Learning Outcomes

Fluorescence (Core) Module

The core module focuses on aspects of fluorescence microscopy because it is the central tool of our lab.

At the end of this training, a student should be able to:

Identify the components of an epifluorescence microscope

• The students should know the names of the components when pointed to on the training microscope
• The students should be able to identify (approximately for hidden components) where on a real microscope the same components are located
• The students should be able to state the purpose of each component
• The students should be able to sketch a basic epifluorescence microscope from memory

Assess the relative brightnesses of fluorescence signals

• The students should be able to acquire flourescence images at high SNR without saturation by tuning the microscope parameters while at the scope
• The students should know how to remove the effects of camera offset
• The students should know how to perform background subtraction and identify when it is necessary to do so
• The students should be able to estimate how much brighter the signal is in one fluorescence channel vs. another

Optics Module

The purpose of the alignment module is to provide hands-on experience to students and post-docs who will build laboratory setups for fluorescence microscopy.

At the end of the alignment module, a student should be able to:

Build and Align Optical Systems

• The students should be able to practice basic laser safety
• The students should be able to assemble Thorlabs components into a working optical system
• The students should be able to place a camera in the focal plane of a lens
• The students should be able to align lenses to a reference axis in 3D using a laser beam

Control Microscope Hardware

• The students should be able to install and configure Micro-Manager
• The students should be able to send and receive serial commands from hardware