Zeiss AxioImager

The Zeiss Axio Imager 2 Research Microscope is our newest and most powerful fluorescent microscope. This instrument, coupled with the Zeiss ZEN image processing software, produces the highest quality images of cells and other microscopic structures.  In addition to imaging individual structures and making qualitative observations of individual cells, we are also able to observe whole communities of microbes (very small bacteria and archaea), distinguish strain morphologies and follow community growth.  This microscope is also used for our FISH techniques including CARD-FISH (catalyzed auto-reporter deposition) and soon MAR-FISH (microautoradiography).  Our Lumen Dynamics X-Cite 120Q light source (a 120W mercury vapor short arc lamp) minimizes photobleaching while transferring virtually no heat or vibrations to the microscope.  The black and white CCD camera was selected specifically for imaging cells with dim fluorescence.

The Axio Imager is also outfitted with the 'ApoTome.2' system, which allows for structured visualization of separate optical sections (in the Z-axis), free of scattered light with ultra high resolutions.  With the ApoTome.2, multiple fluorescent channels can be integrated simultaneously into a single image to distinguish between cells or cell structures of desire.  With increased resolution in the Z direction, 3D renderings of thick specimens can be produced by layering images in a user-defined 3D region.  Using a unique 3-grid beam interference aperture and algorithm, the ApoTome.2 eliminates unresolved scattered light from all images.

For additional information including manuals, manufacturer links, protocols and publications, see our resources page.  To see images captured by this microscope, see the gallery.