WG 5 – Lateral and axial resolution

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WG 5 – Objectives

This WG focuses on the microscope lateral and axial resolution, which is essential for reporting size measurements of near- resolution limit objects or distances between them. Resolution is highly related to the objective quality but depends strongly upon other parameters ranging from the sample preparation to the signal detection.

The WG aims to define sample preparation, image acquisition, and data analysis protocols for testing resolution, first using sub-resolution fluorescent bead preparations and second employing alternative pattern-based methods. Monitoring the resolution (Point Spread Function in the case of beads) over time will identify possible aberrations in the system. Pooling the data from multiple laboratories within the WG will allow them to compare reproducibility for sample preparation, data acquisition, and data analysis tools, thereby determining a robust, easy-to-use protocol to propose to the community.

WG 5 – Co-Chairs

WG 5 - Latest News

We are pleased to announce that the QUAREP-LiMi consortium will be presenting five specialized workshops at the upcoming European Light Microscopy Institute (ELMI) meeting. Our sessions are designed to provide researchers with frameworks for improving image quality, ensuring data reproducibility, and implementing rigorous quality control standards in microscopy. The workshops will cover five critical pillars of instrument characterization:

  1. The QUAREP-LiMi Tool Kit (WGs 1 & 2):

    Discover how to streamline periodic quality assessments. We will present the latest developments in the Tool Kit, including user-friendly software tools for illumination power and stability (compatible with Nikon and Zeiss), as well as its data browser for long-term performance monitoring.
  2. Detector Performance & Photon Characterization (WG2):

    Learn how to transition from "arbitrary digital units" (ADU) to actual photon counts using the Photon Transfer Curve (PTC) method. We will demonstrate protocols for characterizing photon conversion factors, read noise, and dynamic range for both point and area detectors.
  3. Assessing the co-registration accuracy of a microscope (WG4):

    Chromatic aberration is a major source of spatial error in multi‑colour fluorescence microscopy. This workshop will show practical hints and tips to perform routine co‑registration measurement and analysis.
  4. Point Spread Function (PSF) Analysis (WG5):

    This workshop provides a practical guide to PSF measurement—from beads slide preparation and image acquisition to analysis using open-source tools and integration with OMERO for longitudinal monitoring.
  5. The Light-Microscopy Metadata Model (LiMi-Model, WG7):

    In collaboration with BioImaging North America, 4D Nucleome, and OME, we will introduce the LiMi-Model. This framework aims to harmonize the description of hardware and acquisition settings to ensure datasets are FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) by design.
We look forward to engaging with you and hearing your feedback during these sessions!

We warmly welcome our first member from Ukraine, Dr. Borys Olifirov, from the Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology of NAS of Ukraine who just joined Working Group 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

In April 2025, Yury Belyaev from the Microscopy Imaging Center (MIC) at the University of Bern, and a member of QUAREP-LiMi Working Group 5 (WG5), visited the Central Analytical Facilities (CAF) Microscopy Unit at Stellenbosch University, South Africa, as part of the Global BioImaging (GBI) International Job Shadowing Program

During his visit, Yury Belyaev collaborated with Lize Engelbrecht, manager of the CAF Microscopy Unit, to organize a hands-on microscopy workshop. The training covered wide-field and confocal microscopy, image analysis, and microscope maintenance. The event was generously supported by the CoRE Genomics for Health in Africa Scientific Exchange Program and Chroma

The workshop brought together participants from across South Africa and provided an excellent platform for Yury to showcase QUAREP-LiMi's activities, along with other international microscopy and image processing initiatives. A dedicated maintenance day also allowed for the presentation of protocols developed by QUAREP-LiMi, particularly those from WG5 in which Yury is actively involved.

 

Last meeting: 28th May 2026, 5:00 pm

61st meeting, 28th of May 2026

Meeting date

28/05/2026 @ 5:00 PM (CET/CEST)

Meeting summary

Discussed plans and proposals for reformatting our manuscript to cover method and justification for WG5 protocol. Also covered plans for Workshop presentation at ELMI this year.

Meeting documentation

58th meeting, 9th of April 2026

Meeting date

09/04/2026 @ 3:30 PM (CET/CEST)

Meeting documentation

57th meeting, 12th of March 2026

Meeting date

12/03/2026 @ 3:30 PM (CET/CEST)

Meeting documentation

56th meeting, 12th of February 2026

Meeting date

12/02/2026 @ 3:30 PM (CET/CEST)

Meeting documentation

55th meeting, 22nd of January 2026

Meeting date

22/01/2026 @ 3:30 PM (CET/CEST)

Meeting documentation

54th meeting, 11th of December 2025

Meeting date

11/12/2025 @ 3:30 PM (CET/CEST)

Meeting documentation

53rd meeting, 13th of November 2025

Meeting date

13/11/2025 @ 3:30 PM (CET/CEST)

Meeting documentation

52nd meeting, 9th of October 2025

Meeting date

09/10/2025 @ 3:30 PM (CET/CEST)

Meeting documentation

51st meeting, 18th of September 2025

Meeting date

18/09/2025 @ 3:30 PM (CET/CEST)

Meeting documentation

50th meeting, 12th of June 2025

Meeting date

12/06/2025 @ 3:30 PM (CET/CEST)

Meeting documentation

Memberlist WG 5