Research Facilities

UWEB Microscopy and Image Analysis Resource

The Microscopy facility provides microscope instrumentation for UWEB research projects requiring examination of thin histological sections, viewing living cells in tissue culture, or surface inspection of opaque substrates. The facility is also used to train staff and graduate students in microscopy techniques. The facility houses two research grade microscope platforms; a Nikon E800 upright microscope and a Nikon TE200 inverted microscope. Both instruments are mounted on vibration isolation tables. A Nikon SMZ1500 stereoscope equipped for epifuorescence is also housed in the center.

The Nikon E800 upright scope is equipped for brightfield, darkfield, phase contrast, Differential Interference Contrast (DIC), episcopic BF/DF/DIC and epi-fluorescence with access to a broad selection of objective lenses and several fluorescence filter sets. Imaging is done via a Nikon U-III 35mm microphotography system or a Photometrics Coolsnap color CCD digital imager.

The Nikon TE200 inverted scope is equipped for brightfield, darkfield, phase contrast, Hoffman Modulation Contrast (HMC), DIC, Shortshear DIC, episcopic _BF/DF/DIC and epi-fluorescence, also with a broad range of objective lenses and condenser systems. Additional features include a liquid light guide fiber optic illumination system, and also a plexiglass environmental surround with controlled CO2 for time-lapse cell migration studies. A stage microincubator is also used for temperature control. Imaging is done via a Hamamatsu Chilled CCD digital imager (ORCAII) or a Hamamatsu video camera and Sony video tape deck and monitor system.

Each microscope is attended by a dedicated workstation featuring dual displays, ethernet network connection, image analysis software, and deconvolution software. In addition, off-line image analysis workstations, similarly equipped, are located in the nearby image analysis laboratory.

The microscopy resource also includes a Nikon SMZ1500 stereoscope. This instrument features: incident illumination, trans-illumination including an oblique illumination contrast system, and an epi-fluorescence illuminator for visualizing GFP in living tissues. The instrument is equipped for color digital imaging.

The UWEB microscopy lab is a controlled access facility. Training is required before researchers are authorized to use the equipment. Please contact Dr. Kip Hauch to schedule training or with questions about the microscopy resource. Users can schedule time on the microscopes through web based calendars by clicking HERE.