The Leica TCS confocal microscope allows the examination of fluorescent specimens with clarity and resolution that far exceeds that of conventional epifluorescence microscopy.  The fluorochromes are excited in a very narrow plane using laser illumination.  The stimulated emissions are also collected from that narrow plane using sensitive photomultiplier tubes that detect light of only the selected wavelengths.  The Leica software allows image manipulations for 3-D reconstruction of optical sections, creation of movies showing rotation of images, and sophisticated calculations of intensities and ratios.

Currently available on our system are the following features:

• Leica DMRBE research microscope (upright configuration)
• Leica DMIRBE inverted microscope (inverted configuration)
• Leica TCS SP spectral detection head
• 10x-100x objectives, plus long working distance 40x & 63x water immersion objectives
• Four lasers for excitation of fluorochromes from UV to far red:
            351 nm, 458 nm, 488 nm, 561 nm, 633 nm

Sign-up calendar for confocal users
Go to the UK calendars link and select Biology Confocal Microscope.  You may submit a request to reserve a time without logging in, or you can contact Christopher Emmick to be added to the user group using your UK AD account.

Equipment usage:

The Biology confocal microscope is available to users both in the department and from other departments on campus.  All users must reserve time on the microscope by using the sign-up calendar.  Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis.  The Biology confocal equipment is a satellite of the Medical Center Imaging Facility, with the same fee schedule as instruments in the central facility.  All users of the Biology Department confocal microscope must be previously trained by the personnel in the Medical Center Imaging Facility in using their comparable confocal microscope.  Furthermore, all users must schedule an appointment with Dr. Harrison prior to first use of the Biology instrument for a brief orientation on the specifics of this system.

Usage protocols:

There are basic protocols for the use of the Leica confocal microscope.  In addition, periodic "Confocal Notes" are distributed by Leica to provide "how-to" guides for common issues and applications.

For any problems or questions related to confocal usage, please contact Doug Harrison.