Located on the 5th floor in the Life Science Laboratories on the UMass Amherst campus, the Light Microscopy Facility provides powerful resources for imaging model organisms, tissue, cells, biomaterials, and artificial structures and houses state-of-the-art equipment including almost every light microscopy imaging modality presently available. Cell culture facilities are also available nearby as well as other routine items necessary for biological imaging and material imaging. This facility has been designated a Nikon Centers of Excellence, thus providing a unique opportunity for training, demonstration, instrument development, and research.
The Light Microscopy Facility accepts samples and will perform requested analysis for both on-campus users as well as off-campus academic and industrial partners. We excel in the use of telemicroscopy through the use of remote imaging sessions, remote control of all instruments, and remote data analysis sessions available to all users. Further, we provide training to all users that plan to conduct experimentation. Following an initial consultation in which experimental requirements, expected outcomes, and careful scrutiny of feasibility, training and/or access is arranged through the Director.
Facility Policies
Services are offerred outside of University of Massachusetts Amherst
Consulting is offerred outside of University of Massachusetts Amherst
Fully automated A1 offers standard paired galvanometers with high resolution scanning at up to 4096 x 4096 pixels. The A1R model incorporates a hybrid scanner system utilizing a high speed resonant galvanometer capable of acquisitions up to 240 frames per second. Both scanners can be used simultaneously for experiments requiring acquisition and photoactivation by concurrently scanning the specimen. This supports advanced research methods using photoactivation fluorescence proteins and facilitates high-speed, live-cell work with a huge array of new imaging strategies. A spectral imaging detector further enables the A1 and A1R models to obtain up to 32 discreet spectral bandwidths of data in one acquisition, with spectral unmixing capabilities. The total system is controlled through NIS-Elements C applications software, which also enables full control of the Nikon Ti-E research inverted microscope equipped with Nikon's Focus System (PFS), widefield CCD cameras and an array of hardware devices. [Product Link]
Fully automated A1 offers standard paired galvanometers with high resolution scanning at up to 4096 x 4096 pixels. The A1R model incorporates a hybrid scanner system utilizing a high speed resonant galvanometer capable of acquisitions up to 240 frames per second. Both scanners can be used simultaneously for experiments requiring acquisition and photoactivation by concurrently scanning the specimen. This supports advanced research methods using photoactivation fluorescence proteins and facilitates high-speed, live-cell work with a huge array of new imaging strategies. A spectral imaging detector further enables the A1 and A1R models to obtain up to 32 discreet spectral bandwidths of data in one acquisition, with spectral unmixing capabilities. The total system is controlled through NIS-Elements C applications software, which also enables full control of the Nikon Ti-E research inverted microscope equipped with Nikon's Focus System (PFS), widefield CCD cameras and an array of hardware devices. [Product Link]
Nikon A1R MP is a multiphoton imaging system featuring a high resolution galvanometer scanner and a high speed resonant scanner that is capable of frame rates from 30 fps at 512 x 512 pixels to as fast as 420 fps in band scan mode. New 4 channel non-descanned detectors with higher sensitivity, reduced dark current and broad spectral range allow for real time unmixing of closely spaced probes for accurate and high-contrast spectral imaging. This is especially important in multiphoton microscopy because of the overlap of emission spectra of probes and autofluorescence, which is often unavoidable when using a single laser line. [Product Link]
Nikon SMZ-1 and SMZ-1B zoom stereo microscopes offer legendary Nikon stereo performance. Developed to fit a variety of applications and OEM needs, these advanced-design stereo microscopes have the features and image quality you expect from Nikon. High-performance optics and a 6V/10W halogen illuminator deliver images with excellent contrast, resolution, and brightness. The SMZ-1 and SMZ-1B are human-engineered to allow long periods of operation without fatigue. Mechanical design is yet rugged for daily trouble-free operation in industrial, laboratory, and classroom environments. All controls are easy to use. Nikon's versatile modular approach allows the SMZ-1/1B to be easily adapted to various configurations such as stand, arm, or table mounting. Similarly, the illuminator can be fixed to the instrument stand, placed in a diascopic base, or attached externally for oblique lighting. The SMZ-1/1B use a Nikon-designed twin-lens objective system inclined at 12o. Only the center of the lenses is used to provide the sharpest three-dimensional image and enable the operator to work more accurately and efficiently for prolonged periods without eye strain. [Product Link]
Nikon A1R-TIRF Confocal with TIRF
Nikon A1R-SIMe Confocal with Structured Illumination
Nikon SMZ18 stereoscope
Nikon TiE with HCA high content
Nikon X1 spinning disk
Nikon Crest V2 spinning disk
Arcturus Laser Capture Microdissection
Keyence BZ-800
Nikon TiU with Axopatch electrophysiology hardware/software
Publications
Publications associated with this facility (Click To View):
