Last Updated on Sep 2021
1.3 Metal Halide Lamps (MHL)
Metal halide lamps are fluorescence lamps that gives a visible light range of 300
–
650nm,
enabling us to observe fluorescence signals such as GFP, DAPI and RFP. Metal halide lamps
contain mercury vapours that are extremely toxic to the human body. Therefore, please take
note of the following safety guidelines when working with the metal halide lamp:
•
Ensure that the metal halide lamp has been off for at least 30 minutes before switching it
on. Once the lamp has been turned on, it must remain on for a minimum of 30 minutes to
allow sufficient time for it to warm up and run properly.
•
Check the timer on the power box to ensure the mercury lamp does not run past 2,000
hours.
•
Do not look directly at the MHL when it is switched on as it can damage your eyes.
•
Do not attempt to remove the light guide from the MHL,
especially
when it is on. Direct
emission of the MHL may set off fires.
•
If there are no users in the next 30 mins, MHL must be turned off.
•
Never attempt to change a bulb yourself. Please contact facility staff when you notice
that a bulb has reached between 2,000
–
2,500 hours or is not functioning properly.
2. Training
Use of confocal microscopy and the online booking system is authorized by facility staff only. All
users must attend the confocal training session conducted by the Bioimaging facility staff
before they are allowed to access the confocal system.
2.1 To arrange a training session:
•
Please email Bioimaging Facility (
) for a training session.
•
Fill in the necessary particulars in the form here:
http://microscopy.tll.org.sg/pages/conf_training_form.html
(E.g. Lab, PI, sample, and a brief description of your project)
•
We will help you identify the most appropriate microscope for your imaging needs.
•
We will then arrange training session according to your availability within a week.
•
Training sessions usually last 1 -
3 hours depending on users’ previous experience.
•
Users receiving training are highly encouraged to bring their own samples so that staff
can adjust trainings to your imaging needs, but if not possible, staff have their own
samples that they can work with.
Once you have completed the training session, we will grant you access to both the confocal PC
and the online booking system. Please keep in mind that only bioimaging facility members are
