APPLICATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY:

• Fluorescence confocal and widefield microscopy

ADVANTAGES:

• Enables high numerical aperature fluorescence confocal and widefield microscopy
• Provides enhanced signal fluorescence measurement
• Can be retrofitted on existing microscopes

ABSTRACT:

Carolyn Larabell and Mark Le Gros of Berkeley Lab have developed a cryogenic immersion light microscope stage that enables high numerical aperture (> 1.2) fluorescence confocal and widefield microscopy. The Berkeley Lab microscope is novel in its use of a cryogenic immersion fluid to maintain at least part of the objective lens, as well as the sample, at cryogenic temperatures, which provides an enhanced signal fluorescence measurement. The cryogenic microscope enables the use of high spatial resolution optical techniques with a sensitivity one hundred times greater than conventional techniques. Existing microscopes can be retrofitted with the Berkeley Lab apparatus.

STATUS:

• Published Patent Application. Available for licensing or collaborative research.

REFERENCE NUMBER: IB-1981

SEE THESE OTHER BERKELEY LAB TECHNOLOGIES IN THIS FIELD:

• Apparatus and Instrumentation for Single Molecule Spectroscopy, IB-2079
• Automated Cryotomographic Stage for X-ray Microscopy, IB-1980
• Automated Electron Microscopy Film Scanner, IB-1930
• Transmission Electron Microscope Phase-contrast Enhancement, IB-2036