Confocal system
The Center operates a Leica TCS SP5 II Fixed Stage (Upright) Microscope
This microscope was configured to enable imaging of multiple fluorophores in a single specimen.
Detectors and imaging of different fluorophores
This microscope is equipped with 3 photodetectors (PMTs) for reflected light (fluorescence) and a 4th PMT for transmitted light. The reflected light PMTs are located behind a prism/mirror system that allows precise, tunable determination of the wavelengths allowed to reach each detector. This enables one to minimize overlap in emissions of different fluorophores while maximizing the detection of each.
Laser lines available
405 nm (from 50 mW diode laser)
458 nm (from 65 mW multi-line argon)
476 nm (from 65 mW multi-line argon)
488 nm (from 65 mW multi-line argon)
514 nm (from 65 mW multi-line argon)
543 nm (from 1 mW HeNe)
633 nm (from 10 mW HeNe)
Objectives available
Dry and oil:
5X /0.15 dry plan fluotar
10X/0.3 dry plan fluotar
20X/0.7 dry plan apo
40X/1.25-0.75 oil plan apo
63X/1.4-0.6 oil plan apo
Dipping:
25X/0.95 2.5 mm working distance
10X/0.3 3.6 mm working distance
40X/0.8 3.3 mm working distance
63X/0.9 2.2 mm working distance
Stage
The microscope has been equipped with a specialized stage to facilitate the imaging of a number of different kinds of preparations. The stage can be lowered to provide a large working distance between the objective and stage, enabling the use (with appropriate approvals) of living tissues and even animals. Different inserts can be placed in the stage apparatus. One insert is a standard, manual x-y stage with slide holder, but other possibilities include a solid platform that would support a small animal. Expanding possibilities, the investigator can design additional inserts to accommodate a variety of dishes/chambers.
Lastly, the stage has x-y motors so x-y position can be controlled from software.
Accessory Equipment
The microscope can be configured to utilize a heated CO2 chamber.
A heated stage insert for use with the microscope is available.
A thermistor-controlled in-line heater for superfusion experiments is available.
Other
The microscope is equipped for standard, widefield epi-fluorescence, including filter cubes for TRITC, FITC, and DAPI, CFP, and Alexa647.