Facilities

Most our experiments are performed in the Skidmore Microscopy Image Center (SMIC), a core technology facility composed of five modern laboratories in the Dana Science Complex that support light microscopy, confocal laser scanningmicroscopy (CLSM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and a variety of ancillary instruments used for the preparation of specimens.

 

Lintilhac Light Microscopy Laboratory

Our light microscopy laboratory contains three microscopy work stations:

• Olympus BX63 light microscope with time-lapse function, with DIC and fluorescence optics (UV, blue and green filters), and an Olympus DP80 digital camera system.

• Olympus IX83 inverted light microscope with time-lapse function, with DIC and fluorescence optics (UV, blue and green filters), and an Olympus DP80 digital camera system

• Olympus BX-60 light microscope equipped with DIC and fluorescence optics and an Olympus DP73 digital camera for high-resolution imaging and video recording.

• Olympus IX-70 inverted light microscope with phase and fluorescence optics and an Olympus DP70 digital camera for high-resolution imaging and video recording. This workstation is also equipped with a Narashige micromanipulator and microinjector for cell processing and injections.

• Olympus SXZ-12 light microscope equipped with DIC and fluorescence optics and an Olympus DP73 digital camera for high-resolution imaging and video recording. 

Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Laboratory 

Olympus Fluoview 1000 confocal laser scanning microscope: This state-of-the-art confocal microscope is the latest addition to SMIC.

• Specifications                  
  
  • Spectral and filter scan units
  • five laser channels
  • High-sensitivity GaAsP detector for imaging low-level fluorescence
  • SIM scanner for simultaneous photostimulation during time-lapse imaging
  • Enhanced, reliable objectives for live cell imaging
  • High-precision focus and Z-tracking through extended time-lapse imaging
  • 3D rendering and image analysis with advanced software
  • Spectral unmixing for separating similar fluorophores
    
    
• Applications               
• Multidimensional time-lapse imaging of live cells/organisms
• High-resolution 3D rendering of Z-stack images
• FRET and FRAP technologies
• Multi-laser combiner for simultaneous imaging of up to five different fluorophores
• DIC imaging
• Multi-point, tile and mapping scans
• 3D mosaic imaging

Scanning Electron Microscopy Laboratory

SPECIFICATIONS OF FEI QUATTRO S FESEM:

Illumination system: Field emission gun

Accelerating voltage: 0.2KV-30KV

Multi-purpose Sample Holder: simultaneous loading of 18 standard samples (ø 12 mm), three 45˚ pre-tilted samples, and two row bars (vertical, and 52˚ pre-tilted).

Detectors: conventional Everhart-Thornley SE detector with variable grid bias (high-Vacuum mode)
                    low-vacuum mode gaseous SE detector 
                    ESEM mode gaseous SE detector
                    Retractable Directional Back-scatter (DBS) Detector
                    Retractable STEM 3+ Detector

 Modes: High-vacuum mode, low-vacuum mode, ESEM mode

Cooling Stage: temperature range from -20^oC to 60^oC. 

X-ray Microanalysis: Thermo Scientific EDS UltraDry 60M (129 eV)
                                     -Retractable UltraDry Premium EDS detector
                                     -Active area of 60 mm² and 129 eV energy resolution at Mn k-alpha
                                     -Norvar window with proprietary evacuated tube design for detection sensitivity to Be
                                     -Analyzer electronics with up to 1,000,000 x-ray input counts per second and 300,000 x-ray                                            output counts per second.

Transmission Electron Microscopy Laboratory

SPECIFICATIONS OF THE HITACHI HT7800 PREMIUM 120KV TEM:

Illumination System:	W or LaB6 Filament
Accelerating Voltage:	120 kV maximum
Magnification range:	x50 - x600,000
Special features:	Hitachi's unique "Dual Mode" compound objective lens provides both high contrast and high resolution (HC/HR) modes exchangeable by one selection in the software; High resolution and advanced optimization of contrast; Eucentric high performance stage 5-axis goniometer for ultra-stable operation and tilting; Software and control panel driven z-height adjustment for efficient eucentric; Microprocessor-controlled, differential turbo molecular pump evacuation system to guarantee fast pump-down times and a ultra clean column vacuum; Advanced image navigation and storage of positions, tilt angles and orientations; Microtrace function indicating examined and unexamined areas of the specimen; EMIP software to automatically archive all saved images and imaging data for ease of access/analysis EMIP-3D tomography system and FBP reconstruction method
Sample holder:	HT7800-MS2 Three Specimen One Touch Single Tilt Holder    - High-throughput three specimen holder    - Cantilever style retainer for ease of use and quick sample loading    - Three grid positions selectable through software for precise and efficient sample HT7800-SS Single Tilt Holder    - Ultra-stable +/-70 degree high tilt holder for single specimen    - Tomography holder HT7800-RS Rotation Holder    - Software controlled rotation of grid cradle    - Suitable for dual-axis tomography analysis
Digital camera:	AMT BioSprint16 High Definition Camera    - 16 Megapixel Scientific CCD    - High Speed Readout    - Anti-Blooming Sensor    - High Performance ActiveVu Lens    - Low noise readout    - 80 MHz maximum at 16 bits    - 25 fps at 4x4 binning full field    - Wide-angle low-mount custom designed lens    - 4896 x 3264 pixel wtih 9.5um square pixels at phosphor

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Ancillary Equipment

• Two ultramicrotomes: Reichert Ultracut E and Leica
• Sputter coater
• carbon coater
• Critical point dryer
• LKB knife maker
• Gene gun

Equipment is also available for freeze spraying, freeze slamming, freeze substitution  and low-temperature plastic embedding.