Fluorescent microscopes

Description

This is the Award notice for: The TIRF microscope system covered by this requirement is intended to provide the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge with an instrument able to quantitatively image single molecules at high speed in multiple channels simultaneously. The intended applications include in vitro reconstitution of molecular assemblies such as: a) motor protein tracking assays; and b) the self-assembly and dynamics of bacterial cytoskeletal: proteins. Additional applications include live cell TIRF/HILO imaging and PALM/STORM imaging. We are looking for a “latest generation” instrument that offers improvements in imaging performance over our existing TIRF microscope. This is the Award notice for: As a minimum, the required specification is as follows: — the proposed TIRF system shall be capable of flexible multichannel imaging. This shall facilitate either simultaneous 2 channel imaging or sequential four channel imaging or three channel imaging using a combination of the 2 modes. The emphasis shall be on achieving rapid switching between channels, — the proposed TIRF system shall provide improved TIRF illumination. This shall be by providing a larger (or equal) TIRF image area with improved uniformity of TIRF illumination across that area. As compared to our existing system, specifically no smaller than 60 microns by 60 microns in object space at 100X magnification or 100 microns by 100 microns at 60X, — the proposed TIRF system must provide a faster (or equal) image frame rate (at the full field of view of the camera(s)) in comparison to the existing system. Specifically at least 30 frames per second, — the proposed system must also be capable of incorporating a device for photobleaching or photoactivating a user specified ROI at any location, in any shape and dimension within the image field without impairment of the functionality described in this section, — the proposed TIRF system shall be a flexible platform to which additional hardware may be added as judged by the ability of such hardware to be integrated into the overall control software and the diversity of capabilities added. Such additions shall not be at the expense of redundancy or replacement of equipment supplied in the proposal.