Equipment database

Name:
Confocal microscope
Producer:
Nikon
Model:
A1-R
Research group:
Team 10. Soft condensed matter
Description:

The Nikon A1 confocal microscope is a versatile measurement device used for measurements using a variety of techniques such as: confocal imaging, Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching, Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy, Fluorescence CrossCorrelation Spectroscopy, Fluorescence Lifetime Correlation Spectroscopy, Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging.
It is equipped with the PicoHar 300 fluorescence spectroscopy correlation spectroscope by PicoQuant and two detectors based on avalanche photodiodes that work with the above mentioned attachment. It is possible to install a table-top climate chamber allowing for measurements as a function of temperature.

Contact:

dr Tomasz Kalwarczyk

Research

  • Type of measurement: Confocal imaging
  • Test method: Laser beam scanning

Details

  • Name of equipment: Nikon model: A1-R
  • Type of measurement: Confocal imaging
  • Test method: Laser beam scanning
  • Opis:

    The measurement consists of confocal imaging of fluorescent preparations. It is possible to build a three-dimensional model of the tested preparation. The software included with the apparatus allows for analysis of the recorded images.

  • User performing the measurement: dr Tomasz Kalwarczyk
  • Type of measurement: Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM)
  • Test method: Scanning with laser light pulses

Details

  • Name of equipment: Nikon model: A1-R
  • Type of measurement: Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM)
  • Test method: Scanning with laser light pulses
  • User performing the measurement: dr Tomasz Kalwarczyk
  • Type of measurement: Measurement of diffusion coefficient of fluorescent probes in the tested environment
  • Test method: Fluorescence lifetime correlation spectroscopy

Details

  • Name of equipment: Nikon model: A1-R
  • Type of measurement: Measurement of diffusion coefficient of fluorescent probes in the tested environment
  • Test method: Fluorescence lifetime correlation spectroscopy
  • Opis:

    The study consists of analyzing the fluctuation of the concentration of the fluorescent analyte in confocal volume. An additional measured parameter is fluorescence life. Since this parameter is characteristic for each dye, it is possible to differentiate the diffusing components in terms of fluorescence lifetimes. Thanks to this, even though the sample contains fluorophores showing maximum emissions at the same wavelength, it is possible to measure the diffusion coefficients of each of these fluorophores.

  • Accuracy of measurement: not less than 10%
  • User performing the measurement: dr Tomasz Kalwarczyk
  • Type of measurement: Measurement of the kinetics of macromolecular complex formation based on correlated diffusion of fluorescent probes in the studied environment.
  • Test method: Fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS)

Details

  • Name of equipment: Nikon model: A1-R
  • Type of measurement: Measurement of the kinetics of macromolecular complex formation based on correlated diffusion of fluorescent probes in the studied environment.
  • Test method: Fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS)
  • Opis:

    The study involves analyzing the fluctuation of the concentration of two fluorescent analytes in confocal volume. When two molecules labelled with different fluorescent dyes react to form a complex, the cross-correlation function of fluorescence signals derived from each of the dyes takes on non-zero values. On this basis, using the appropriate algorithms implemented in the software attached to the apparatus, the average residence time of the complex in the volume under test and its concentration are determined. By monitoring the changes in concentration over time, the kinetics of complex formation/destruction reactions can be analyzed.

  • Accuracy of measurement: not less than 10%
  • User performing the measurement: dr Tomasz Kalwarczyk
  • Type of measurement: Measurement of diffusion coefficient of fluorescent probes in the tested environment
  • Test method: Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy

Details

  • Name of equipment: Nikon model: A1-R
  • Type of measurement: Measurement of diffusion coefficient of fluorescent probes in the tested environment
  • Test method: Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy
  • Opis:

    The study consists of analyzing the fluctuation of the concentration of the fluorescent analyte in confocal volume. On this basis, using the appropriate algorithms, implemented in the software included with the apparatus, the mean time of fluorophore residence time in the test volume is determined. Then, on this basis, the coefficient of diffusion of the test substance is determined using the Einstein- Smoluchowski equation.

  • Accuracy of measurement: not less than 10%
  • User performing the measurement: dr Tomasz Kalwarczyk