIM-FRET and anisotropy imaging but also pixel-reassignment strategies combined with computation sectioning and deconvolution for a complete ISM-FLIM analysis workflow. This powerful and modular software combination addresses demanding applications while it offers transparent data handling, open data formats and extended metadata.

Autofluorescence fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) of human intestinal tissue revealing spatial metabolic heterogeneity through distinct lifetime distributions across different regions of interest.

Metabolic FLIM in Practice: Luminosa in Oxford

Label-free metabolic FLIM offers a powerful window into tissue physiology, as demonstrated in recent work by Professor Marco Fritzsche and his team. Using Luminosa, they quantified NADH and FAD lifetimes to distinguish metabolic states in liver and intestinal tissue, revealing gradients and disease-relevant patterns. These insights highlight Luminosa’s value for Bioimaging Core Facilities seeking accessible, quantitative, time-resolved fluorescence microscopy.

Read the customer story.

Highlight Benefits

Benefit: Time

Quality and Precision

Optimal performance for single-molecule investigations across all measurement conditions. One-click auto-alignment ensures reproducible results without requiring a sample, while galvo and objective scanning offer either maximum speed or highest photon detection efficiency.
Benefit: Precision

Save Time, Focus on Samples

Context-based, intuitive workflows guide you to efficiently harness the full power of smFRET, FCS and FLIM with confidence. Automated analysis and GPU-accelerated processing deliver fast, reliable results, allowing you to focus entirely on your samples instead of instrument setup.
Benefits: Fexibility

Advanced Flexibility

Adjust the observation volume to match the dynamics of your experiment, from FCS to single-molecule FRET. Full software control provides access to all optomechanical components, enabling flexible system configurations and advanced experimental workflows.
More Flexibility and Performance

Luminosa New Features

Luminosa, single photon counting confocal microscope, has received important new features, including a workflow for FRAP and a Python interface. These powerful additions provide enhanced flexibility and improved functionality.
Read more about Luminosa
Luminosa 2.0 with a new workflow for FRAP and a Python interface.
International Workshop

Single Molecule Workshop

Be part of an exciting and stimulating conference where you can give a talk, present a poster, or attend without presenting. As always, we will award a “Best Student Talk”.
Learn more and register
PicoQuant Workshop on Single Molecule Spectroscopy and Super-resolution Microscopy
Relevant for Your Research​

Matching Applications & Methods​

All Applications & Methods
Switcher A&M
Conceptual illustration of liquid–liquid phase separation showing biomolecular condensates forming from proteins and RNA within the cellular environment.
Life Science

Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation (LLPS)

Illustration of protein conformational dynamics
Life Science

Dynamic Structural Biology

Concept illustration of optical environmental sensing where time-resolved fluorescence lifetime detection monitors dynamic environmental signals and trace compounds.
Life Science | Materials Science | Metrology

Environmental Sensing

Trusted by Researchers Worldwide

What Researchers Say

Only Luminosa offers the unique combination of sensitivity, accuracy in lifetime determination and stability necessary for our measurements.
Professor Marco Fritzsche
Kennedy Institute for Rheumatology (KIR), University of Oxford & Rosalind Franklin Institute
Image of Professor Marco Fritzsche
We tried a few commercial solutions. Only Luminosa offered the unique combination of sensitivity, accuracy in lifetime determination and stability necessary for these measurements.
Professor Guillermo Acuna
Photonic Nanosystems Group, Department of Physics, University of Fribourg
Photo of Professor Guillermo Acuna
We were impressed how easily we could collect high-quality 3-color smFRET data with Luminosa — it delivered results on par with home-built set ups which require years of expertise to develop and maintain.
Dr. Emmanuel Margeat and Dr. Robert Quast
Le Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS) de Montpellier
I made measurements with Luminosa in one day, where it took 2 weeks to measure with other systems.
Dr. Viktorija Glembockyte
Max Planck Institute for Medical Research
Measurements we could not do before.
Dr. Daniel Nettels
Department of Biochemistry, Department of Physics, Zurich Center for Structural Biology, University of Zurich
Extremely valuable.
Professor Claus Seidel
Molecular Physical Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf
Scientific Insights & Resources

Latest Blog Articles

Representative confocal immunofluorescence overlays showing LC3B, LAMP1, and PLAC8 localization during progressive cadmium-induced transformation of prostate epithelial cells.
July 11, 2025

Cadmium Disrupts Autophagy in Prostate Cancer Cells

Luminosa single photon counting confocal microscope with illustrative FLIM-FRET donor intensity and lifetime maps showing localization-dependent protein binding in cells.
March 1, 2025

From Single-Photon Sensitivity to High Count Rate FLIM

Composite two-dimensional histogram of averaged nuclear pore complexes aligned according to their eightfold symmetry.
July 12, 2025

Overlapping Import and Export in the Nuclear Pore

Representative confocal immunofluorescence overlays showing LC3B, LAMP1, and PLAC8 localization during progressive cadmium-induced transformation of prostate epithelial cells.
July 11, 2025

Cadmium Disrupts Autophagy in Prostate Cancer Cells

Luminosa single photon counting confocal microscope with illustrative FLIM-FRET donor intensity and lifetime maps showing localization-dependent protein binding in cells.
March 1, 2025

From Single-Photon Sensitivity to High Count Rate FLIM

Composite two-dimensional histogram of averaged nuclear pore complexes aligned according to their eightfold symmetry.
July 12, 2025

Overlapping Import and Export in the Nuclear Pore

Visit our science hub

Intelligent Software for Confident Results

Luminosa’s advanced software suite offers intuitive, powerful tools that streamline single-molecule and fluorescence lifetime imaging experiments. With automated setup and customizable workflows, researchers can focus entirely on their samples while the software optimizes lasers, beam paths, detection, and key measurement parameters. Real-time previews and fast GPU-accelerated analysis enable instant data assessment, ensuring reproducible results and saving valuable instrument time.

InstaFLIM

InstaFLIM delivers real-time fluorescence lifetime analysis with minimal user interaction, enabling rapid insights and reproducible results.

  • Four parallel routines: multi-exponential fit, phasor plot, pattern matching, lifetime histogram
  • Automatic suggestions for FLIM species separation
  • Suggested parameters can be fine-tuned

InstaFCS

InstaFCS enables real-time fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) with automated fitting, providing rapid insight into molecular dynamics.

  • Live calculation of auto- and cross-correlation curves
  • Automatic model and parameter suggestions
  • Includes standard deviation of correlation curves

FRETcompass

FRETcompass guides researchers through complex FRET data analysis, ensuring accurate and reproducible results with minimal effort.

  • Automated evaluation and mapping of FRET efficiencies
  • Workflow support for parameter selection and validation
  • Visual tools for intuitive interpretation of results

LumiFinder

LumiFinder is especially for single-molecule studies, streamlining sample navigation by automatically identifying regions of interest for faster, more efficient experiments.

  • Intelligent region detection and guided navigation
  • Instant previews to verify sample quality
  • Saves time by reducing manual searching

Integrated System Capabilities for Advanced Workflows

Luminosa combines hardware and software into a tightly integrated system that enables advanced imaging workflows beyond conventional confocal operation. Intelligent automation, calibrated excitation control, and flexible observation volumes work together to simplify complex experiments, ensure quantitative accuracy, and maintain reproducibility across a wide range of applications.

Imaging Large Samples

Imaging large samples expands the field of view, enabling rapid overviews and precise navigation across complex specimens.

  • Spiral scans create large-area overviews in seconds
  • Reference maps preserve spatial context for repeated measurements
  • Tiling and stitching of rectangular areas with hold-focus option

Sample-Free Auto-Alignment

Sample-free auto-alignment ensures optimal system performance with just one click, delivering consistent results across all measurements.

  • Automatic alignment without requiring a sample
  • Guarantees reproducibility even for challenging experiments
  • Saves time by eliminating manual adjustment steps

Calibrated Excitation (CalEx)

CalEx provides reliable laser power calibration directly within the system, ensuring accurate and reproducible excitation without extra equipment.

  • Displays excitation intensity in absolute units (µW)
  • Built-in calibration eliminates need for external power meters

Variable PSF (VarPSF)

VarPSF offers flexible control over the observation volume, supporting a wide range of correlation and FRET experiments.

  • Switch between diffraction-limited and larger volumes
  • Optimized for FCS and single-molecule FRET studies
  • Enables spot-variation FCS with custom modes

Cutting-Edge Hardware

The Luminosa confocal system combines high-speed scanning, single-photon sensitivity, and precise timing to support advanced fluorescence lifetime and single-molecule experiments.

  • Switch between diffraction-limited and larger volumes
  • Optimized for FCS and single-molecule FRET studies
  • Enables spot-variation FCS with custom modes
In-Depth Scientific Resources

Premium Resources

Access in-depth application notes and scientific posters with detailed methods, measurement data, and real-world use cases.

Poster: FCS with SPAD Arrays

Luminosa enables advanced single-molecule studies with FLIM, FCS, varPSF control, and a new SPAD array for higher-resolution imaging and innovative FCS applications.

Download

Application Note: Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation

This application note shows how Luminosa enables FLIM and multi-point FCS to study liquid–liquid phase separation and protein dynamics at the single-molecule level.

Download

Application Note: Label-Free Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy

This application note demonstrates label-free fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy to study tissue metabolism using endogenous autofluorescence contrast.

Download

Poster: Fast Analysis in Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging

Poster describing fast FLIM analysis in Luminosa using GPU-based algorithms, dynamic binning, and automated workflows for rapid lifetime imaging.

Download

Poster: Easy and Reliable Single Molecule FRET Measurements

Poster showing how Luminosa enables easy and reliable single molecule FRET measurements with automated workflows, real-time analysis, and optimized detection of diffusing and immobilized molecules.

Download

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Add-Ons for Extended Experimental Capabilities

Luminosa can be expanded with a range of dedicated add-ons that address specific experimental requirements. From external detection coupling to long-term live-cell imaging, these modules extend the system’s capabilities while preserving quantitative accuracy and workflow flexibility.

Stage-top incubator with multiwell plate insert and environmental control module shown alongside live-cell fluorescence microscopy image for extended imaging experiments on Luminosa.

Stage-Top Incubator for Extended Live Cell Experiments

Stage-top incubator for stable, long-term live-cell experiments. From Tokai Hit, including:

  • Sample chamber + objective lens heater + temperature and CO2 controller
  • Sample holders + lids for well plates, dishes, slides, and more
  • Feedback regulation (optional)
  • Software (not integrated with Luminosa software)

Explore the technical note on metabolic FLIM in organoids.

Integrated 780 nm femtosecond fiber laser module coupled to the Luminosa confocal microscope for quantitative metabolic fluorescence lifetime imaging.

Metabolic Imaging with fs Laser

Integrated fs laser module for quantitative metabolic FLIM at 780 nm, including:

Explore the technical note on metabolic FLIM in organoids.

Optical exit port module for coupling external detectors or spectrographs to the Luminosa confocal microscope in parallel with internal detection channels.

Exit Port for External Detection Coupling

Flexible exit port for coupling external detectors or spectrographs in parallel to the internal detection.

  • Fiber or free-space coupling optics for flexible integration of external detection units
  • Software integration into customized workflows for synchronized data acquisition
  • Add spectrographs with single-molecule sensitive CCD cameras for spectral analysis
  • Integrate tunable filter units such as FlexLambda for wavelength-selective detection
  • Connect superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors for advanced photon-counting experiments

 

Technical Documentation and Data

Technical Downloads

Datasheet Luminosa

The datasheet details features, performance, and specifications of Luminosa

Customer Story: Luminosa for Bioimaging Core Facilities

Advancing bioimaging with Luminosa – insights from customer Marco Fritzsche (University of Oxford)

Technical Note - Two-Photon Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging

Demonstration of two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging for ion sensing in living cells, enabling deep-tissue measurements with high sensitivity

Technical Note: Metabolic State Profiling of Organoids with FLIM

Demonstrating metabolic state profiling of organoids using FLIM of NAD(H) autofluorescence with the Luminosa confocal microscope.

Expand Your System

Complete your system

Combine compatible components to build a complete system tailored to your experimental requirements and measurement workflows.

NovaFLIM software interface for fluorescence lifetime imaging analysis
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Analysis Software
Fast GPU-accelerated analysis of FLIM, FLIM-FRET, and anisotropy data
FLIM analysis modes: Fast Lifetime, decay fitting, phasor plots, and pattern matching
Efficient batch analysis of z-stacks, time-lapse series, and stitched images
Advanced, flexible ROI handling and data export options
Reproducible ROI selection using histograms of fitted parameters
Get a quote
PDA-23 cooled 23-pixel SPAD detector array module
Confocal Time-Resolved SPAD Array Detection
Higher resolution & contrast in functional FLIM imaging
Seamless integration into Luminosa workflows
Time-tagging for every single pixel of the array
Method development made easy
Simultaneous dual-channel acquisition via pulsed interleaved excitation
Get a quote
User interface of NovaISM Image Scanning Microscopy analysis software displaying resolution-enhanced microscopy images, lifetime plots, and phasor analysis tools.
Image Scanning Microscopy Analysis Software
Sharper images with higher resolution
Reliable results with transparent processes
Enhanced contrast in lifetime determination
Improved image contrast through out-of-focus rejection
Reproducible ROI selection using histograms of fitted parameters
Get a quote
Learn, Connect, and Exchange

Meet PicoQuant at Scientific Events

Juni, 16–19, 2026
Coimbra, Portugal
Booth: 36

ELMI 2026

During ELMI, attendees can experience Luminosa, our powerful Single Photon Counting Confocal Microscope for fluorescence lifetime imaging, firsthand. Through a series of on-site workshops, attendees will have the opportunity to explore its capabilities in a practical setting. We will also highlight the latest features in Luminosa, including LumiPy, enabling flexible data analysis and integration into custom workflows. Join us to discover how our solutions support cutting-edge microscopy and imaging research.

May 19-22, 2026
Heidelberg, Germany

EMBL Symposium: "Cellular Mechanisms driven by Phase Separation"

Get new insights into cellular dynamics with Luminosa and SPAD-based FCS

embl-symposium-phase-separation
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