Access and facilities

Imaging systems are available to academic and private research teams.

If you are a new user of the platform, you should first contact us (preferably by e-mail) to explain your needs. The best strategy will then be evaluated: training and qualification in the use of the microscope or accompaniment on the equipment.
For independent access, once you have been trained to use the equipment independently, you will be given access to reserve the equipment via Platform Manager.
For access accompanied by platform staff, reservations must be made in consultation with the imaging department.

Billing is based on the number of hours booked. (prices available here), independent or accompanied (identical rates).

MicroPICell provides microscopy services on a one-off or regular basis to non-autonomous users.

All requests must be made by e-mail. The e-mail addresses of the members of the platform are indicated on the home page of the website.
Services must be provided in the presence of the customer.
Micropicell undertakes to provide an appointment within 3 weeks of the initial request. (Each appointment is noted on the online reservation schedule. Equipment breakdowns may extend this timeframe, and the requestor will be informed accordingly.
The service consists in visualizing the applicant's preparation or sample, and Micropicell undertakes to use the most appropriate system(s) to best visualize the preparation or sample.
At least one acquisition will be carried out per preparation/sample. The image thus produced will contain all the information concerning the acquisition.
Micropicell guarantees functional systems. Machine monitoring can be consulted by applicants on request to members of the platform.

MicroPICell makes microscopy and histology systems available to all users on request.

The list of reservable systems can be viewed at: https://micropicell.univ-nantes.fr/imagerie-photonique
For all systems open to reservation, preliminary training is mandatory. Potential users can apply to the Imaging Department for autonomy.
On completion of the training and validation of prior learning, the applicant receives access to the booking schedule. This access is accompanied by a commitment between Micropicell and the user (see operating charter).

After using a system autonomously, the user must consult the reservation schedule on Platform Manager.

If there is another user on the same day: leave the system switched on and clean the optical microscope and stage.
If there are no users on the same day: switch off the system completely as indicated in the switch-off protocol available on each instrument, and clean the microscope (optics, stage).

Updated on 01 October 2025.

Services for non-autonomous users