A number of factors can cause instability in a confocal microscope.
Many of these variables can be addressed and confocal instability
eliminated with proper room design.
It is unbelievable but true that many confocal microscopes normally have
10-20% Laser power fluctuations.
If the room temperature is not stable, an instability in the AOTF and
laser power can occur .
It is critical to keep the temperature in the room constant so the
components of the microscope and lasers will not drift..
Two recent Cytometry reprints that describe confocal performance and
instability are the following and maybe helpful information on this
subject.
1. Zucker RM Confocal Slide Based System :Performance. Cytometry
2006 69 A 659-676..
2. Zucker RM Confocal Microscopy Slide Based Systems: Instability.
Cytometry 2006 69A 677-690.
Reprints are available on request.
bob
Robert M. Zucker, PhD
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Research and Development
National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory.
Reproductive Toxicology Division
Telephone: 919-541-1585 Fax: 919-541-4017
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
Mail address: USEPA,ORD,NHEERL,RTD
Developmental Biology Branch ( MD 67)
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, 27711
Shipping address:
2525 E.NC Highway 54
Durham, NC, 27713
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|Fwd: Multi-user Imaging room plans? |
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Milton,
Here is a bunch of ideas I used when I planned a new imaging facility.
Paul Herzmark
Specialist
[log in to unmask]
Department of Molecular and Cell Biology
479 Life Science Addition
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720-3200
(510) 643-9603
(510) 643-9500 fax
Here are are some things to keep in mind based on my experience setting
up microscopy facilities. The manufactures should give you information
for the specific instruments (especially the footprint and electrical
requirements).
Electricity: Minimum of eight duplex outlets at each microscope with
separate circuits for arc lamps and lasers from electronics. Most of the
outlets should be above the desk level for easy access.
Lighting: Dark areas around each microscope. Black curtains work fine.
Lighting that can be dimmed. Controls near the microscope or additional
plug-in lamps.
Networking: Two internet connections for each microscope; one for the
computer, one for a personal laptop. Maybe wireless?
Telephone: Access at each microscope for discussion with service
people. A wireless portable phone that can reach each microscope is
sufficient.
General utilities: Drop electricity, gas, vacuum etc from the ceiling
onto the table so you can walk completely around without jumping over
wires,etc.
Space: Enough space for the microscope and peripherals. Space for
several people around the microscope in order to use it as a teaching
lab. Space next to each microscope for a work table and desk top for the
computer. At least 18 inches clearance behind the computer/microscope
tables for access to cables. Wall space for white boards, posters. You
may want to locate the lasers in a separate room for noise, ventilation,
vibration and cooling purposes.
Temperature control/ventilation: Sufficient cooling for lamps, lasers,
electronics, multiple people. (chilled water for cooling lasers?) There
is probably no need to have the space under negative or positive air
pressure.
Plumbing: House air, house vacuum at each scope for air tables,
aspirating samples. I don't think you need gas.
Sample preparation: Space, electricity, plumbing for tissue culture
hood, CO2 incubator, (incubators for bacteria, yeast?), table top
centrifuge, sink, work space and some storage space. The hood will need
a vacuum line. I don't think you need gas. The incubator will need CO2.
You might need an emergency eyewash and shower here.
Storage: Some shelves near each microscope for equipment manuals, etc.
Some users may have accessories that they can not easily transport each
time they come. You may consider providing some drawer space for users.
Space for tools.
Security: card key access to the center, but probably not necessary for
access to individual microscopes.
Miscellaneous: Work space for equipment repair. Office space.
Get it all approved by the Department of Environmental Health and
Safety.
On Tue, Feb 3, 2009 at 9:46 AM, Milton Charlton <
[log in to unmask]> wrote:
We are contemplating building a multi-user imaging room containing 3
confocals, 2 2-photon confocals, 1-2 widefield scopes. We would
isolate parts of the room with curtains.
Has anyone constructed such a room and can send plans and/or
recommendations about construction, utilities, etc? Photos might help
too.
Thanks for your help.
Milton Charlton
Milton P. Charlton, Professor
Physiology Department
Medical Science Building #3308
University of Toronto
1 King's College Circle
Toronto, ON, M5S1A8
Canada
tel: 416-978-6355
fax: 416-978-4940
[log in to unmask]
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