Brand_Name_Justification_for_Nikon_A1R_MP_and_FN-1_Microscopes.doc

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Public Health Service

National Institutes of Health

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

Bethesda, Maryland 20892

Building: 35A

Room : 3E450

(v) (301) 301-827-9014

DATE:

December 14, 2016

TO:

Shirlene Smith, NIH/OD/OLAO

FROM:

Catherine Weisz, Investigator and Acting Chief, Section on Neuronal Circuitry (SNC), NIDCD, NIH

SUBJECT:

Brand Name Justification for Nikon A1R MP and FN-1 microscopes The purchase of a Nikon A1R MP resonant galvo / galvo multiphoton and confocal microscope system, and an FN-1 electrophysiology microscope is requested. The custom A1R MP system combines hardware and optics for single-cell electrical recordings, multiphoton and confocal (laser based high resolution) imaging with regular and resonant galvos, and photo-stimulation via built-in lasers. The FN-1 microscope has excellent DIC optics to allow electrophysiological recordings from tiny parts of neurons, and DMD hardware and software integration to allow us to use a photostimulation module (Mightex DMD) that we have already purchased. This combination of equipment is necessary for the studies of activity of neurons in the auditory system that are the foundation of work in the lab. We have selected this microscope over those of other manufacturers for the following reasons: 1) three features of the Nikon system provide the optimal optics required for experiments that require excellent images, but using low laser power to limit damage to living cells. The first feature is high-speed spectral un-mixing of emission spectra, which allows detection of fluorescently labeled cells with overlapping emission spectra (closely, but different colored cells), into two different channels. Second, the Nikon system utilizes GaAsP high definition detectors for enhanced signal to noise ratio for improved imaging of dimly lit tissue. This allows imaging using less laser power, and therefore less damage to tissue. Third, the use of a hexagonal pinhole also allows imaging of more light, with less laser power and therefore with less tissue damage. This is critical in experiments involving living neurons. 2) Nikon software is able to control the DMD system that we will attach to it directly, a feature that is not available in the similar Leica system. Since we already have the DMD, it is critical that the microscope integrates seamlessly with it. 3) We already have two Nikon microscopes in lab, so we want to continue to purchase Nikon systems so that we can exchange parts between them, such as microscope objectives. 4) We already have Nikon imaging software in use in lab, and so continuing to use Nikon Elements software prevents any downtime in experiments due to training of individuals on a new and complex software system. 5) The Nikon system has the most digital input and output channels that allow integration with other required hardware components, compared to similar microscope systems from other manufacturers.

Finally, we have negotiated a discount price with Nikon by buying both systems simultaneously, which other manufacturers have not been able to match.

Sincerely yours, Catherine J.C. Weisz, Ph.D.

Acting Chief, Section on Neuronal Circuitry

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders