Upright Microscope Imaging System
Microscope
The Zeiss Axioplan is a high-performance research instrument delivering multi-modal imaging capabilities. This upright light microscope stand is equipped for transmitted and epi-fluorescent illumination and for a range of contrast-enhancing techniques including differential interference contrast (DIC), phase contrast, and darkfield. Plan Neofluar and Plan Apochromatic objectives at 4x, 10x, 20x, 40x, 63x (oil), and 100x (oil) provide an ideal range of magnification options with excellent optical performance. An optivar with 1.25x, 1.5x, and 2.0x settings allow additional increases in magnfication. Details regarding appropriate matching of objectives, optivar settings, and camera resolution for optimal sampling are also available.
Accessories
Epi-Fluorescent Filter Sets.
Filter cubes purchased from Semrock, Chroma Technology Corp. and Carl Zeiss, Inc. for UV, FITC, GFP, YFP, Rhodamine, and Cy5 provide a range of opportunities for single or multi-label fluorescent samples. Filter cube specifics are available in PDF format. Semrock documentation of fluorophores best for their FITC, DAPI-contrast, and DAPI-brightness filter cubes are also available.
Digital Cameras.
Two Hamamatsu digital cameras enable color or monochromatic image capture. A Hamamatsu C5810 provides 24-bit RGB digital image capture. Images are viewed real-time on a Sony monitor and acquired using Adobe Photoshop. A Hamamatsu Orca C4742-80-12AG digital camera provides high-performance 12-bit monochromatic digital image capture. This camera has a 1.37 megapixel progressive-scan interline CCD chip. With pixels that are 6.45 microns2, an effective pixel area of 8.67mm x 6.60mm, a dynamic range of 3000:1, and a quantum efficiency exceeding 70% in the visible spectrum, this camera delivers excellent spatial resolution and excellent sensitivity in low-light imaging situations. Images are previewed, acquired, processed, and analyzed using Media Cybernetic’s Image Pro Plus 6.2. The Orca digital camera technical characteristics are available in PDF format.
Imaging Software.
Adobe Photoshop CS and Image Pro Plus 6.2 are available for image processing and analysis functions. These programs allow processing functions including spatial filtering, background subtraction, and pseudo-coloring, as well as analysis functions including counting, intensity, and area measurements.
Funding Support.
The acquisition of the color and monochromatic digital cameras were supported by grants from the National Aeronautical and Space Administration (Gloria Muday) and the National Science Foundation (Anita McCauley).
Applications
Flavonoid Expression Following Wounding.
Role of Auxin in Lateral Root Formation.
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