Gadgets Manual

The IX70 microscope is a manual stand with the ability to collect multi-color fluorescence, differential interference contrast (DIC) and total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF), as well as provide optical sectioning (z-axis stepping) and time lapse imaging. It is equipped with a high sensitivity, high resolution chilled CCD camera, a green/red or blue/red emission beam splitter for simultaneous two color capture and MetaMorph + MetaFluor software to control the system.

Examples of types of images that can be captured range from simple image capture (bright field or fluorescence), sequential capture of up to 4 fluorescent probes, time lapse imaging, (relatively) high speed imaging, CFP-YFP FRET studies, ratiometric indicator dyes such the calcium probe Fura-2, etc. Software provides a wide range of image capture and image processing capabilities. MetaFluor is optimized for real-time (ratio) image capture with real time region of interest (ROI) intensity/ ratio/calibrated data display. MetaMorph is a more general image capture, processing, morphometry package. Both packages allow images to be automatically collected and annotated.

Turning on the System
1) fire the arc lamp under the microscope table (make sure nothing else is on)
2) turn on the brightfield bulb power switch on the microscope base (#2)
3) turn on the filter changer box (#3)
4) power up the computer (#4)
5) ONLY if you are using TIRF, fire the Ar laser
6) log on and start either MetaMorph or MetaFluor
7) write down your start time on the log sheet

Shutting down the System
The arc lamp must be on for at least 20-30 min prior to turning it off, you must wait that long before turning it back on, too. Firing the arc greatly shortens the lamp life, so it’s best to leave it running during the day when the schedule shows other users are coming—check the schedule, the last person MUST shut down the system.

Get pdf Olympus IX70 Multi-parameter Fluorescence Microscope Operation Manual