The UCSC shared-use microscopy facility provides cutting-edge imaging techniques for advanced biomedical research. The Life Science Microscopy Center offers assistance to users in instrument operation, sample preparation, and experimental design.

• UCSC Life Sciences Microscopy Center (includes reservations)

Instruments

Leica SP5 X confocal microscope

Best suited for: Acquisition of 3D fluorescence stacks on thick (10 - 150 micron), bright, non bleaching samples. Immunofluorescence labeling, FISH, FRAP, FRET, and live cell imaging.
Features: Leica DM 6000 inverted microscope. Illumination lasers: Argon laser (458, 476, 488, 496, 514); HeNe laser 543 nm; HeNe laser 594 nm; HeNe laser 633 nm. Spectral imaging capability, rotating scan head, FRAP, time lapse, etc. Up to 4 channels of acquisition (3 fluorescence and 1 transmission). 
Leica AF6000 imaging software in Windows XP operating system.
Location: Sinsheimer Labs 111

Leica DM5500 B wide-field microscope

Best suited for: Acquisition of 3D fluorescence stacks on thin (less than 10 micron), bright, non bleaching samples mounted on a standard microscope slide with a coverslip. Immunofluorescence labeling, FISH, and live cell imaging.
Features: Leica DM 5500 B upright microscope. Illumination source: Hg arc lamp with DAPI, GFP, Taxes Red and Cy3 filter cubes; transmitted light for fully automated DIC. optics Motorized z-stage for 3D stack as well as multipoint image acquisition.
Location: Sinsheimer Labs 111

Zeiss live imaging microscope

Best suited for: Imaging of thin, live cells.
Features: Zeiss Axiovert 200 inverted microscope. Motorized z-stage. Illumination source: Hg arc lamp with DAPI, EGFP, RedFP and TRIC filter cubes; transmitted light for oth phase contrast and DIC. Environment control with humidifier, temperature control, and CO2 line.
Location: Sinsheimer Labs 109