Microscopy - 3367 Beckman Inst.

The Micromanipulation Laboratory (3367 Beckman Institute) is based around a continuous-wave infrared (IR) laser (wavelength 1064 nm). This is coupled into an Olympus 1X71 inverted microscope, where it is focused into a sample using any one of several objectives to create laser traps. Computer-controlled acoustic-optical deflectors are used to timeshare the trapping beam between different locations in the sample, effectively creating multiple parallel optical traps that can be independently manipulated through software. The microscope is equipped with three cameras - a Hitachi camera with the IR filter removed, a Retiga EXi Fast1394, and a Diagnostic Instruments Boost camera with on-chip gain. The microscope is equipped with a mercury lamp and a turret for holding dichroics for fluorescence imaging. The optical setup is designed with space to allow additional components to be added as needed.