Confocal microscope for single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy

This instruments, based on an inverted microscope, allows for confocal fluorescence excitation using by 488, 532, 576 and 635 nm CW lasers. Fluorescence can be split in two spectral (or polarization) channels and is detected by avalanche photodiodes. The pulses arising from the APDs are counted, time tagged (with 12.5 ns resolution) and processed using a fast counting board. Software for further processing (auto / cross correlations, time binning) is available. The sample can be moved using a 3-dimensional piezo stage. The instrument was designed for confocal motility assays using labeled kinesin and other motor proteins.

Some essential parts of the laser setup are displayed below:

                     



Contact person at LCVU: Erwin Peterman (erwinp@nat.vu.nl)