The OMX V4 system is now updated with a DIC option to monitor ‘cell fitness’ or provide overviews of the cells that are imaged. So far, the quality is mediocre but we are trying to improve this.

The storage for gas tanks (CO2, N2) in the CCI corridor has been replaced and moved to make space for the flow cabinet that will be positionned in the recess behind it. Beware that the corridor has become more shallow because of the move.

The TIRF module experienced a problem yesterday and was repaired this morning. All is functional again. The NIDAQ triggering of the EM-CCD camera no longer needs manual switching of BNC connectors, NIKON made a connector box that allows automated switching from within NIS elements. So triggering via the lasers (LU4) or wide field illumination (SpectraX)…

A StorSimple backup system has been  implemented by ITS.  We have tested it for a couple of months and it seems to perform well. The extra network drive is available on all imaging machines (except for the Zeiss NLO system, that will be connected to the net in the coming weeks) and can be found…

Next week, we will be trained by GE healthcare again, now to improve alignment and calibration procedures as well as the DLM module to perform dSTORM type of measurements (alike the NIKON system). Unfortunately, only one of the 4 cameras can be used to perform DLM, Furthermore the system will be upgraded with DIC and…

The screws of the Tokai hit chamber holder did not tighten well anymore. Focus shifts occurred when accurate imaging was required on live cells. It was already tedious to unscrew and rescrew the adapters for the different chambers and this has only become more cumbersome, unfortunately. We need to fasten the new screws and tighten…

The new 40x objective (HC PL APO CS2 NA1.3, oil immersion) has been equipped with the correct condenser prisms some time ago, but it was not mentioned here. So the DIC and fluorescence is fully upgraded on the machine. Please realize the greater sensitivity of the new objective. Intensity measurements acquired before June with the 40x…

A Leica service engineer has visited us and repaired the DIC slider bug and updated driver software. Keep us posted when bugs appear.

We experience a problem with the DIC slider in the SPE-II microscope. Leica has been contacted and will be repairing it in the coming days.

Nikon has reinstalled the wiring for the Lumencor SpectraX, and triggering via NIS elements acquisition software is now possible. It allows the 6 defined LEDs to be individualy tweaked for intensity in a single acquisition procedure. Fast, accurate and sensitive imaging is possible in wide field modus using the EM-CCD camera.