At the beginning of July 2022, a new optical imager for bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging from Spectral Instruments Imaging was installed in IKEM. This instrument currently provides the most sensitive photon detection of commercially available optical imaging systems.

Optical imaging is a method for non-invasive imaging of internal structures, similar to X-ray imaging. Unlike X-rays, which have ionizing effects, optical imaging uses visible light (or its near-infrared region) and photon properties to obtain images of organs and tissues, down to the level of cellular structures or even molecules - together with radionuclear imaging methods with it is one of the most sensitive imaging modalities.
The new device will significantly expand the possibilities of research work, especially in the development of dual contrast substances and monitoring of transplanted cells.