 | This system is devoted mainly to study dynamic processes in light-sensitive living cells. The system includes a Nikon Eclipse TE300 wide-field inverted microscope controlled by Metamorph software. This system permits multi-channel imaging of specimens, 3D and 4D imaging. Data collection is controlled by a Windows 98-based PC. Metamorph software provides a number of sophisticated measurement and image processing techniques, as well as 3D volume rendering. A xenon lamp installed on this microscope makes this system especially suitable for imaging live specimens labeled with GFP, CFP, YFP and DsRed. A DAPI filter is also available. Data are acquired with a digital interline transfer CCD camera (Hamamatsu). In the future, this system will also be equipped with an Intensified Pentamax camera. This camera will extend the facility's capability for live cell imaging by enabling more rapid data acquisition, longer time series and imaging of dimmer cells than is currently possible. A new technique known as Extended Depth of Focus Microscopy is being evaluated for producing a 3D projected image by acquisition of a single focal plane. This technique will have application to rapid live cell imaging, for example for tracking objects that move rapidly in 3D. |