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 Light Microscopy Facilities
UCSC maintains shared light microscopy facilities for use by the
biomedical research community In addition to several standard
widefield epifluorescence microscopes, we have an impressive
collection of high resolution microscope options to suit diverse
research needs:
- DeltaVision deconvolution microscope: This
imaging system combines the advantages of widefield epifluorescence
microscopy with iterative deconvolution technology Optimized for
speed and accuracy during image acquisition, this microscope
generates stacks of images that are computationally deconvolved to
remove out-of-focus light and produce crisp 3D images.
- Leica SP2 AOBS confocal microscope: The AOBS
system enables control over excitation and emission parameters This
microscope includes 3 PMT detectors and laser lines at 458, 488, 496,
514 nm.
- Leica TCS SP5 confocal microscope: This new
broadband-based imaging system not only enables traditional
multi-channel imaging of fixed and live samples, but also offers a
tremendous increase in the speed of image acquisition, enabling high
quality 3D live imaging.
- Ultima IV two-photon microscope: Two-photon
excitation, which depends on absorption of two photons by a single
fluorophore, significantly reduces light scattering within biological
specimens and leads to greatly increased sample penetration The
absence of excitation out of the plane of focus minimizes both
photobleaching and photodamage This system is particularly useful for
deep tissue imaging in living animals.
- Volocity spinning disk confocal microscope:
This system generates images with both high spatial and temporal
resolution With an integrated Mosaic photobleaching system, it is
particularly well suited for fast time-lapse imaging of the dynamics
of fluorescently labeled cytoplasmic components in living cells.
- Adaptive Optics microscope: (under
development) Despite recent advances in biological imaging, high
resolution, deep-tissue (>50µm), live imaging has not been
achieved Because image degradation is largely due to local
differences in refractive index, a potential solution is application
of Adaptive Optics (AO) technology Initially developed for spy
satellites, by employing deformable mirrors and distant point sources
of light ("guide stars") UCSC astronomers adapted this
technology for telescopes to correct refraction caused by light
passing through the turbulent atmosphere UCSC biologists, astronomers
and engineers are working together to develop biological "guide
stars" and a microscope that uses AO technology and principles
to significantly correct cytoplasm-induced image aberrations at
depths up to 200µm The goal is to develop an AO system that can
be integrated into a variety of fluorescence imaging systems.
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