Current_Microscope_List.pdf

List of Current Microscopes at USU

Zeiss Elyra.PS1 Super-resolution microscope (in BIC)

This instrument is a widefield fluorescence microscope that is capable of providing super-resolution images of fluorescently labeled samples. It operates in two different modes. In structured illumination (SIM) mode, fluorescent signals can be visualized with approximately twice the resolution of a standard confocal without the need for specialized specimen preparation techniques. In PALM or dSTORM mode, sample preparation is more specialized, but resolutions up to 10X higher than standard optical techniques can be realized (20nm XY and 40nm Z).

Nikon A1R+ – live imaging microscope (Building C)

A1R has a hybrid scanner head that incorporates both an ultrahigh-speed resonant scanner and a high-resolution galvano scanner. Simultaneous photoactivation and ultrafast imaging using these two scanners allow acquisition of rapid changes after photoactivation and enables observation of intermolecular interaction. A1R s resonant scanner has an ultrahigh resonance frequency of 7.8 kHz. It allows imaging of intercellular dynamics at 30 fps (512 x 512 pixels) and 420 fps (512 x 32 pixels). The field of view of the scanned area is approximately five times larger than that of the galvano scanner. The Nikon original optical clock generation method realizes high image quality even at the highest speed. The fiber-optic communication data transfer system can transfer data at a maximum of 4Gbps. The A1R 's galvano scanner enables high-resolution imaging of up to 4096 x 4096 pixels. In addition, with the newly developed scanner driving and sampling systems, plus image correction technology, high-speed acquisition of 10 fps (512 x 512 pixels) is also possible. Acquisition of a 32-channel spectral image (512 x 512 pixels) with a single scan in 0.6 second is possible.

Moreover, 512 x 32-pixel images can be captured at 24 fps.

Zeiss AxioExaminer.Z1 Multi-photon Confocal Electrophysiology System (CNRM) (Building B)

The multi-photon confocal electrophysiology system consists of a Zeiss AxioExaminer.Z1 upright microscope equipped with a direct-coupled Coherent Chameleon tunable infrared laser. The combination of the infrared laser, non-descanned detectors (currently green and red emission detection), and a range of long working distance water immersion objective lenses (10, 20 and 40x) allows for the deepest imaging possible in tissue slices or whole animal studies. The system is equipped with an Axon Multiclamp 700B amplifier and two headstages, mounted on motorized micromanipulators (Scientifica). A GRASS S88 dual output square pulse stimulator, a nano injector, and recording chamber perfusion and temperature control are also available. Electrophysiology components provide measurements of electrical activity and the ability for direct electrical stimulation in the tissue under 2-photon observation.

Zeiss 710 Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (in BIC)

The Zeiss 710 confocal laser scanning microscope consists of a Zeiss AxioImager inverted microscope equipped with four visible lasers as well as a tunable infrared laser for multi-photon excitation. This wide selection of excitation wavelengths coupled with user selectable emission wavelength ranges means that researchers are free to use almost any fluorescent molecule when designing their experiments. The system configuration allows researchers to collect images of up to 3 fluorescent channels and a transmitted light image simultaneously. The multi-photon excitation provided by the IR laser is ideal for deep imaging within tissues and also for FRET or uncaging studies in which the researcher needs to ensure that excitation and activation is limited to a single focal plane. The Zeiss 710 is also equipped with an environmental chamber which allows for the control of temperature, humidity and CO2 levels, making long-term live cell imaging possible.

Zeiss 700 Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (in BIC)

The Zeiss 700 confocal laser scanning microscope consists of a Zeiss AxioImager inverted microscope equipped with four visible lasers. This wide selection of excitation wavelengths coupled with user selectable emission wavelength ranges means that researchers are free to use almost any fluorescent molecule when designing their experiments. The system configuration allows researchers to collect images of up to 3 fluorescent channels and a transmitted light image simultaneously.

Leica AF6000 Time-lapse Imaging System (in BIC)

The Leica AF6000 consists of a Leica inverted microscope equipped with a fully motorized 3-axis stage and CO2 and temperature control. Combined with the Leica AFS software package, the AF6000 is ideally suited for general fluorescence or transmitted light imaging. Potential applications include: (1) fluorescence imaging in blue, green, red, and far-red of cells or tissues in plates or on glass slides; (2) time-lapse imaging of live cells with fluorescence, transmitted light (brightfield or DIC), or both. The Leica Automatic Focus Control as well as software-based autofocus routines ensures that the specimen remains in focus during long experiments; (3) image tiling. The Leica AF6000 can collect multiple overlapping images of a large specimen and then stitch the images together to create a single image that provides both wide-field coverage and the ability to zoom in and see fine details; (4) deconvolution is an image processing method in which out of focus light which degrades image quality and resolution is removed. The integrated deconvolution package makes optimizing your images easy.

Stereology System – automated wide-field microscope

The stereology system is composed of a Zeiss AxioImager.M2 upright microscope and MicroBrightField's Stereo Investigator software package. The microscope is equipped with a wide range of objective lenses (2.5x - 63x), standard and oil immersion condensers, an X-Cite fluorescent light source, and filter cubes appropriate for imaging red, green, and blue fluorophores. The system also has a motorized stage and two digital cameras. The Zeiss Axiocam MRc is a color camera suitable for brightfield imaging, while the Hamamatsu Orca-R2 captures monochrome fluorescence images.

The Stereo Investigator software gives investigators image analysis, mapping, and measurement tools all in one software package, and allows for unbiased quantification of such parameters as cell numbers, lengths, areas, and volumes. All formulas and references used for calculations are provided with the software so that researchers are aware of exactly how the quantification is performed. The software also implements several statistical analysis methods so that users may have confidence in their results.

More details about the Stereo Investigator software package can be found at:http://www.mbfbioscience.com/stereo-investigator http://www.mbfbioscience.com/stereo-investigator