Center of Excellence
University of Minnesota
The University Imaging Centers (UIC) serve internal and external research clients in the design of imaging experiments, choice of and training on suitable imaging systems, and subsequent image processing, visualization and analysis. The Centers provide a number of advanced imaging systems including: N-SIM super-resolution microscopy; macro spectral confocal microscopy; wide-field light and fluorescence microscopy; laser-scanning confocal microscopes; total internal reflectance microscope (TIRF); laser capture micro-dissection; several live cell imaging systems; poster printers; full sample preparation capabilities; along with 4 full-time and 4 part-time experienced staff members.
The UIC operates on the following fundamental mission goals:
- Maximize the availability of advanced imaging technologies and methodologies to faculty, staff, students and external users.
- Bring expertise in new imaging technologies to users.
- Educate the University community about new imaging technologies.
- Promote interaction between developers of new imaging technology and potential users.
Contact
CofE Director
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Address
University of Minnesota1-151 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 624-7938
Website
Systems Available
A1si Point Scanning Confocal System
This A1si point scanning confocal system is configured on a Ti2-E inverted microscope and features a spectral detector for linear unmixing of signals from multiple emitters.
Components
ECLIPSE Ti2-E inverted microscope with Perfect Focus System 4 (PFS4)
- A1si point scanning confocal system
- A1-DUS 32-channel spectral detector
- DU4 4-channel confocal detector
- LU4A 7-line laser unit (405nm, 457nm, 477nm, 488nm, 514nm, 561nm, 638nm)
- Hamamatsu ORCA-Flash4.0 V2+ sCMOS camera
NIS-Elements software
A1R Resonant Scanning Confocal with FLIM Module
This system features an A1R resonant scanning confocal system with Picoquant FLIM module for fluorescence lifetime imaging applications.
Components
- ECLIPSE Ti-E inverted microscope with Perfect Focus System (PFS)
- Picoquant FLIM module
- LUN-V 6-line laser unit (405nm, 445nm, 488nm, 514nm, 561nm, 640nm)
- 3-line laser unit (405nm, 485nm, 560nm) for FLIM
- Hamamatsu ORCA-Flash4.0 V3 sCMOS camera
- DU4G GaAsP 4-channel confocal detector
NIS-Elements software
A1R HD MP Resonant Scanning Multiphoton System
This A1R HD MP based resonant scanning system provides both fast multiphoton and visible imaging on one microscope.
Components
ECLIPSE FN1 upright microscope
- A1R HD MP multiphoton system with high-definition resonant scanner
- Spectra Physics Mai Tai eHP DeepSee Ti:S laser (tunable 690 - 1040nm) for multiphoton
- 6-line laser unit (405nm, 457nm, 488nm, 514nm, 561nm, 637nm) for confocal
- Episcopic non-descanned detectors (NDDs)
NIS-Elements software
N-SIM/A1Rsi Super-Resolution & Confocal System
Fast confocal and super-resolution on the same Ti-E inverted microscope with the A1Rsi resonant scanning confocal and N-SIM structured illumination systems.
Components
- ECLIPSE Ti-E inverted microscope with Perfect Focus System (PFS)
- A1Rsi resonant scanning confocal system
- N-SIM super-resolution structured illumination microscopy system
- LUN-V 4-line laser unit (405nm, 488nm, 561nm, 640nm) for confocal
- LU5 N-SIM 4-line laser unit (405nm, 488nm, 561nm, 647nm) for SIM
- A1-DUS 32-channel spectral detector
- DU4G GaAsP 4-channel confocal detector
- Andor iXon 897 EMCCD camera
NIS-Elements software
AZ-C1si Macro Confocal System
This unique macro confocal system combines the AZ100 multizoom microscope with the C1si point-scanning confocal system with spectral detector.
Components
- AZ100 multizoom microscope
- C1si point scanning confocal system
- LU4A 7-line laser unit (405nm, 458nm, 476nm, 488nm, 515nm, 561nm, 638nm)
- C1-SHS 32-channel spectral detector
- DU3 3-channel confocal detector
NIS-Elements software
AZ100M Motorized Multizoom Microscope
The AZ100M is the motorized version of the multizoom microscope/macroscope, and features multiple cameras and NIS-Elements software for recording observations.
Components
- AZ100M motorized multizoom microscope
- Photometrics CoolSNAP ES2 CCD camera
- DS-Ri1 color CCD camera
NIS-Elements software
BioStation IM-Q System
The BioStation IM-Q incorporates a microscope, an incubator and a high-sensitivity cooled CCD camera in a compact body. This all-in-one package provides a stable environment for live cells and advanced solutions for simple long-term time-lapse data acquisition.
Components
- BioStation IM-Q System
- Built-in incubation
- Phase Contrast and Fluorescence observation methods
- Built-in cooled monochrome camera
BioStation IM-Q System
The BioStation IM-Q incorporates a microscope, an incubator and a high-sensitivity cooled CCD camera in a compact body. This all-in-one package provides a stable environment for live cells and advanced solutions for simple long-term time-lapse data acquisition.
Components
- BioStation IM-Q System
- Built-in incubation
- Phase Contrast and Fluorescence observation methods
- Built-in cooled monochrome camera
This widefield observation system is configured on a 90i upright microscope and features both monochrome sCMOS and color CCD cameras.
Components
- Lumencor SOLA light engine
- Hamamatsu ORCA-Flash4.0 V2+ sCMOS camera
NIS-Elements software
Inverted Widefield Microscope System
This widefield observation system is configured on a TE2000-U invert4d microscope and features both monochrome and color CCD cameras.
Components
- TE2000-U inverted microscope
- Lumencor SOLA light engine
- DS-Fi1c color CCD camera
NIS-Elements software
Inverted Widefield Microscope System
This system, based on the TE2000 inverted microscope features both sCMOS camera and NIS-Elements software, great for most routine applications.
Components
- TE2000 inverted microscope
- Hamamatsu ORCA-Flash4.0 V2+ sCMOS camera
NIS-Elements software
Live-Cell Inverted Widefield System
This live-cell imaging system is configured on a Ti-E inverted microscope and features incubation, deconvolution, and hardware triggering.
Components
- ECLIPSE Ti-E inverted microscope with Perfect Focus System (PFS)
- Lumencor SPECTRA X light engine
- Andor Zyla 5.5 sCMOS camera
- Ibidi stage-top incubation system
- Braintree Scientific automated syringe pump (perfusion)
NIS-Elements software
C2 Point Scanning Confocal System
This C2 confocal system is configured on an Ni-E upright microscope and great for applications requiring optical sectioning.
Components
ECLIPSE Ni-E upright microscope
C2 point scanning confocal system
- 4-line laser unit (405nm, 488nm, 561nm, 640nm)
- DU3 3-channel confocal detector
NIS-Elements software