8
LS Microscope Startup Manual 2018.7.25
1.
Prior to imaging in an incubator, place the LS Microscope inside for at least 6 hr and preferably
overnight to allow thermal equilibration. Before transferring to the incubator, disinfect the LS
Microscope using any of the suggested procedures in Appendix C. Condensation on the microscope,
including on the objective, will form in the first minutes but will evaporate as thermal equilibrium is
achieved. Focus levels may change during this equilibration as materials expand.
2.
Pass the communication and optional power cable through the incubator port, which is often located
in the upper back wall. A plug or filtered stopper may be present. Every LS Microscope now comes
with a foam plug that can be used to seal around the cable(s) going through the port. Or the existing
plug can be adapted as well. Make sure there is enough slack in the cables inside the incubator for
sliding out the shelf. Place the computer to be used on a flat and stable surface near to the incubator
and within the 3 M USB cable provided.
WARNING: Do not extend the USB cable or use another USB cable other than that supplied,
particularly a longer one, as communication issues will arise.
3.
LS620, LS560 and LS460
: Place the sample on the microscope, adjust focus and close the incubator
door. Check the focus after 60 min to confirm it is still good. If the focus has changed, refocus and
repeat. For higher magnification objectives (40x and above), a focus drop of a few microns may occur,
which can be compensated for by over focusing to a height above the focal plane equal to the
expected drop. In this case, the focus will drop to the correct level within a few minutes.
4.
LS720 only
: Place the sample in the labware carrier and ensure it is seated flat with the upper left
corner firmly pushed into the frame. Close the incubator and return to Lumaview to focus. The
motorized Z axis will maintain focus level and autofocus can be used to adjust any change in focus over
time.
5.
The system is now ready for live cell imaging.
