The 3i Spinning Disk confocal system is configured with a Yokogawa CSU-W1 T1 confocal
                           scanner that uses a microlens design to provide high-resolution confocal detection
                           with a wide imaging field of view.  With imaging speeds of up to 200 frames per second,
                           the system has been optimized for rapid 2-D and 3-D imaging of live cells and tissues
                           over time with minimal photobleaching and phototoxicity. The system is configured
                           on an automated Zeiss Axio Observer inverted microscope with 3i SlideBook image acquisition
                           and analysis software and an OKO Lab environmental stage incubator for temperature
                           and CO2 control.
                         
                        
                        Specifications
                        
                        Zeiss Axio Observer Z1 Automated Inverted Microscope
                        
                        
                           
                           - Widefield fluorescence optics (blue, green, and red emission filters)
- X-Cite 120PC Mercury Arc Lamp
- Fully automated precision scanning XY stage
- ASI automated piezo Z focus control, 0.01um step resolution, 300um focus range
- Brightfield, polarized light, and DIC transmitted light optics
- Stage inserts that can accommodate most standard glass slides, 35mm dishes, and chambered
                              slides.
- OKO Lab environmental stage incubator with temperature and CO2 control.
Zeiss Objectives
                        
                        
                           
                           - 10x Plan Neofluar objective, NA 0.3, WD 5.2mm
- 20x PlanApochromat objective, NA 0.80, WD 0.55mm
- 40x EC Plan Neofluar oil immersion objective, NA 1.30, WD 0.20mm
- 40x C Apochromat water immersion objective, NA 1.2, WD 0.28mm
- 63x PlanApochromat oil immersion objective, NA 1.40, WD 0.19mm
- 63x C Apochromat water immersion objective, NA 1.2, WD 0.28mm 
Yokogawa CSU-W1 T1 Spinning Disk Confocal Scanner
                        
                        
                           
                           - Spinning disk designed with 50um-diameter pinholes and increased pinhole spacing for
                              decreased crosstalk and deep tissue imaging. 
- Designed for capture of a wide field of view, 17mm x 16mm FOV
Prime 95B Back Illuminiated sCMOS Camera
                        
                        
                           
                           - 1200x1200 pixel sCMOS chip
- 11x11um square pixel
- 18.7mm Field of View (FOV)
- 95% Quantum Efficiency
- 12-bit detection, 82 fps or 12 msec/image
- 16-bit detection, 41 fps or 24msec/image
Lasers
                        
                        
                           
                           - 445nm diode laser, 100mW
- 488nm diode laser, 150mW
- 514nm diode laser, 150mW
- 561nm diode laser, 150mW
- 637nm diode laser, 140mW
Available Dichroics and Emission Filters
                        
                        
                           
                           - c445: 440/514/561 excitation dichroic, 445nm laser, 482/35nm band pass emission filter
- c488: 405/488/561/640 excitation dichroic, 488nm laser, 525/30nm band pass emission
                                 filter
- c515: 440/514/561 excitation dichroic, 514nm laser, 542/27nm band pass emission filter
- c561: 405/488/561/640 excitation dichroic, 561nm laser, 617/73nm band pass emission
                                 filter
- c640: 405/488/561/640 excitation dichroic, 637nm laser, 692/40nm band pass emission
                                 filter
- q488: 405/488/561/640 excitation dichroic, 488nm laser, 440/521/607/700 emission filter
- q561: 405/488/561/640 excitation dichroic, 561nm laser, 440/521/607/700 emission filter
- q640: 405/488/561/640 excitation dichroic, 637nm laser, 440/521/607/700 emission filter
- t445: 440/514/561 excitation dichroic, 445nm laser, 475/543/702nm emission filter
- t515: 440/514/561 excitation dichroic, 514nm laser, 475/543/702nm emission filter
- t640: 440/514/561 excitation dichroic, 561nm laser, 475/543/702nm emission filter
Software
                        
                        Intelligent Imaging Innovations, Inc. (3i) SlideBook image acquisition and analysis
                           software, version 2025.0 (45982).
                        
                        Applications
                        
                        
                           
                           - High-resolution, high-sensitivity confocal fluorescence imaging
- Multi-channel confocal fluorescence imaging, including standard green fluorescence
                              (excitation 488nm), red fluorescence (excitation 561nm), and far-red fluorescence
                              (excitation 637nm), as well as cyan fluorescence (excitation 445nm) and yellow fluorescence
                              (excitation 514nm).
- 2D and 3D live cell imaging and quantitative analyses over time
- Multi-area and/or multi-well imaging
- Rapid 2D and 3D large area image stitching
- 3D rendering and animation
- Conventional epi-fluorescence imaging (blue, green, red)
- Transmitted light imaging (brightfield, polarized light, DIC)
Training
                        
                        To get started using this microscope, contact Dr. Melinda Frame for help to collect data at operator assisted rates. Students can also become independent
                           users, but they must complete the NSC 837 Laboratory - Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy
                           course, after which they are qualified to operate the microscopes at the self-operator
                           rate and are granted 24/7 access.  Special arrangements can be made for faculty and
                           post-docs to attend classes. 
                        
                        Fees 
                        
                        Hourly rates for using this microscope are listed on our rates page.
                         
                        
                        The Leica Stellaris 5 Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope is high-resolution, high-sensitivity
                           confocal system configured on an automated inverted microscope with a supercontinuum
                           white light laser that provides a tunable range of laser excitation from 488nm to
                           685nm and both a 405nm and 448nm diode laser for imaging and photoactivation applications. 
                           Fluorescence emissions are spectrally separated through a prism design and isolated
                           through variable slits that provide freely adjustable bandwidths in 1nm increments
                           through a detection range from 410-850nm. Four high-sensitivity Power HyD S detectors
                           are available for simultaneous or sequential recording of the confocal fluorescence.
                           The Stellaris 5 offers a range of advanced imaging applications including fluorescence
                           lifetime imaging (FLIM), imaging stitching for large area scanning, and Lightning
                           super resolution imaging with lateral (XY) resolution as low as 120nm and axial (Z)
                           resolution as low as 200nm.
                        
                        
                        
                        Specifications
                        
                        DMi8 Automated Inverted Microscope
                        
                        
                           
                           - Widefield fluorescence optics (blue, green, and red emission filters)
- Fully automated precision scanning XY stage
- Automated Z focus control, 0.05um step resolution
- Brightfield, polarized light, and DIC transmitted light optics
- Stage inserts that can accommodate most standard glass slides, 35mm dishes, chambered
                              slides, as well as multi-well dishes (6-, 24-, 48-, 96-well)
Leica Objectives
                        
                        
                           
                           - 10x Plan Apo objective, NA 0.4, WD 2.56mm
- 20x Plan Apo objective, NA 0.75, WD 0.62mm
- 20x Plan Apo multi-immersion (oil, glycerol, water) objective, NA 0.75, WD 0.66mm
- 40x Plan Apo oil immersion objective, NA 1.3, WD 0.17mm
- 40x Plan Apo water immersion objective, NA 1.10, WD 0.62mm
- 63x Plan Apo oil immersion objective, NA 1.4, WD 0.14mm
- 100x Plan Apo oil immersion objective, NA 1.4, WD 0.13mm
Confocal Scanner
                        
                        
                           
                           - Two Galvano scan mirrors for high-resolution imaging, with uni-directional scanning
                              (1 frame/sec, 512x512) and bi-directional scanning (2 frames/sec, 512x512) options.
- Fluorescence is detected through a single, variable pinhole aperture.
- Maximum 8192x8192 pixel density
Detectors
                        
                        
                           
                           - Four high-sensitivity, low-noise Power HyD S photon counting detectors, providing
                              expanded detection sensitivity up to 850nm and the option of analog or photon counting
                              modes.
- Each detector uses an adjustable variable slit for filter-free, spectral separation
                              of fluorescence through a 410nm – 850nm emission detection range.  The variable slits
                              can be adjusted in as small as 1nm increments.
- Dedicated transmitted light PMT detector for laser-based brightfield, polarized light,
                              or DIC imaging.
Lasers
                        
                        
                           
                           - Continuous wave 405nm diode laser, for most blue fluorochromes such as DAPI and for
                              targeted photoactivation and photobleaching applications.
- Continuous wave 448nm diode laser, for most cyan fluorochromes such as CFP.
- Pulsed supercontinuum white light laser, providing a tunable range of laser excitation
                              from 485nm-685nm in 1nm increments.
Software
                        
                        Leica LAS-X acquisition and analysis software, version 4.6.0.
                        
                        Applications
                        
                        
                           
                           - High-resolution, high-sensitivity confocal imaging in both fluorescence and reflected
                              light modes.
- Simultaneous or sequential multi-channel confocal fluorescence imaging through a 410-850nm
                              emission detection range.
- 3-Dimensional image acquisition, rendering, and animation.
- Time series acquisition and analysis.
- Quantitative image analysis, including intensity, length, area, and co-localization
                              analysis.
- Lightning Super Resolution mode for improved resolution that exceeds the diffraction-limit
                              of light, with lateral (XY) resolution as low as 120nm and axial (Z) resolution as
                              low as 200nm.
- Fluorescence Lifetime imaging through the Leica TauSense Tools (TauContrast, TauSeparation,
                              TauGating, and TauInteraction).  Provides fluorochrome lifetime information that can
                              be used to monitor changes in cellular microenvironments, improve spectral separation
                              of overlapping dyes, and remove unwanted autofluorescence.
- Imaging stitching for large area scanning through the Leica Navigator mosaic tile
                              scan.
- Targeted photobleaching and photoactivation applications, such as FRAP and FRET.
- Excitation and emission lambda scanning and spectral linear unmixing for separation
                              of overlapping fluorescence emission spectra and separation and removal of background
                              autofluorescence.  Emission lambda scanning employs a variable slit, with an emission
                              bandwidth down to 5nm. Excitation lambda scanning employs the variable white light
                              laser, with a laser range from 485-685nm and a bandwidth down to 1nm.
- Brightfield or DIC transmitted laser-light imaging.
Training
                        
                        To get started using this microscope, contact Dr. Melinda Frame for help to collect data at operator assisted rates. Students can also become independent
                           users, but they must complete the NSC 837 Laboratory - Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy
                           course, after which they are qualified to operate the microscopes at the self-operator
                           rate and are granted 24/7 access.  Special arrangements can be made for faculty and
                           post-docs to attend classes. 
                        
                        Fees 
                        
                        Hourly rates for using this microscope are listed on our rates page.
                         
                        
                        
                        
                           
                           
                           
                           Specifications
                           
                           Nikon Eclipse Ti Automated Inverted Microscope
                           
                           
                              
                              - Widefield fluorescence optics, including optics for blue, cyan, green, yellow, and
                                 red fluorescence and multi-pass optics for blue, green, red, far red fluorescence
                                 combinations and cyan, yellow, red fluorescence combinations.
- X-Cite 120 LED fluorescent lamp
- Fully automated precision XY stage
- Automated control of microscope Z focus, 0.001um step resolution
- MCL Nano-Drive piezo Z focus control, 0.001um step resolution, 100um focus range,
                                 for rapid acquisition of 3D image series.
- Perfect Focus System (PFS) to counter microscope focus fluctuations in real time during
                                 long-term live cell imaging applications. 
- Brightfield, polarized light, and DIC transmitted light optics
- Stage inserts that can accommodate most standard glass slides, 35mm dishes, chambered
                                 slides, as well as multi-well dishes (6-, 24-, 48-, 96-well)
- OKO Lab environmental stage incubator with heating and cooling temperature control
                                 and CO2 control.
- Andor iXon DU897 Ultra EMCCD camera (512×512 pixels, 16um-square pixels, 17MHz)
Nikon Objectives
                           
                           
                              
                              - 10x Plan Fluor objective, NA 0.45, WD 4mm
- 20x Plan Apo VC objective, NA 0.75, WD 1.0mm
- 40x Plan Apo oil immersion objective, NA 1.30, WD 0.24mm
- 60x Apo oil immersion objective, NA 1.40, WD 0.14mm
- 60x Plan Apo water immersion objective, NA 1.20, WD 0.22mm
- 100x Plan Apo TIRF oil immersion objective, NA 1.45, WD 0.13mm
Confocal Scanner
                           
                           
                              
                              - Two galvano scan mirrors for high-resolution imaging, with uni-directional scanning
                                 (2 frames/sec, 512x256) and bi-directional scanning (4 frames/sec, 512x256).
- Two high-speed resonant scan mirrors for high-speed live cell imaging, with uni-directional
                                 scanning (30 frames/sec, 512x256) and bi-directional scanning 60 frames/sec, 512x256).
- Fluorescence is detected through a single, variable pinhole aperture.
- Maximum 4096x4096 pixel density
Detectors
                           
                           
                              
                              - Two multialkali photomulitiplier (PMT) detectors (blue and far red fluorescence channels).
- Two high-sensitivity Gallium Arsenide Phosphide (GaAsP) PMT detectors (cyan, green,
                                 yellow, and red fluorescence channels).
- A 32-channel spectral detector with spectral unmixing software for separation of overlapping
                                 fluorescence emission spectra and/or background autofluorescence and for variable
                                 band pass emission detection.  The spectral detector can record a 430nm-750nm emission
                                 range in 2.5nm, 6.0nm, or 10.0nm wavelength increments.
- Dedicated transmitted ligth PMT detector for laser-based brightfield, polarized light,
                                 or DIC imaging.
- Andor iXon DU897 Ultra EMCCD camera for widefield, TIRFM, and STORM imaging.
Lasers
                           
                           
                              
                              - 405nm diode laser, for most blue fluorochromes such as DAPI
- 445nm diode laser, for cyan fluorochromes such as CFP
- 488nm diode laser, for most green fluorochromes such as Alexa 488 or GFP
- 514 nm diode laser, for most yellow fluorochromes such as YFP
- 561nm diode laser, for most red fluorochromes such as Alexa 568 or RFP
- 647nm diode laser, for most far red fluorochromes such as Alexa 647 or chlorophyll
TIRF and STORM
                           
                           The Nikon A1Rsi microscope system is also configured with optics and software for
                              Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy and 2D/3D super resolution
                              STORM imaging.  For these specialized applications, the system is configured with
                              a high-sensitivity Andor iXon DU897 Ultra EMCCD camera (512×512 pixels, 16um-square
                              pixels, 17MHz) and a 100x Plan Apo TIRF oil immersion objective (NA 1.45).  A 405/488/561/647
                              quadruple pass filter cube and a 445/514/561/ triple pass filter cube are available
                              to accommodate a wide range of fluorochromes for these applications.
                           
                           Software
                           
                           Nikon NIS-Elements AR acquisition and analysis software, version 5.42.06.
                           
                           Applications
                           
                           
                              
                              - High-resolution, high-sensitivity confocal imaging in both fluorescence and reflected
                                 light modes
- Multi-channel confocal fluorescence imaging, including blue fluorescence (excitation
                                 405 nm) through far red fluorescence (excitation 647 nm).
- 3-Dimensional image acquisition, rendering, and animation.
- Live cell imaging and quantitative analyses over time
- Quantitative image analysis, including intensity, length, area, cell counting and
                                 co-localization analysis.
- Imaging stitching for large area scanning
- Targeted photobleaching and photoactivation applications, such as FRAP and FRET.
- Spectral imaging and linear unmixing for separation of overlapping fluorescence emission
                                 spectra and separation and removal of background autofluorescence using a 32-channel
                                 spectral detector with 2.5nm, 6nm, and 10nm bandwidth selection. 
- Fluorescence protein imaging, including CFP, GFP, YFP, RFP, and BiFC analysis
- Total  Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) imaging.
- Super resolution STORM imaging providing lateral (XY) resolution as low as 10nm and
                                 axial (Z) resolution as low as 20nm.
- Brightfield, polarized light, and DIC transmitted light imaging 
- OKO Lab environmental stage incubator for temperature (heating/cooling) control and
                                 CO2 control.
Training
                           
                           To get started using this microscope, contact Dr. Melinda Frame for help to collect data at operator assisted rates. Students can also become independent
                              users, but they must complete the NSC 837 Laboratory - Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy
                              course, after which they are qualified to operate the microscopes at the self-operator
                              rate and are granted 24/7 access.  Special arrangements can be made for faculty and
                              post-docs to attend classes. 
                           
                           Fees 
                           
                           Hourly rates for using this microscope are listed on our rates page.
                            
                         
                        
                        The Nikon AXR CLSM system is configured on a fixed-stage upright microscope platform
                           with a focusing nosepiece and a high numerical aperture, long working distance immersible
                           (dipping) water objective.  Designed with a large field of view (25mm), the system
                           is optimized for high-speed, high-resolution recording of fast cellular responses
                           in live tissues and organs.  
                        
                        Currently, the Nikon AXR confocal system is located in Dr. Brian Gulbransen's laboratory,
                           in BPS Room 3159.  For access and training on the Nikon AXR, contact Dr. Melinda Frame within the Center for Advanced Microscopy.
                        
                        Specifications
                        
                        Nikon Ni-E Automated Fixed-Stage Upright Microscope
                        
                        
                           
                           - Widefield fluorescence optics (blue, green, red, and far red emission filters) 
- Fully automated precision XY stage
- Manual control of microscope Z focus
- Ultra-fast automated piezo Z focus control, 0.001um step resolution, 450um focus range,
                              for rapid acquisition of 3D image series.
- Brightfield transmitted light optics
- Thermo stage plate for temperature control
Nikon Objective
                        
                        
                           
                           - 25x Apo water immersible (dipping) objective, NA 1.1, WD 2mm
- Single-position focusing nosepiece 
Confocal Scanner
                        
                        
                           
                           - Two galvano scan mirrors for high-resolution imaging, with uni-directional scanning
                              (2 frames/sec, 512x256) and bi-directional scanning (4 frames/sec, 512x256).
- Maximum pixel density for Galvano scan mode is 8192x8192.
- Two high-speed resonant scan mirrors for high-speed live cell imaging, with uni-directional
                              scanning (30 frames/sec, 512x256) and bi-directional scanning 60 frames/sec, 512x256).
- Maximum pixel density for Resonant scan mode is 2048x2048.
- Maximum speed for Resonant scan mode is 720 frames/sec, 2048x16 pixels.
- Fluorescence is detected through a single, variable pinhole aperture.
Detectors
                        
                        
                           
                           - Four detection channels: three high-sensitivity GaAsP PMTs plus one Multialkali PMT
                              designed for detection into the near-IR range.
- Two tunable spectral detection channels (capable of spectral unmixing)
- Two filter-based detection channels.
- Dedicated transmitted light PMT detector for laser-based brightfield imaging.
- Emission filters include 451/45nm band pass filter (Blue), 525/50nm band pass filter
                              (Green), 598/55nm band pass filter (Red), 700/75nm band pass filter (Far Red), and
                              795/110nm band pass filter (IR).
Lasers
                        
                        
                           
                           - 405nm diode laser, for most blue fluorochromes such as DAPI
- 488nm diode laser, for most green fluorochromes such as Alexa 488 or GFP
- 561nm diode laser, for most red fluorochromes such as Alexa 568 or RFP
- 640nm diode laser, for most far red fluorochromes such as Alexa 647 or chlorophyll
- 730nm diode laser, for infrared (IR) fluorochromes such as Alexa Fluor 750
Software
                        
                        Nikon NIS-Elements AR acquisition and analysis software, version 6.
                        
                        Applications
                        
                        
                           
                           - Multi-channel confocal fluorescence imaging, including blue fluorescence (excitation
                              405 nm) through infra red fluorescence (excitation 730 nm).
- 3-Dimensional image acquisition, rendering, and animation.
- Live cell imaging and quantitative analyses over time
- Quantitative image analysis, including intensity, length, area, cell counting and
                              co-localization analysis.
- Imaging stitching for large area scanning
- Targeted photobleaching and photoactivation applications, such as FRAP and FRET.
- Spectral imaging and linear unmixing for separation of overlapping fluorescence emission
                              spectra and separation and removal of background autofluorescence.
- Fluorescence protein imaging, including CFP, GFP, YFP, RFP, and BiFC analysis
- Brightfield transmitted laser-light imaging.
Training
                        
                        To get started using this microscope, contact Dr. Melinda Frame for help to collect data at operator assisted rates. Students can also become independent
                           users, but they must complete the NSC 837 Laboratory - Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy
                           course, after which they are qualified to operate the microscopes at the self-operator
                           rate and are granted 24/7 access.  Special arrangements can be made for faculty and
                           post-docs to attend classes. 
                        
                        Fees 
                        
                        Hourly rates for using this microscope are listed on our rates page.
                         
                        
                        
                        
                           
                           Specifications
                           
                           Olympus IX81 Automated Inverted Microscope
                           
                           
                              
                              - Widefield fluorescence optics (blue, green, and red emission filters)
- X-Cite 120PC Mercury Arc Lamp
- Fully automated precision XY scanning stage
- Automated Z focus control, 0.01um step resolution
- Brightfield, polarized light, and DIC transmitted light optics
- Stage inserts that can accommodate most standard glass slides, 35mm dishes, and chambered
                                 slides.
Olympus Objectives
                           
                           
                              
                              - 4x U Plan FL N objective, NA 0.13, WD 17 mm
- 10x U Plan S Apo objective, NA 0.4, WD 3.1mm
- 20x U Plan FL N objective, NA 0.50, WD 2.1mm
- 40 U Plan FL N oil immersion objective, NA 1.3, WD 0.13mm
- 60x Plan Apo oil immersion objective, NA 1.4s, WD 0.15mm
- 100x U Plan S Apo oil immersion objective, NA 1.40, WD 0.13mm
Confocal Scanner
                           
                           
                              
                              - Two galvano scan mirrors for high-resolution imaging, with uni-directional scanning
                                 (1 frames/sec, 512x512) and bi-directional scanning (2 frames/sec, 512x512).
- Fluorescence is detected through a single, variable pinhole aperture.
- Maximum 2048x2048 pixel density
Detectors
                           
                           
                              
                              - Two high-sensitivity PMT detectors with with variable slits for spectral wavelength
                                 selection (capable of spectral unmixing).
- One high-sensitivity PMT detector with band pass emission filters for wavelength selection.
- Dedicated transmitted light PMT detector for laser-based brightfield, polarized light,
                                 or DIC imaging.
Lasers
                           
                           
                              
                              - 405nm diode laser, for most blue fluorochromes such as DAPI
- 458nm Argon gas laser, for cyan fluorochromes such as CFP
- 488nm Argon gas laser, for most green fluorochromes such as Alexa 488 or GFP
- 514 nm Argon gas laser, for most yellow fluorochromes such as YFP
- 559nm solid state laser, for most red fluorochromes such as Alexa 568 or RFP
- 635nm diode laser, for most far red fluorochromes such as Alexa 647 or chlorophyll
Software
                           
                           Olympus FluoView FV10-ASW acquisition and analysis software, version 4.2.
                           
                           Applications
                           
                           
                              
                              - High-resolution confocal imaging in both fluorescence and reflected light modes.
- Simultaneous or sequential multi-channel confocal fluorescence imaging, blue through
                                 far red fluorescence.
- 3-Dimensional image acquisition, rendering, and animation.
- Live cell imaging and quantitative analyses over time.
- Quantitative image analysis, including intensity, length, area, and co-localization
                                 analysis.
- Targeted photobleaching and photoactivation applications, such as FRAP and FRET.
- Spectral imaging and linear unmixing for separation of overlapping fluorescence emission
                                 spectra and separation and removal of background autofluorescence.
- Fluorescence protein imaging, including CFP, GFP, YFP, RFP, and BiFC analysis
- Brightfield, polarized light, or DIC transmitted laser-light imaging.
Training
                           
                           To get started using this microscope, contact Dr. Melinda Frame for help to collect data at operator assisted rates. Students can also become independent
                              users, but they must complete the NSC 837 Laboratory - Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy
                              course, after which they are qualified to operate the microscopes at the self-operator
                              rate and are granted 24/7 access.  Special arrangements can be made for faculty and
                              post-docs to attend classes. 
                           
                           Fees 
                           
                           Hourly rates for using this microscope are listed on our rates page.
                            
                         
                        
                        The Zeiss 980 CLSM with the AiryScan 2 super resolution module is a high-resolution,
                           high-sensitivity system designed for high-speed imaging with full spectral flexibility
                           and resolution.  The system is configured on an automated inverted microscope platform
                           with 5 lines of laser excitation and the QUASAR spectral detection unit - a 32-channel
                           high-sensitivity Gallium Arsenide Phosphide (GaAsP) PMT detector that can be used
                           for multi-color fluorescence imaging through a 384nm-758nm emission range in partitions
                           as small as 20nm.  In addition, the system is configured with the AiryScan 2 superresolution
                           detection module, designed to provide up to two times higher lateral  (XY=120nm) and
                           axial (Z=350nm) optical resolution.  
                        
                        
                        
                        Specifications
                        
                        Automated inverted Axio Observer 7 microscope
                        
                        
                           
                           - Widefield fluorescence optics (blue, green, and red emission filters)
- X-Cite Xylis LED Fluorescence Lamp
- Fully automated precision XY scanning stage
- Automated piezo Z focus control, 0.01um step resolution, 500um focus range
- Definite Focus 3 to counter microscope focus fluctuations in real time during long-term
                              live cell imaging applications. 
- Brightfield, polarized light, and DIC transmitted light optics
- Stage inserts that can accommodate most standard glass slides, 35mm dishes, chambered
                              slides, as well as multi-well dishes (6-, 24-, 48-, 96-well)
Zeiss Objectives
                        
                        
                           
                           - 5x Fluar objective, NA 0.25, WD 12.5mm
- 10x Plan-Apochromat objective, NA 0.45, WD 2mm
- 20x Plan-Apochromat objective, NA 0.80, WD 0.55mm
- 40x LD LCI Plan-Apochromat multi immersion (water, silicone oil or glycerin) objective,
                              NA 1.20, WD 0.41mm
- 63x Plan-Apochromat oil immersion objective, NA 1.40, WD 0.19mm
Confocal Scanner
                        
                        
                           
                           - Two galvano scan mirrors for high-resolution imaging, with uni-directional scanning
                              (2.5 frames/sec, 512x512) and bi-directional scanning (1.2 frames/sec, 512x512).
- Fluorescence is detected through a single, variable pinhole aperture.
- Maximum 8192x8192 pixel density
Detectors
                        
                        
                           
                           - Two multialkali photomulitiplier (PMT) detectors (typically for blue and/or far red
                              fluorescence emissions)
- QUASAR spectral detection unit - a 32-channel high-sensitivity Gallium Arsenide Phosphide
                              (GaAsP) PMT detector that can be used for multi-color fluorescence imaging through
                              a 384nm-758nm emission range in partitions as small as 20nm.
- The QUASAR spectral detector can also be used with spectral unmixing software for
                              the separation of overlapping fluorescence emission spectra and/or removal of background
                              autofluorescence. The spectral detector can record through the 384nm-758nm emission
                              range in 2.9nm, 4.4mm, 8.8nm, 17.6nm, 26.5nm, or 35.3nm wavelength increments.
- AiryScan 2 superresolution detector, designed with 32 concentrically arranged GaAsP
                              detection elements, can provide up to two times higher lateral resolution (XY=120nm)
                              and axial resolution (Z=350nm).  Addtional deconvolution software processing can produce
                              90nm lateral (XY) resolution and 270nm axial (Z) resolution.
- Dedicated transmitted ligth PMT detector for laser-based brightfield, polarized light,
                              or DIC imaging.
Lasers
                        
                        
                           
                           - 445nm diode laser, for cyan fluorochromes such as CFP
- 488nm diode laser, for most green fluorochromes such as Alexa 488 or GFP
- 514nm diode laser, for most yellow fluorochromes such as YFP
- 561nm solid state laser, for most red fluorochromes such as Alexa 568 or RFP
- 639nm diode laser, for most far red fluorochromes such as Alexa 647 or chlorophyll
Software
                        
                        Zeiss ZEN acquisition and analysis software, Version 3.10.103
                        
                        Applications
                        
                        
                           
                           - High-resolution, high-sensitivity confocal fluorescence imaging
- Multi-channel confocal fluorescence imaging, including cyan fluorescence (excitation
                              445 nm) through far red fluorescence (excitation 647 nm).
- 3-Dimensional image acquisition, rendering, and animation.
- Live cell imaging and quantitative analyses over time
- Quantitative image analysis, including intensity, length, area, and co-localization
                              analysis.
- Imaging stitching for large area scanning
- Targeted photobleaching and photoactivation applications, such as FRAP and FRET.
- Spectral imaging and linear unmixing for separation of overlapping fluorescence emission
                              spectra and separation and removal of background autofluorescence using the 32-channel
                              QUASAR spectral detector
- Fluorescence protein imaging, including CFP, GFP, YFP, RFP, and BiFC analysis
- Super resolution AiryScan 2 imaging providing lateral (XY) resolution as low as 120nm
                              and axial (Z) resolution as low as 350nm.
- Brightfield, polarized light, and DIC transmitted light imaging
Training
                        
                        To get started using this microscope, contact Dr. Melinda Frame for help to collect data at operator assisted rates. Students can also become independent
                           users, but they must complete the NSC 837 Laboratory - Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy
                           course, after which they are qualified to operate the microscopes at the self-operator
                           rate and are granted 24/7 access.  Special arrangements can be made for faculty and
                           post-docs to attend classes. 
                        
                        Fees 
                        
                        Hourly rates for using this microscope are listed on our rates page.