Q_and_A_Confocal_Microscope.pdf

Questions and Answers for N6264519Q0027, Confocal Miroscope:

Question 1.

Assuming all indicated dyes/fluorophores can be imaged, does the customer require visible wavelength lasers for confocal imaging? Or is imaging all required dyes/fluorophores via multiphoton sufficient?

Government Response 1.

Either method would be sufficient. However, we would strongly prefer a confocal imaging set up for the experiments we run. Although they can obtain similar images, they do such through different governing principles.

Question 2.

If visible lasers for confocal imaging are indeed required, may we respond with two separate microscope systems in the bid response?

Government Response 2.

A single microscope would be preferred for space requirements.

Question 3.

What is meant by “currently installed lasers” in the statement: “The microscopes shall be compatible with the currently installed lasers for real-time stimulation experiments?” If there is an existing laser for which the microscope must maintain compatibility, please indicate the laser model and the desired purpose of this laser (e.g. image excitation, photostimulation, etc.).

Government Response 3.

This statement was meant to indicate that we do not want to add an external piece in order to conduct real-time studies. See below for more information.

Question 4.

Please elaborate on the statement “the incubation unit shall have a laser port for customized exposure experimentation”. What laser will be used for these experiments? From which direction should this laser be introduced (e.g. above the sample OR through the objective in parallel to imaging laser, etc.)?

Government Response 4.

We do not have a preference for laser orientation. However we will use each of the installed lasers for real time studies.

Question 5.

Regarding “the microscope shall have a high resolution without utilizing an immersion objective”, does this specification indicate that the user does not want any immersion objectives? Or does this simply indicate that the user wants at least one high resolution objective that does not use an immersion fluid?

Government Response 5.

We will not be able to use any immersion objectives.