Photo of Iconeus One in Imaging Core

Iconeus One Functional Ultrasound

Given E017C -- The Iconeus One is a state-of-the-art functional ultrasound (fUS) acquisition system for imaging brain activity and the vasculature. Based on the latest advances in fUS technology, it enables real-time, whole-brain functional ultrasound imaging in a large variety of subjects, including awake and moving animals The Iconeus system is compatible with other techniques (e.g. EEG, PET, optogenetics) and uses a “Plug and Scan” hardware and software that eliminates time-consuming post-processing. This system can be used to detect subtle changes in blood volume and image large areas of microvasculature (even in deep brain regions), expanding its use in multiple applications, including resting functional connectivity, functional neuroimaging, vascular imaging, and neuropharmacological evaluation of functional connectivity. 

Photo of Scientifica Hyperscope in Imaging Core

Scientifica HyperScope Multiphoton

Firestone 450J -- The Scientifica HyperScope Multiphoton features dual scanheads to allow the manipulation of two light paths through the microscope. This enables simultaneous two-photon imaging and photo-activation. The open, modular design of the HyperScope allows users to add and remove components as experiments dictate. The system can operate between between galvo/galvo, resonant/galvo or resonant/galvo/galvo modes, acquiring at up to 30 fps at 512 x 512 resolution. The main objective is a Nikon 16X LWD/0.80NA DIC water immersion lens, optimized to transmit 700-1400nm. Excitation is provided by a Coherent Discovery Titanium Sapphire pulsed IR laser. Oversized collection lenses sit very close to the objective back aperture helping to ensure light collection efficiency. The software-controlled ultra-smooth Z-axis drive ensures vibration-free movement down to 0.1um. A Piezo drive coupled the objective mount allows for the fast acquisition of volumes up to 400um and with resolution steps as required. The Hyperscope’s unique relay lens system ensures that the Z resolution remains constant across the field.

 

Photo of 3D printer in Imaging Core

Image of the Yokogawa CSU-W1

Stereo Lithography (SLA) Printer Suite

Given E017B-- Our 99 sq. ft. SLA Printer Suite is equipped with a state-of-the-art FormLabs Form3 SLA printer, FormLabs Wash Station, FormLabs Curing Station, and compressed air blow gun for cleaning/post processing of parts.  To promote occupational health and safety, the printer, wash, and curing stations are located within a ventilation cabinet that is ducted into the house HVAC system.  SLA print technology makes use of a high resolution “rasterable” laser to polymerize a photocurable resin.  We regularly employ the following FormLabs resins: Tough 2000, Clear, Rigid 10K, High Temp, Grey Pro, and Draft.  The Form3 printer has a build area of 145x145x185 mm and a layer resolution of 25 µm.  It is ideally suited for printing small parts with complex 3D geometries and/or fine detail, such as custom tubing fittings and adapters.  We have developed design models that incorporate hollow cavities within a solid body, complex curves and contours, and intricate jointing between mating parts.  These capabilities would not be possible to achieve with conventional subtractive machining processes, and they allow us to readily adapt to the instrumentation/apparatus needs of Project Directors.

Yokogawa CSU-W1 Spinning Disk Confocal Microscope

Given E015B -- The Yokogawa CSU-W1 spinning disk confocal system is coupled to a Nikon Eclipse NI-E upright microscope with two Andor EM CCD detectors for simultaneous two-channel imaging. Three laser lines are available, 488 nm 561 nm and 640 nm. The Yokogawa CSU-W1 has two water-immersion objectives: a Nikon Apo LWD 25X/1.1NA, and a Nikon Fluor 60X/1.0NA, both with 2mm working distance. This instrument is designed for fast image collection, with rates in excess of 50 fps. With its widened-diameter Nipkow disk, the CSU-W1 provides at least four times greater field of view than comparable systems, increasing the likelihood of capturing Ca2+ transients and other events in precious tissue, and increasing throughput. The wider disk also allows wider pinhole spacing, which decreases flare or crosstalk between pinholes, significantly improving image quality. Two detectors can be used simultaneously with emission filters for 505-545nm and 580-650nm, or 505-545nm and 665-705nm.

Image of the Zeiss LSM-7 Dedicated Multiphoton
Image of the Delta Vision RT Restoration Microscope

Zeiss LSM-7 Multiphoton

Given E015C -- The Zeiss LSM-7 Dedicated Multiphoton has four non-descanned PMT detectors, two of which make up the highly sensitive Zeiss gallium arsenide phosphide BiG detector. Emission filters include 485nm and below, 500-550nm, 570-645nm, and 640-710nm, as well as a DIC (differential interference contrast) transmitted detector. Multiphoton excitation is generated by a Coherent Chameleon Vision II Titanium Sapphire pulsed IR laser, with dispersion compensation, and tunable from 720-950 nm. The stage is a motorized Prior Z-deck, which is fully integrated into the Zeiss Zen software. A 20X Plan Apo/1.0 NA DIC VIS-IR water immersion lens is the main objective. The system frame is a Zeiss Axio Examiner, specifically optimized for multiphoton microscopy.

DeltaVision RT Restoration Microscope

Given E015E -- The Applied Precision DeltaVision RT is coupled to a DIC-equipped Olympus IX70 and a Photometrics CoolSnap CCD. Objectives include 20X/.5NA dry, 20X/.8NA oil, 40X/1.35NA oil, 60X/1.4NA oil and 100X/1.4NA oil. This system has a temperature and CO2-controlled incubator, and a high-precision, computer-controlled motorized stage for tiled and multi-point data collection. Fast-sequential emissions can be collected at 432-482nm, 507-543nm, 580-631nm, and 669-741nm. Fast deconvolution of image data is accomplished with a dedicated server, separate from the acquisition computer.

Image of the Noran OZ
Image of the Nikon C2 Confocal Microscopy System

Noran OZ 

Given E025A -- The Noran single-beam scanning confocal imaging system uses a 50mW Coherent Sapphire 488 nm solid state CW laser coupled to a Nikon Eclipse TE 2000-U inverted microscope equipped with 20x and 60x water immersion objectives and DIC optics.The system was retrofit by Prairie Technologies with a modern scan control system and PC interface, and recently upgraded further with a Windows 7 operating system. This is a very fast single-beam confocal laser scanning microscope. The high speed is achieved by using an acousto-optic deflector. It is capable of a 2-D scan rate up to 480 images per second and is ideal for most high-speed ion imaging applications. This system is best suited to measure fast transient calcium events (Ca2+ sparks). In addition, it has a line scan capability with a maximum of 60 ps/line, which allows for the resolution of very fast (ms) events. We have modified this instrumentation to enable simultaneous acquisition of rapid calcium events and membrane potential from endothelium or smooth muscle of pressurized arterioles. This required the addition of a motorized micromanipulator (Sutter MP 285) and a second computer for acquisition, including the software (PClamp; Axon Instruments) and hardware (Digidata 1322A, Axopatch 200A and Axoclamp 2B, Axon Instruments). This enables us to detect rapid calcium events and electrical events that are coupled.

Nikon C2 Confocal Microscopy System

Given E015D -- The Nikon C2 Confocal Microscopy System is a general use point-scanning confocal. The C2 system is based on a Nikon Ti-E inverted platform equipped with Plan Apo and Plan objective lenses with DIC capability, including a 10X/0.45 NA, 20X/0.75NA, 40X/1.0 NA oil and 60x/1.4 NA oil. Solid-state, fiber coupled lasers provide excitation at 405nm, 488nm, 561nm and 640nm. Three photomultiplier tubes can capture fluorescent images simultaneously, along with one dedicated transmitted detector. Emission filters are set at 427-463nm, 500-550nm, 575-625nm and >660nm. The 405nm and 640nm channels must be collected separately.

Perimed laser Doppler flowmetry system

Firestone 473-- Laser Doppler flowmetry is a well-established method for tracking relative changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) by detecting the frequency change that laser light undergoes when reflected from moving objects, such as red blood cells. The Perimed laser Doppler flowmetry system allows tracking of CBF changes in response to stimuli, such as contralateral whisker stimulation (i.e., functional hyperemia) and topical drug application through a cranial window.

Electrophysiology

To measure electrical activity from single cells we have several systems available, including an Axon Axopatch 200A amplifier, five Axon Axopatch 200B amplifiers, an Axon multichannel 700A Axopatch amplifier, an Axon Axoclamp 2A amplifier and an Axon 2B amplifier (Molecular Devices). Digitizers include five Axon Digidata 1322’s and an Axon Digidata 1550B. For single channel and whole cell patch clamp recordings we use CV 201(A), CV203 BU, and CV7-A headstages to reduce single channel noise. For Intracellular microelectrode recordings of membrane potential we use Axon HS-2 headstages. Headstages are attached via swivel mounts to Sutter MP 285 motorized micromanipulators (six are available) for stability and precise placement of electrodes. These micromanipulators can easily be attached to the microscope stage of several different imaging systems. Patch pipettes are fabricated with a Narishige PC-100, or Sutter Faming-Brown P-97 puller. Electrical signals are acquired and analyzed on one of five analysis computers running PClamp 10 software (Molecular Devices). Several Grass stimulators are also available, including an S44, S48 and S88.