BIF has three Confocal systems — a Leica SP5 Confocal Laser Scanning System, a Leica SP8 Confocal Laser Scanning System and a Leica Spinning Disk confocal. All laser scanning systems are fairly similar and produce quality images. The spinning disk is specifically designed for live, highly dynamic systems. If you need advice about which microscope is best suited for your research, please contact Jessica Hornick (j-hornick@northwestern.edu).
The training is 2 days, approximately 2-3 hours per session.
Training costs are detailed on the Rates page and are per person. Training sessions are group sessions of up to 3 people.
During these sessions, you will learn how to optimize and capture images of multiple fluorophores. The first session is based largely on imaging standard, fixed slides. For the second session, trainees are encouraged to bring in research specimens for imaging; however, please do not expect to collect data during training. Rather, emphasis will be on getting comfortable with the microscope and optimizing imaging settings.
BIF does not offer training every week on the confocal microscopes. Generally training is offered every other week — however, this is dependent on availability and demand.