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The SFU/MBB Microscopy Facility provides access to a comprehensive suite of advanced confocal microscopy platforms enabling high-resolution imaging for a wide range of biological applications, from whole tissues to single molecules. Our instrumentation includes state-of-the-art laser scanning and spinning disk confocal microscopes, as well as an Airyscan super-resolution microscope capable of achieving resolution beyond the diffraction limit while maintaining high sensitivity for fast live-cell imaging.
Specialized imaging modalities include FRET, FRAP, photoactivation, and spectral unmixing. Zeiss Joint Deconvolution enhances Airyscan images up to 90 nm lateral resolution. Automated acquisition, high-throughput imaging, and integrated analysis software support complex workflows such as multi-dimensional, time-lapse, and large-area imaging.
For electron microscopy sample preparation, the Leica EM ICE high-pressure freezing system preserves native cellular ultrastructure without chemical fixation. Coupled with the Leica EM AFS2, pressure-frozen samples can be embedded via automated freeze substitution, yielding room-temperature specimens suitable for sectioning and subsequent examination by electron microscopy.
Technical Support
Contact
TIM HESLIP
Microscopy Technician
Email: trh2@sfu.ca
Office: B 7145
Tel: (778) 782-6807
Availability Schedule
Tue-Thu 9:00AM-4:30PM
Users are charged for time booked unless they cancel 6 hours in advance or find an alternate user.
Fee Schedule
Instrument Type |
SFU Users
|
SFU Users
|
Other BC Universities
|
Non-SFU Users |
| WaveFX/Nikon | $10/hr | $5/hr | $15/hr | $20/hr |
| Airscan | $25/hr | $12.50/hr | $30/hr | $50/hr |
| Leica EM ICE (HP Freezer) | $50/day* | - | $150/day* | $150/day* |
| Leica EM ICE AFS2 | $50/day* | - | $50/day* | $50/day* |
| Training | $50/hr | - | $50/hr | $100/hr |
*Liquid Nitrogen costs $80 per 100L (N2 required to run both instruments) in addition to the user charge.
Resources
Useful Microscopy Resources
- Fluorescence SpectraViewer from ThermoFi
- Volocity software information
Microscopy Oversight Committee
Name |
Tel |
|
| Christopher Beh | ctbeh@sfu.ca | (778) 782-6801 |
| Valentin Jaumouillé | vjaumoui@sfu.ca | (778) 782-5682 |
| Michel Leroux | leroux@sfu.ca | (778) 782-6683 |
| Tim Audas | taudas@sfu.ca | (778) 782-6811 |
Lens Cleaning Policy
It is the responsibility of every user to inspect the objective lenses and the rest of the microscope and anti-vibration table for oil or other waste. Any problem needs to be noted on the log and the Microscopy Technician notified immediately. Failure to report problems could result in the most recent user on the log to be held responsible. It is the responsibility of every user to check and see if they are the last user of the day. This must be done using the Nikon Confocal calendar on the MBB Facilities web site. Failure to power down the Nikon Confocal overnight will result in disciplinary action.
Actions for not properly cleaning lenses and failure to power down
1st offence: Verbal discussion
2nd offence: Email user and their supervisor plus the Microscopy Oversight Committee and the Chair of MBB
3rd offence: User’s supervisor is charged $100 and the user is notified that they can potentially be banned from use.
4th offence: The user is banned from using the confocal until further notice.
Data Storage Policy
The confocal acquisition computers are not to be used for data storage. Backup your images at the end of each session and then delete from the acquisition computer hard drive at the soonest possible opportunity. Images not deleted from the acquisition computers can be deleted without notice at any time if needed to create free hard drive space.
Funding
This facility has been generously funded by the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, NSERC, British Columbia Knowledge Development Fund, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Office of the Vice President Research and Simon Fraser University.