Advanced Microscopy Facility resource description
The Advanced Microscopy Facility, established in 1979, is a core service and user facility which provides investigators at the University of Virginia access to electron and confocal microscopes, preparatory equipment, and technical assistance. Specific objectives include: (1) making state-of-the-art electron and confocal microscopes and related equipment available for research applications; (2) providing complete electron microscopy specimen preparation services; (3) providing training in the operation of electron and confocal microscopes; (4) furnishing technical assistance and consultation for routine and specialized microscopy applications; and (5) monitoring developments in the general field of microscopy and providing access to emerging technologies and related equipment.
Advanced Microscopy Facility Services/Activities
- Access to confocal microscopes and multi-photon microscopes (4)
- Access to scanning (1) and transmission (2) electron microscopes
- Training in the use of all microscopes
- Sample preparation for SEM and TEM
- Consultation on SEM, TEM, and Confocal microscopy projects
- Confocal microscopy applications: FRAP, FRET, Live Cell Imaging, Time Lapse, Intravital Imaging
- Special electron microscopy applications: immunocytochemistry, autoradiography, negative staining, low-angle shadowing/imaging
- Hosting special seminars, symposia, and open-house events
- Outreach to local schools: field trips to the facility for K-12 science classes/clubs, mentoring high school science students
Advanced Microscopy Facility Equipment
- ZEISS LSM 710 4-Channel Multi-Photon Confocal, upright
- ZEISS LSM 880 32-Channel Confocal, inverted
- ZEISS LSM 510 4-Channel Confocal, inverted, two microscopes
- ZEISS LSM 510 META, 3-Channel, inverted
- JEOL 1230 TEM (digital and film image capture)
- Zeiss Sigma VP SEM (digital image capture)
- JEOL 100CX II TEM (digital and film capture)
- OLYMPUS BX51 – upright compound microscope/digital camera: brightfield, fluorescence, phase, DIC
- OLYMPUS SZX12 – dual objective stereomicroscope/digital camera: brightfield, darkfield, fluorescence
- PREPARATION EQUIPMENT: Ultramicrotomes, Critical Point Dryer, Sputter Coater, High Resolution Metal Coater