LUMICKS Widefield /  TIRF C-Trap

The system can be used with Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF), which is an optimal fluorescence imaging method for visualizing surface processes. It allows for imaging biomolecules while eliminating background fluorescence outside the focal plane and is thus best suitable for surface essays such as cytoskeletal transport or mechanobiology experiments.

Widefield microscopy allows imaging of biomolecular processes in solutions with high acquisition rates and is suitable for obtaining fast movies of trapped constructs at low protein concentrations.

Instrument configuration

  • Max. number of traps: 4
  • Force resolution (x,y): < 0.1 pN @100 Hz
  • Bead displacement resolution using force signal: < 0.3 nm @ 100 Hz
  • Bead displacement resolution using live bright-field bead tracking: < 3 nm @ 100 Hz
  • Brightfield field of view (x,y): 113 µm x 90 µm (full ROI), pixel size = 88 nm
  • Brightfield camera frame rate: ~30 FPS (full ROI, depending on settings)
  • Widefield field of view (x,y): 148 µm x 45 µm (3 color split), pixel size = 72 nm
  • Widefield camera frame rate: >100 FPS (depending on ROI)
  • Available laser lines: 488 nm / 561 nm / 638 nm
  • Detection filters: 525/40, 600/50, 680/42
  • Microfluidics unit: Advanced u-Flux microfluidics with automated valves, 5 channels + 1 outlet
  • Environmental control: Temperature control of condenser and objective,
    >28 °C +- 0.05 °C

Location