Questions and Answers.pdf

Solicitation: NIMH- 20-004431 Title: Inverted Research Microscope

The following provides answers to a number of inquiries received regarding the subject solicitation.

Salient Characteristics:

Provides brightfield, phase contrast, dark field, and fluorescence illumination -

Question 1: What objectives require phase contrast, and will this require a motorized condenser controlled with software?

Answer: 2X, 5x, 10x, 20x and it does not need to be motorized for shifting between phase contrast and light condensers. But the condenser should be automatic between objectives, so it does not require manual refocusing.

2x Plan Apo lambda 0.1 NA/WD 8.5mm, 4x Plan Apo lambda 0.2 NA/WD 20 mm, 10x Plan Apo lambda 0.45 NA/WD 4 mm, 20x Plan Apo lambda 0.75 NA/WD 1 mm, 40x Plan Apo Lambda

0.95 NA/WD 0.17-0.25 -

Question 2: These are Nikon objectives; can we quote similar Olympus objectives?

Answer: Yes, looking for high NA.

Able to image and discriminate DAPI, Alexa 488, Alexa 594, Cy5, Cy 7, adaptable to image and discriminate other fluorophores –

Question 3: Are you expecting a motorized fluorescence turret to accommodate these filters and controlled by software?

Answer: No.

25 mm field of view to camera ports -

Question 4: This is a specific Nikon feature and a smaller field of view should not have a significant impact on the imaging – is this a must have?

Solicitation: NIMH- 20-004431 Title: Inverted Research Microscope

Answer: Yes, this is a must have we deal with large tissue sections.

Software provides automatic sample identification, focus mapping, and stitching. The automatic sample detection is typically a feature of a dedicated slide scanner.

Question 5: Can we get more detail of what the expectation is on an inverted microscope platform?

Answer: Sorry this is a carryover from a slide scanner specification. Auto focus, sample identification once configured, e.g. color, cell size, for automatic e.g. cell counting. The scope is used to examine and image nonhuman primate tissue using, brightfield, darkfield, and fluorescence illumination. Imaging is an important use of this scope.

Four light paths –

Question 6: What is the purpose of having these light paths for your research?

Answer: The four light paths allows light to be sent to one of 2 camera side ports, eyepieces, or (optionally) eyepieces and camera port.

Purchase Description:

Capacity for scanning 1x3 and 2x3 inch slides in X, Y and Z.

Question 7: Will this also be used for live cell imaging? If so, do you require long working distance objectives too?

Answer: No, not used for live cell imaging.

Separate control of excitation and emission filters to provide for imaging long Stokes shift and novel fluorophores.

Question 8: Are you expecting excitation and emission filter wheels?

Answer: No, cubes are fine.