Microscopy
Microscopy
The Microscopic Imaging Core Lab provides researchers access to a variety of microscopic imaging systems, including standard, wide-field microscopy; super-resolution microscopy; confocal imaging; and spinning-disk, confocal video microscopy. Experienced staff will train users in microscope operation, image acquisition and analysis with expert software tools. Users are encouraged to consult with staff about experimental design and take advantage of expert assistance with image acquisition and analysis.
Instrumentation and Services
Spinning Disk Confocal Microscope
The spinning disk confocal microscope is specifically designed to enable rapid, real-time, in-vivo studies of thrombosis and hemostasis in small animals. The system consists of an automated Yokogawa spinning disk confocal unit; a high-speed, high-sensitivity camera; four solid-state excitation lasers; and an ablation laser for creating thrombi via laser injury. This upright microscope can accommodate small animals and stereotaxic equipment under its vertical illuminator. This instrument is operated by Microscopic Imaging Core staff. For access and consultation, contact mschulte@versiti.org.
Nikon Widefield
The Nikon Ti2 Widefield inverted microscope is a high-speed, motorized microscope for advanced imaging. Its major uses are for experiments using multidimensional imaging that combine multi-channel, multi-XY positions, Z-stacking and large image collection. It is equipped with a spectra III light engine with eight stable LED light channels (390/22, 440/20, 475/28, 510/25, 555/28, 575/25, 637/12, 748/12). It has a large-format, CMOS Nikon monochrome camera (DSQi2 CMOS, 16.25megapixel camera) and its large field of view optimizes large image collection. It is also capable of RGB color capture (DSRi2 16.25 megapixel). The objectives on the microscope are all made to go through the thickness of a cover glass slip to optimize fluorescence imaging (10x, 20x 40x, 60x oil, 100x oil).
Nikon Confocal +SoRa
The CSU-W1 SoRa is a confocal, field-scanning, spinning-disk system and a confocal super-resolution system. It is on a Nikon Ti2 inverted platform. Objectives on the system are made to go through the thickness of a cover glass slip (4X, 20X, 40X, 60X oil, 100X oil). It is a dual-camera system, one camera for widefield imaging (ORCA Fusion) and one camera for confocal/SoRa imaging (ORCA Fusion BT SCMOS). It is equipped with a four-line laser source (405, 488, 561, 640) for confocal/SoRa imaging and a Spectra III light source for widefield (390/22, 440/20, 475/28, 510/25, 555/28, 575/25, 637/12, 748/12). Ideal for super-resolution, live-cell imaging, high-speed, real-time without lengthy sample preparations. Its major uses are for experiments using multidimensional imaging that combines multi-channel, multi-XY positions, Z-stacking, stitching and live-cell imaging. It has a Tokai Hit Stage Top Incubation Chamber, ensuring high performance and precise control of critical environmental parameters, including temperature, humidity and CO2 levels.
Olympus LS Confocal and Multiphoton (2-color)
The Olympus FV1000 MPe Multiphoton and laser scanning confocal microscope is based on an Olympus BX61wi upright microscope and is equipped with a Mai Tai HP tunable laser (690-1040 nm) and two non-descanned detectors (2 PMTs). Filters for these detectors are red/green, yellow/cyan and green/violet. A 25x (NA 1.05, WD 2 mm) objective for MPe work is available. For confocal work, 405nm, 488nm, 515nm, 559nm and 635 nm excitation lasers are available for sequential photoactivation and imaging. A SIM scan unit is available for simultaneous photostimulation with a 405 nm laser. Available confocal objectives are 10x (dry), 20x (dry), 40x (oil), 60x (water), 100x (oil) and 100x (water). Multiplane images possible. No stitching.
EVOS M7000
The EVOS M7000 Imaging System is a high-performance, fully automated, inverted, multi-channel fluorescence and transmitted light imaging system. The EVOS M7000 Imaging System offers these advantages: outstanding image quality and versatility with a five-position objective turret (2x, 4x, 10x, 20x, 40x), four-color LED fluorescence (available excitation/emission cubes: Texas red, CFP, YFP, DAPI, GFP), RGB color image collection, and 3.2 MP CMOS color and B/W cameras. The objectives are long working distance capable of imaging through plastic plates/dishes and glass slides. Exceptional usability with fully automated X/Y scanning stage, multi-position well scanning, autofocus, Z-stack, and tile-stitch options.
MoticEasyScan Pro6 Digital Slide Scanner
Upright microscope with 10x and 20x objectives, as well as a zoom feature. Brightfield only. Perfect for H&E-stained sections. Digitally scan up to 6 slides in a single pass.
Zeiss Lumar Stereo Microscope
Zeiss Lumar.V12 stereoscope body, motorized focus column and base. Transmitted and reflected light sources for both brightfield and fluorescent work. Also perfect for dissection. HBO100 fluorescence arc lamp. Filters are for Empty (brightfield), CFP (blue), GFP (green) and Rhodamine (red). Objectives are 0.8x and 1.5x. Camera is an AxioCam MRC5 controlled by Axiovision 4.8 and Windows XP. NOT on Intranet or Internet.
Analysis Station – NIS Elements
Nikon image analysis software. Modules include deconvolution.
Analysis Station – Slidebook
Image data, especially .sld files, can be analyzed by a wide variety of tools for image processing, including mathematical operations, statistics functions, analysis scripting and import/export to/from other microscopy software.
Analysis Station – Imaris East
Oxford Instruments' image analysis software. Modules include: WholeSlide Analysis Package, ImarisXT, Voloom, MeasurementPro and ImarisVantage. Workstation also has MathWorks' MatLab with Image Analysis package.
Analysis Station – Imaris West
Oxford Instruments' image analysis software. Modules include: MeasurementPro, ImarisTrack, ImarisColoc, FilamentTracer, ImarisVanatge.