Equipment

The analysis station combines high-performance hardware and advanced software to support detailed image analysis and data extraction. 

Below are the key features available for use:

Hardware

• Computer: Dell Precision 7920, designed for high-performance data processing.
• Operating system: Windows 10 Enterprise, 64-bit, providing a stable environment for your research tools.
• Monitor: Samsung 22” monitor for clear, detailed viewing of your analysis.
• Annotation tablet: Cintiq Pro 22 with stylus for precise annotation and image manipulation.

Software

The software available enhances your ability to process images, extract data, and visualize complex research results. Key tools include:

• Microsoft Office: For documentation and data organization.
• ZEN Desk 3.1: A suite for advanced image analysis, offering features such as:
  • Co-localization: Analyzes the overlap of fluorescent markers in your images to investigate molecular interactions.
  • Deconvolution: Enhances image clarity by reducing optical distortions, improving analysis accuracy.
  • Extended Depth of Focus: Improves image clarity across multiple focal planes for detailed results.
  • Intellesis: AI-driven tool that segments images for more efficient data extraction and analysis.
  • ZEN Blue Image analysis: Provides digital analysis to extract quantifiable data from your images for further research insights.
• ZEN Connect: Helps integrate and manage your data seamlessly across different platforms.
• Arivis 3D/4D version 4.1: Provides tools for 3D/4D data visualization, useful for analyzing complex datasets.
• Adobe Photoshop: Advanced image editing software for refining and preparing images for presentations or publications.

The AMT V701 offers advanced electron microscopy and tomography for detailed 3D imaging. 

Below are the key features available for use:

Software

• AMT V701

Capabilities

• Electron microscopy for detailed imaging of specimens
• Tomography for 3D imaging of internal structures

Stage control

• Manual/Automated - X, Y, Z

Accelerating voltage options

• 60 kV, 80 kV, 100 kV, 120 kV

Magnifications

• 50X to 1,500,000X

Camera

• NANOSPRT43, CMOS CCD, black and white, 4K x 4K pixels

Light source

• LaB6

The Leica ARTOS 3D offers advanced sectioning capabilities with adjustable speeds and customizable angles for biological sample preparation. 

Below are the key features available for use:

Adjustable sectioning and return speeds

• The Leica ARTOS 3D allows precise control over sectioning and return speeds, ensuring adaptability to various biological sample preparation requirements.

Customizable cutting angles

• Adjustable cutting angles allow the ultramicrotome to be tailored to specific biological research needs.

Back illumination

• Back illumination enhances visibility of biological samples during sectioning, facilitating real-time monitoring for high-quality results.

Knife and specimen rotation

• Knife and specimen rotation capabilities offer increased precision and flexibility for optimal positioning of biological samples during preparation.

Performance and capabilities

Section thickness range

• The Leica ARTOS 3D supports a section thickness range from 50 to 500 nanometers, enabling detailed resolution for biological analyses.

Serial sectioning capabilities

• The serial sectioning function produces consecutive sections with high precision, essential for 3D imaging and structural analysis of biological samples.

Isolation table

• The isolation table minimizes vibrations and external disturbances, ensuring stable and accurate sectioning to achieve optimal results for biological research.

The Leica EM Block Trimmer offers precise sample preparation with adjustable feed control, high milling speeds, and superior tool options. 

Below are the key features available for use:

Adjustable feed control

• The Leica EM Block Trimmer offers step sizes from 0.1 to 100 micrometers, allowing for fine adjustments to meet your specific sample preparation needs.

High milling speeds

• Milling speeds range from 300 to 20,000 rpm, providing fast and efficient processing for a broad range of sample types.

90° corner accuracy

• The block trimmer maintains 90° corner accuracy, ensuring precise sample preparation and optimal geometry for further analysis.

Parallel block face

• It keeps a perfectly parallel block face, which is critical for consistent and reproducible results when sectioning samples.

Performance and capabilities

Milling angle range

• With a 60° milling angle range, the Leica EM Block Trimmer offers flexibility to handle a variety of sample shapes and sizes.

Tungsten carbide and diamond milling tools

• Equipped with tungsten carbide and diamond milling tools, the block trimmer ensures superior control and versatility for preparing high-quality samples across a range of materials.

The Leica UC7 ultramicrotome offers precise, customizable sectioning with adjustable speeds, cutting angles, and an anti-vibration table. 

Below are the key features available for use:

Adjustable sectioning and return speeds

• The Leica UC7 allows you to adjust both sectioning and return speeds, offering flexibility for various research needs and ensuring optimal results for different types of samples.

Fine-tuned cutting angles

• The cutting angle can be precisely adjusted, allowing you to tailor the sectioning process to meet the specific requirements of your specimens.

Back illumination

• The back illumination system enhances sample visibility, providing clear views of your specimen, even for very thin samples.

Knife and specimen rotation

• This ultramicrotome includes knife and specimen rotation features, allowing you to adjust the position of the sample for accurate, precise cuts.

Section thickness range

• With a section thickness range from 50 to 500 nm, the Leica UC7 enables detailed microtomy, providing the precision needed for in-depth analysis.

Stability and performance

Integrated anti-vibration table

• The integrated anti-vibration table minimizes external disturbances, ensuring stable, reliable sectioning and reproducible results.

The AMT 600 offers electron microscopy for detailed imaging with adjustable magnifications and accelerating voltage options. 

Below are the key features available for use:

Software

• AMT 600

Capabilities

• Electron microscopy for detailed imaging of specimens

Stage control

• Manual - X, Y, Z

Accelerating voltage options

• 40 kV, 60 kV, 80 kV, 100 kV

Magnifications

• LM: 18-530X
• High magnification: 800-92,000X

Camera

• Advantage HR-B Digital CCD, black and white

Light source

• Tungsten

The Reichert OmU3 offers adjustable speeds, customizable cutting angles, and enhanced visibility for precise, high-quality sectioning. 

Below are the key features available for use:

Adjustable sectioning and return speeds

• The Reichert OmU3 allows for precise adjustment of both sectioning and return speeds. This flexibility makes it adaptable to different specimen types and research needs, giving you full control over the cutting process.

Customizable cutting angles

• With the customizable cutting angles, you can tailor the cutting process to match the specific requirements of your sample preparation, ensuring optimal results for each specimen.

Back illumination for enhanced visibility

• The back illumination feature improves sample visibility, making it easier to see and section challenging or delicate specimens. This helps you achieve more accurate sectioning for high-quality results.

Knife and specimen rotation

• The knife and specimen rotation capabilities allow for precise adjustments to the cutting orientation, giving you the flexibility needed for accurate sectioning. This enhances the precision and quality of your work.

Section thickness range

• The Reichert OmU3 offers a section thickness range from 50 to 500 nanometers, allowing you to create ultra-thin sections ideal for high-resolution imaging and detailed analysis.

The station supports high-performance processing with specialized software for telomere analysis and advanced image processing. 

Below are the key features available for use:

Hardware

• Computer: CoolerMaster, optimized for high-performance processing tasks.
• Operating system: Windows 10 Ultimate, 64-bit, ensuring compatibility with various software and tools.
• Monitor: Samsung 22" monitor for clear and precise viewing of your analysis.

Software

The station is equipped with the following software tools to support your research:

• MatLab/TeloView: A specialized software combination for telomere FISH analysis and other advanced image processing tasks.
• Microsoft Office: For documentation, data organization, and report creation.

The Zeiss Imager A2 offers advanced imaging capabilities with dual observation arms, precise objective control, and powerful analysis tools. 

Below are the key features available for use:

Hardware

• Computer: HP Z2 (2019), designed to support complex imaging software.
• Dual observation arms: Allow multiple users to observe the sample simultaneously.

Software

The following software is available to support your image analysis and processing:

• ZEN 3 Pro: Offers a range of advanced tools for analyzing and enhancing your images, including:
  • Colocalization: Analyzes the overlap of different fluorescent markers to study molecular interactions.
  • Extended depth of focus: Combines multiple focal planes into a single image with extended depth for clearer results.
  • Time lapse: Records images over time to observe dynamic changes in your sample.
  • ZEN Blue Image analysis: Provides digital analysis to extract quantifiable data from your images.

Objective control

The microscope features manual control for the objective and stage for precise positioning:

• Manual objective control
• Manual stage control: X, Y, Z axes.

Objectives

The Zeiss Imager A2 is equipped with the following high-quality objectives:

• Zeiss 1.25X/0,03 ∞/0,17 – EC Plan-Neofluar
• Zeiss 5X/0,16 Ph 1 ∞/0,17 – EC Plan-Neofluar
• Zeiss 10X/0,3 ∞/- – EC Plan-Neofluar
• Zeiss 20X/0,3 ∞/0,17 – EC Plan-Neofluar
• Zeiss 40X/0,6 Korr ∞/0-1.5 – LD Plan-Neofluar
• Zeiss 100X/1,3 oil Ph 3 ∞/0,17 – EC Plan-Neofluar

Camera

The system is equipped with two cameras for capturing detailed images:

• AxioCam IcC 5: Colour camera for high-quality imaging.
• AxioCam 208: Colour camera for enhanced image clarity.

The system offers advanced imaging with automated stage and objective control, 3D rendering, super-resolution imaging, and time-lapse capture. 

Below are the key features available for use:

Hardware

• Computer: HP Z6 P4 (2022)

Software

• ZEN D Black
  • 3D rendering: Creates three-dimensional images from multiple focal planes
  • Co-localization: Analyzes the overlap of different fluorescent markers
  • Extended depth of focus: Enhances image clarity across different focal planes
  • Fluorescence: Enables observation of fluorescently labelled samples
  • PALM: Photoactivated localization microscopy for super-resolution imaging
  • SIM: Structured illumination microscopy for enhanced resolution
  • Time lapse: Captures changes in samples over time
  • Software autofocus: Maintains sample focus over time
  • Z-stack: Constructs a 3D image by stacking images taken at different focal depths
• ZEN 2.3 Blue
  • ZEN Blue image analysis: Digital analysis to extract quantifiable data from your images

Objective control

• Automated

Stage control

• Automated – X, Y, Z

Objectives

• Zeiss N-Achroplan 10x/1.025 M27
• Zeiss Plan-Apochromat 20x/1.08 M27
• Zeiss Plan-Apochromat 40x/1.4 Oil DIC M27
• Zeiss Plan-Apochromat 63x/1.40 Oil DIC M27
• Zeiss Alpha Plan-Apochromat 100x/1.46 Oil DIC M27 Elyra
• Zeiss Alpha Plan-Apochromat 100x/1.57 Oil DIC Korr M27

Camera

• Black and white

Light source lasers

• X-cite
• HR Diode 405-50nm
• HR Diode 488-100nm
• HR DPSS 561-100nm
• HR Diode 642-100nm

Filters

• Zeiss filter set 77HE
• Analyzer module: Pol ACR

Filter Wheel 1:

• BP 420-480 + BP 570-640 + LP 740
• BP 420-480 + BP 495-550 + LP 650
• LBF 561-642
• LBF 488/561

Filter Wheel 2:

• BP 420-480 + LP 750
• BP 495-550 + LP 750
• BP 570-620 + LP 750
• LP 655     

Grids

• 23m
• 28m
• 34m
• 42m
• 51m

The Zeiss Lumar V.12 is a brightfield and fluorescence stereo microscope designed for imaging larger specimens.

Below are the key features available for use:

Hardware

• Computer: CompuData

Software

• ZEN 2
  • Brightfield: For viewing stained or naturally coloured specimens
  • Extended depth of focus: Enhances image clarity across different focal planes
  • Fluorescence: Allows for the observation of fluorescently labelled samples
  • Time lapse: Captures changes in samples over time
  • Z-stack: Constructs three-dimensional images from multiple focal planes

Objective control

• Manual exchange

Stage control

• Manual rotating – X, Y
• Automated Z

Objectives

• Zeiss 0.8x 80mm
• Zeiss 1.2x 47mm
• Zeiss 1.5x 30mm

Camera

• AxioCam HRm – Black and white
• AxioCam ICc 3 – Colour

Light source

• HBO 100 mercury bulb

Filters

• Zeiss filter set 02
• Zeiss filter set 38
• Zeiss filter set 43
• Zeiss filter set 49

The Zeiss Lumar V.12 is a powerful imaging system designed for viewing and analyzing complex, three-dimensional specimens.

Below are the key features available for use:

Software

• The AxioVision software provides robust tools for capturing, processing, and analyzing brightfield and fluorescence images.
• Full control over the system allows for flexibility in various imaging tasks, making it suitable for different research applications.

Objective control

• The microscope features manual objective lens exchange, which allows you to select lenses based on your specimen's magnification and working distance.
• This provides precise control over the level of detail you want in your images.

Stage control

• The rotating stage moves along both X and Y axes, allowing for easy and precise specimen positioning.
• This feature helps capture images from multiple angles, ensuring optimal imaging conditions.

Capabilities

Extended depth of focus

• Combines multiple focal planes into a single image, offering clearer and more detailed views of three-dimensional specimens.
• Particularly useful for imaging large or complex samples that require depth clarity.

Fluorescence imaging

• The fluorescence imaging feature enables you to observe fluorescently labeled samples.
• This is essential for studying specific structures or molecular interactions in molecular biology, histology, and material science.

Time-lapse imaging

• Time-lapse imaging captures a series of images over time, allowing you to study dynamic changes, such as cellular movement or chemical reactions.

Z-stack imaging

• Z-stack imaging allows you to capture images at different focal depths and combine them to create three-dimensional images.
• This is ideal for visualizing complex structures that cannot be captured in a single focal plane.

Objectives

The Zeiss Lumar V.12 includes various objective lenses designed for different magnifications and working distances:

• Zeiss 0.8X 80mm: Low magnification with a long working distance, ideal for general imaging of large specimens.
• Zeiss 1.2X 47mm: Low magnification with a medium working distance, useful for observing larger structures with moderate detail.
• Zeiss 1.5X 30mm: Low magnification with a short working distance, perfect for detailed views of smaller structures.

Light source

• The system uses an HBO 100 mercury bulb as its light source, providing stable, bright illumination for both brightfield and fluorescence imaging.

Filters

The Zeiss Lumar V.12 includes several Zeiss filter sets optimized for fluorescence imaging:

• Zeiss Filter Set 49
• Zeiss Filter Set 20HE
• Zeiss Filter Set 38HE

These filter sets are designed to enhance fluorescence imaging by allowing observation of specific wavelengths that are necessary for your research.

Cameras

The system offers two camera options for capturing images:

• AxioCam HRm: A black-and-white camera designed for high-contrast imaging in both fluorescence and brightfield modes. Ideal for detailed specimen analysis.
• AxioCam ICc 3: A color camera that captures detailed color images, perfect for specimens that require accurate color differentiation.

The Zeiss Imager M2 is a brightfield/fluorescent microscope ideal for imaging histological stains. 

Below are the key features available for use:

Hardware

• Computer: HP Z6, equipped to handle advanced imaging software and large data sets.

Software

The following software tools are available to support your analysis and imaging:

• ZEN 3 Pro: Offers various imaging and analysis tools for detailed research:
  • Brightfield: For viewing stained or naturally colored specimens.
  • Co-localization: Analyzes the overlap of different fluorescent markers.
  • DIC (differential interference contrast): Ideal for viewing transparent specimens with enhanced contrast.
  • Extended depth of focus: Combines multiple focal planes into a single image, enhancing clarity across depth.
  • Fluorescence: Enables observation of fluorescently labeled samples for detailed analysis.
  • Time series: Captures a series of images over time to study dynamic processes.
  • ZEN Blue Image analysis: Provides digital analysis to extract quantifiable data from images.

Objective control

The microscope includes manual control for precise adjustments:

• Manual objective control
• Manual stage control: X, Y, Z axes for optimal positioning of the specimen.

Objectives

The Zeiss Imager M2 is equipped with the following objectives:

• Zeiss 2.5x/0,075 ∞/0,17 – EC Plan-Neofluar
• Zeiss 5x/0,16 ∞/0,17 – EC Plan-Neofluar
• Zeiss 10x/0,3 ∞/- – EC Plan-Neofluar
• Zeiss 20x/0,5 ∞/0,17 – EC Plan-Neofluar
• Zeiss 40x/0,75 ∞/0,17 – EC Plan-Neofluar
• Zeiss 100x/1,3 oil ∞/0,17 – EC Plan-Neofluar

Cameras

The system is equipped with two cameras to capture both color and black-and-white images:

• AxioCam HRc: Color camera for detailed imaging of specimens.
• AxioCam MRm: Black-and-white camera, ideal for high-resolution imaging.

Light source

The Colibri light source provides multiple LED wavelengths for enhanced imaging:

• 365nm LED
• 470nm LED
• 555nm LED
• 590nm LED

Filters

The system includes the following Zeiss filter set for optimal fluorescence imaging:

• Zeiss Filter Set 62HE: Designed for fluorescence applications with specific excitation and emission wavelengths.

The Zeiss Imager Z2 is a brightfield and fluorescence microscope with advanced 3D imaging capabilities. 

Below are the key features available for use:

Hardware

• Computer: HP Z240 (2019)
• ApoTome.2: Enhances optical sectioning
• 4-slide holder: Allows simultaneous imaging of up to four slides

Software: ZEN 3 Pro

The ZEN 3 Pro software suite offers comprehensive imaging features, including:

• 3D rendering: creates three-dimensional images from multiple focal planes
• Brightfield: ideal for stained or naturally coloured specimens
• DIC (differential interference contrast): enhances the visibility of transparent samples
• Extended depth of focus: improves clarity by combining images from different focal planes
• Fluorescence: captures images of fluorescently labelled samples
• Positions: allows users to set and recall specific sample locations
• Software autofocus: maintains sharp focus over time
• Tiling: merges overlapping images for large-area imaging
• Time lapse: records changes in samples over time
• Z-stack: constructs 3D images by stacking images from varying depths

Objective control

• Manual/automated: facilitates precise adjustments

Stage control

• Manual/automated (X, Y, Z axes): enables exact positioning and movement

Objectives

• Zeiss 2.5x/0.075 ∞/0.17 – EC Plan-Neofluar
• Zeiss 10x/0.3 ∞/- – Plan-Neofluar
• Zeiss 20x/0.8 ∞/0.17 – Plan-Neofluar
• Zeiss 40x/0.75 ∞/0.17 – EC Plan-Neofluar
• Zeiss 63x/1.4 oil DIC ∞/0.17 – Plan-Neofluar

Camera options

• AxioCam 208 (colour)
• AxioCam MRm (black and white)

Light source: Colibri LED

• 385 nm
• 430 nm
• 475 nm
• 555 nm
• 590 nm
• 630 nm
• 735 nm

Filters

• Zeiss filter set 2HE
• Zeiss filter set 20HE
• Zeiss filter set 38HE
• Zeiss filter set 43HE
• Zeiss filter set 49HE
• Zeiss filter set 50HE
• Zeiss filter set 62HE
• Zeiss filter set 112HE