PrintImaging Core
Overview
The Imaging Core provides researchers with the opportunity to image live, fixed, unlabeled or fluorescently labeled samples using one of several available microscopes. Services include training on all equipment, guidance on experimental design and technician-assisted confocal operation. Priority usage is given to UMD researchers, but outside users are welcome as well.
- Our Zeiss LSM 710 Confocal Microscope is equipped with a 405 diode, Argon laser (458, 488, 514), 561 and 633 lasers. Suitable applications include colocalization studies, immunofluorescence, FRAP and time courses. A separate workstation with a copy of the Zeiss Zen software is available for image analysis and processing.
- The Leica SP5 X Confocal Microscope is equipped with several laser lines, including an Argon laser (458, 476, 488, 498, 514nm), 405 diode and white light laser (470-670nm), a motorized x-y scanning stage, z-galvo stage and resonant (high speed) scanner. Suitable applications include live cell imaging studies, FRAP, FRET, time courses, colocalization and spectral unmixing. A workstation with a copy of the Leica image analysis software is available for image analysis and processing.
- The DeltaVision Deconvolution microscope is designed to acquire and deconvolve images of fluorescently labeled specimens. The excitation source is a mercury lamp and fluorescent filter pairs include DAPI, fluorescein and rhodamine. Click here for an MS Word document containing additional information regarding this microscope.
- Additional available microscopes include a Zeiss AxioPhot fluorescence microscope equipped with a CoolSNAP EZ CCD camera and Nikon's Elements software, an Olympus fluorescence microscope with standard rhodamine and fluorescein filters and a Leica dissecting microscope.
New Users
Faculty and students who wish to use the microscope should follow the instructions in the New Users Guide.
Short Course in Practical Light Microscopy
Periodically, the Imaging Core offers a short non-credit course in Practical Light Microscopy. The class is free to students at UMD but is limited to 6 participants. Basic optical theory is discussed and each student has access to their own microscope. The presentation slides for the course are available here (full slides) and here (notes page). Please contact the facility manager (Amy Beaven) if you are interested in taking the course.
Principles of Microscopy: BSCI427/CBMG688W
During the fall semester, the University offers the 2 credit course Principles of Microscopy, taught by Dr. Steve Wolniak and Ms. Amy Beaven. Materials for the course can be found here.
Rate Schedules for All Microscopes
The Imaging Core Rate Schedule applies to all trained, eligible users and is current for the 2011/2012 Academic Year. Rates are adjusted each year depending on usage. Fees are used to help cover the cost of the service contract on the microscopes, which are partially subsidized by the department, and to help pay for materials such as lens paper, lens cleaning solution and mercury bulbs. For additional information about user fees and for a detailed analysis of microscope use and expenses, please see the FY2011 Annual Report.
Acknowledging the Imaging Core
It is important to properly acknowledge the use of the Imaging Core in your publications. Acknowledgement helps us demonstrate and document how the Imaging Core contributes to the research community. It also aids us in our efforts to secure more funding to purchase additional instruments and offer new services. Imaging Core users should send a PDF copy of all publications to the Director, Amy Beaven.
Contact Information
Amy Beaven
Director
Imaging Core Facility
0107 Microbiology Building
University of Maryland
abeaven@umd.edu
301.405.7238
