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http://listserv.acsu.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?S1=confocal

we recently looked at stage stability - J.Microsc. 210, 131-137.
our stage showed movement in X,Y and Z with air conditioning being the
biggest problem.

we tested the Bioptech objective heater which appeared to cause a .3 micron
movement in Z during its operation, possibly as its controller switches
on/off.

In general we think it is better to heat the whole microscope (Solent)
rather than a small part - heat must inevitably leak from a warmer spot and
slowly heat the remainder of the microscope.

Also beware of the effects of other heat sources - laser, Hg lamps and the
time taken to reach a steady state - hours.

Jeremy Adler
NIMR
London


"Locknar, Sarah A" wrote:

> Search the CONFOCAL archive at
> http://listserv.acsu.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?S1=confocal
>
> Hi-
> Has anyone compared the incubator/box type temperature controllers (from
> Solent) with the stage type/objective heater combo (bioptechs) in
> regards to long-term stability in the z-axis?  We have an upright MP
> system with dipping lenses and ideally would like to image over many
> hours/days.
> Thanks for your input.
> Sarah
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ---------------
> Sarah Locknar, Ph.D.
> Director, Neuroscience COBRE Imaging / Physiology Core
> College of Medicine, University of Vermont
> E015 Given Building
> 89 Beaumont Ave.
> Burlington, VT 05405
> 802-656-0413
> 802-656-8704 (fax)
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