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The Zeiss Axio Observer Microscope
The Zeiss Elyra TIRF PALM/STORM super-resolution microscope mixes air (10x,
20x) and oil (100x) objectives. Make sure you use the appropriate immersion
fluid with the objective. The Ziess immersion oil for the 100x oil objective is
left on the air table. The oil immersion fluid is prone to drips from the
applicator so take care when using it not to overload the applicator.
It is far easier to control the DAPI, GFP and DsRed mercury lamp fluorescence
(as viewed down the eyepieces) from Zen Blue software.
Alcohol 70% is provided along with gloves and green-box lab tissues. These are
supplied for cleaning the samples and spillages and are not to be used on the
objectives. Be careful where you stand the 70% alcohol bottle as the alcohol
can drip out from the spout into electronics.
Only Whatman 105 Lens Cleaning tissues are to be used to wipe immersion oil
from the objectives. The air objectives shouldn’t need cleaning after use.
If you are using the heated incubator at 37oC you should switch on the
incubator at least 2 hours before imaging. For the most stable time-lapse
imaging at 37oC leave the incubator on overnight.
To view fluorescence down the microscope you have to press the X-Cite Start
(Stop) button or use the footswitch, so that the X-Cites ‘Open’ LED comes on.
You set the microscope to view down the eyepieces via Zen Black software,
under ‘Locate’. Set the emission filters to those required for the eyepieces
(FSet77HE, GFP/DsRed) and the lasers (other filters).
WARNING:
To lift out the slide/Petri dish insert from the Piezzo Z motor stage
always pick up the insert by the two middle finger-grip indent holes – NEVER
use the levelling adjuster screws at the top left and bottom right.
The motorised Piezo Z stage is only controlled by the Zen Black software. The
microscope stand and the Zeiss microscope remote LCD station only move the
main microscope Z motor. The Piezo stage has a total range of 100um.
The two buttons on the right of the microscope on the focus knobs raise the
objectives to the work position (far button) and drop the objective to the load
position (near button).
