Instruments

Perkin Elmer Quantum GX mCT 

This multispecies imaging system provides high-resolution images at an X-ray dose low enough to enable true longitudinal imaging capability. It can detect down to 4.5 µm.

mCT Training Request

Nikon A1Rsi

This system features a Ti-E inverted microscope equipped with high NA objectives, a motorized stage, seven visible lasers at 445nm (Cyan), Argon (457nm, 476nm, 488nm, 514nm), 561nm and 640nm and either five independent detectors or a 32-window spectral detector. It has the transmitted detector for DIC-like confocal imaging. It is equipped with the hybrid scanner (galvanometer and resonant) for multi-mode imaging applications. The resonant scanner and piezo z-drive allow 3D image acquisition at multiple frames per second. A Tokai Hit live imaging chamber is optionally available. The hardware based Perfect Focus System makes maintaining “perfect focus” on the cells or area of interest easy and stable for both short and long term live cell timelapse experiments. NIS-Elements software encompasses acquisition through analysis, including modules for FRAP and FRET experiments. Best performance is achieved with either cyan and yellow, or green, red, and far-red fluorophores. For additional detailed specifications, please contact the facility manager.

A1Rsi Training Manual

Nikon A1R_MP

This confocal system is built on the Nikon TiE inverted microscope equipped with the tunable Spectra Physics Mai Tai DeepSee Ti:Sapphire laser (690-1040nm) for deep tissue or other unique Multi-Photon imaging. The confocal also has a set of 7 visible lasers at 405nm (DAPI), Argon (457nm, 476nm, 488nm, 514nm), 561nm and 640nm for standard four channel confocal imaging. It has the transmitted detector for DIC-like confocal imaging. It is equipped with the hybrid scanner (galvanometer and resonant) for multi-mode imaging applications. For additional detailed specifications, please contact the facility manager.

A1RMP Training Manual

Zeiss LSM 880 Upright Confocal

This system features Zeiss Axio Examiner.Z1 upright microscope equipped with motorized XYZ movement. The lasers include 405nm, 458nm, 488nm, 514nm, 561nm and 633nm. It is equipped with a 32-channel GaAsP spectral PMT plus 2 MA-PMTs as well the transmitted light PMT. We have an excellent selection of objectives to include; Plan APO 5x/0.16, 10x/0.45 and 20x/0.8, 63x/1.4 oil; water dipping objectives that do not require coverslips include Plan APO 20x/1.1 and 40x/1.0; water immersion objectives requiring coverslips are 20x/1.0 and 40x/1.1. Software modules include base Zen plus Experimental Designer, Tiles/Positions, Visualization and Analysis and Deconvolution. For additional detailed specifications, please contact the facility manager.

Zeiss Training Manual

Super Resolution Nikon N-STORM/N-SIM

The system is built around a Ti-E inverted microscope equipped with high NA objectives, a motorized stage, piezo z-drive and perfect focus system. Continuous STORM (or cSTORM) can be performed on dyes that activate with 405 nm, 488 nm or 561 nm light. A 647 nm laser is available to drive the reporter to the dark state when used with the tandem dyes used in original STORM imaging or to perform cSTORM using AlexaFluor647. SIM can be performed with blue, green or red dyes. The TIRF capability uses the STORM lasers and high-speed, multi-color TIRF (10 ms/channel) is possible using triggered acquisition.

Nikon Wide-field Systems

We have the Nikon TiS inverted microscope equipped with phase contrast, brightfield and a Zenon light source for fluorescence imaging. It is also equipped with a ultra-high sensitive Photometrics QuantEM EMCCD camera for both low light and high dynamic temporal imaging applications. Our Nikon 90i upright microscope has several high quality objectives for DIC, fluorescence and brightfield imaging and is equipped with a Nikon DS-Ri1 12MP color camera. Users can use manual stitching on immunohistology slides using NIS-Elements software. For additional detailed specifications, please contact the facility manager.

Spectral Ami Optical Imaging System

The SPECTRAL Ami optical imaging systems is an easy to use yet powerful in vivo imaging system. It is designed around SI Imaging’s rigid backbone which serves as a stable spatial configuration. This structural integrity ensures highly accurate and easily reproducible images and calibrations. The door to the Ami units opens vertically for ergonomics, maximizing valuable bench space and providing waste anesthesia gas control. It can perform either Fluorescence or Bioluminescent Imaging with a standard photography overlay. Excitation and Emission spectra include; EX: 430,465,500,535,570,605,640,675,710 and 745nm; EM: 510,650,670,690,710,750,770,790,810 and 830nm. Software includes quantitative analysis features as well as multi-well template guide for measuring intensities on multi-well dishes. For additional detailed specifications, please contact the facility manager.

IVIS Lumina II Optical Imaging System

The IVIS Lumina II is a robust optical imaging system. The Living Image software enables background subtraction, automated acquisition and quantification, as well as common image processing routines. It can perform either Fluorescence or Bioluminescent Imaging with a standard photography overlay. Excitation and Emission spectra include (these are bandpass filters); EX: 445-490, 500-550, 615-665, 710-760; EM: 515-575, 575-650, 695-770, 810-875. Software includes quantitative analysis features as well as multi-well template guide for measuring intensities on multi-well dishes. For additional detailed specifications, please contact the facility manager.

MiLabs U-SPECT-II/CT/PET

The unique VECTor⁺, combines true simultaneous SPECT and PET down to sub-mm resolution in mice. The SPECT and PET systems are capable of making 4D movies of pharmaceutical interactions in tissue with a time resolution of seconds. The ultra-high gamma detection yield makes these units suitable for a wide variety of SPECT and PET isotopes. The large number of focused pinholes facilitate the detection of a large number of gamma quantra from the area of interest (e.g. the heart, a tumor, a joint or the brain). Using the same focusing collimator, it is possible to obtain total-body scans of mice at approximately 0.25mm by shifting the bed in x, y and z direction, and to acquire gamma radiation from an arbitrarily large part of the animal. An example of radioisotopes used for SPECT include ^99mTC, ²⁰¹Tl, ¹¹¹In, ¹²³I, ¹²⁵I and ¹³¹I. We could also image ¹⁸F or ¹¹C for PET imaging. The VECTor⁺/CT is fully integrated with a high resolution, low-dose CT scanner (down to 0.08mm resolution) with automatic co-registration of SPECT, PET, and CT images. We are equipped with 2 different stage beds for either mice or rats (or other objects similar size and weight) to be used for any of the SPECT, PET or CT imaging. We have a variety of different collimators ranging in resolution and sensitivities. Acquisition software allows post hoc sorting of incident photon data for energy thresholding, multi-channel acquisition or temporal binning relative to biological triggers (gating). A MLEM or POS-EM algorithm is available for SPECT reconstruction. For additional detailed specifications, please contact the facility manager.

Anesthesia

We are equipped with two Anesthesia machines. Animals can be anesthetized with the optional Univentor or the table top VetEquip gas anesthesia systems with built-in vaporizer and flow meter. Precise automatic control of anesthetic and air minimizes anesthetic consumption.