Zeiss AxioObserver

 

The Zeiss AxioObserver is a research instrument delivering multi-modal imaging capabilities. This inverted light microscope stand is equipped for transmitted and epi-fluorescent illumination and is specialized for phase contrast microscopy. Encoded objectives, filter cubes, and light modes enhance the image acquisition process.

Detailed Features

Optics – Plan Neofluar and Plan Apochromatic objectives at 5X (0.15NA), 10X (0.25NA), 20X (0.5NA), 40X (0.65NA), long working 40X (0.6NA), and 100X (1.3NA, oil) provide an ideal range of magnification options with excellent optical performance. The Plan Neofluar 40x with long working-distance is ideal for cell culture applications. An optivar with 1.25X and 1.6X settings allow additional control of image magnification.

Epi-Fluorescent Filter Sets – Filter cubes purchased from Semrock, Chroma Technology Corp. and Carl Zeiss, Inc. for UV, CFP, FITC, GFP, YFP, Cy3, Rhodamine, mCherry, Texas Red, and sets for ET-FURA2 and CFP/YFP FRET provide a range of opportunities for single or multi-label fluorescent samples.  An EXFO X-cite 120 XL light source provides the fluorescent illumination.

Live-Cell Perfusion System – A heated stage and perfusion system from Warner Instruments enables live cell imaging and imaging under changing physiological conditions.  A dual channel heater and solution heater ensure that the sample and solutions are heated, while a chamber insert allows cells in 35mm culture dishes to be heated and perfused.

Digital Image Acquisition – A Hamamatsu Orca C4742-80-12AG digital camera provides high-performance 12-bit monochromatic digital image capture. This camera has a 1.37 megapixel progressive-scan interline CCD chip that delivers excellent spatial resolution and sensitivity in low-light imaging situations. Color image capture is available through an Infinity 2-2 digital camera. The Infinity 2-2 camera has 1/1.8″ 2MP sensor for image capture.

Imaging Software – Hamamatsu HCImage software is used for acquisition of standard or time-lapse images of fluorescent samples, while Infinity Analyze/Capture software is utilized for color imaging.

Funding Support – The acquisition of these instruments and software has been made possible by support from the National Science Foundation (Susan Fahrbach; AnitaMcCauley), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Gloria Muday), the Cannon Foundation of North Carolina (Anita McCauley), the WFU department of Biology, and the WFU Center for Molecular Signaling, and Wake Forest University.

Application Examples

Leaf Stomata Opening Assay –

Justin Watkins, Ph.D., laboratory of Gloria Muday