Advanced Topics in Light Microscopy

LSM 780 confocal image of Panicum miliaceum leaf by Y Fan

This is a two-day course, that builds on the introductory course and will provide students with the knowledge required to:

  • set up and use Phase contrast, Interference contrast and Polarising microscopes
  • select appropriate dyes and filter sets for Fluorescent microscopy
  • choose appropriate Fluorescent imaging modalities
  • be critical of data and troubleshoot their imaging.

 

Topics covered include, but not limited to:

  • Components and light paths in Phase contrast, Interference contrast and Polarising microscopes, including reflected light techniques
  • Microscope Beam Paths and Components in fluorescent microscopy
  • Properties of Fluorescence molecules and Fluorophore selection
  • The emission equation
  • Properties of filters and the filter cube
  • Matching filters and fluorochromes
  • Fluorescent antibody and protein experimental design considerations
  • Principles, characteristics and the pros and cons of Widefield Fluorescence, Deconvolution Microscopy Structured illumination (Apotome), Confocal and Multiphoton Microscopy (When to use what!)
  • Identifying problems and finding solutions
  • Resolution and Signal to Noise issues
  • Optical aberrations: what are they, what do they do to our image and how do we fix it?
  • Introduction to the principles behind Spectral unmixing,TIRF, Super Resolution, STED, PALM, STORM, SIM GSD, and their relatives
  • Non-imaging fluorescence techniques: FCS, FLIM.

Cost: AUD$250.00 per person (GST not included)

Please note: this workshop is offered on demand.