Custom Super-Resolution Microscope for the Structural Analysis of Nanostructures

Abstract

Super-resolution optical microscopy is a powerful method for visualizing nanostructures and biomolecules in their native, in situ environments. We have constructed a custom super-resolution microscope optimized for the high-throughput, super-resolution structural mapping of nanostructures and biological targets. Our microscope features a large field of view and custom optics that facilitate 3D imaging and enhanced contrast in noisy samples while providing a simple and user-friendly interface. Since recently completing the construction of this instrument, we have begun to optimize its 3D imaging capability, and it has been used to help develop a novel programmable molecular tool for the amplification of fluorescent signals in fixed cells and tissues. In parallel, we have augmented an existing microscope with a high-resolution scanning confocal modality, improving our imaging throughput and opening up high-throughput super-resolution imaging to a broader group of researchers. Collectively, this instrumentation will play a critical role in technology development and materials characterization for the greater Wyss Institute and Harvard Systems Biology community.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 29, 2018
Accession Number
AD1053311

Entities

People

  • Peng Yin

Organizations

  • Harvard College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Adaptive Optics
  • Amplification
  • Cells
  • Chromosomes
  • Computational Biology
  • Instrumentation
  • Laser Beams
  • Materials
  • Microscopes
  • Microscopy
  • Nanostructures
  • Optics
  • Photonics
  • Structural Analysis
  • Systems Biology
  • Three Dimensional
  • Throughput

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Computer Vision.
  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Oncology

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics