Equipment
The following list gives a brief description of the equipment available for use at Microscopy Otago. It is a useful starting point when planning an investigation, but is far from comprehensive. For a more detailed discussion of what the equipment can, and can not, do please contact a member of staff.
Note
You are not permitted to use any of the equipment unless you have been trained to a suitable level and understand any health and safety issues associated with each item. You will not be expected to remember everything after one training session; a staff member will be available to assist you at most times. When you have shown you are competant at using an item of equipment, you will be allowed after-hours access to the facility.
Writing up? The equipment list is also very useful for finding the name, manufacturer and other specifications when you're writing up a thesis or paper. If you notice something missing which you could have used, please let us know so we can add it.
Confocal, Light Microscopy and µCT Equipment
If you require more information on this equipment, please contact Andrew McNaughton.
Axiovert (inverted) Status Update 16 February 2010
A fault had developed in the computer controlling the confocal microscope which caused it to fail to find the operating system. The exact nature of the fault is unknown but a replacement hard drive and reinstallation of the operating system has restored function.
The stability of the system cannot be guaranteed but as long as users understand it may fail unexpectedly then it is now available for use.
A replacement PC must be supplied by the German manufacturers so will not arrive prior to a scheduled service/installation visit in late March. Tempting though the thought may be, a replacement can not be bought from the local PC supplier due to specialised requirements of the componentry.
Apologies for the inconvenience - see below for more bad news in confocal land.
Axioplan (upright) Confocal Failure of 543 Laser Power Supply
Due to a possible failure of the power supply to the 543nm (green excitation) laser is showing erratic behaviour in the form of intermittent cutting out, visible as disjointed scan lines. It may function normally for unpredictable periods of time but be prepared for unexpected behaviour.
The supplier has been contacted regarding a replacement part. The repair should be completed during a scheduled repair/installation in late March.
Apologies for the inconvenience, these things happen with complex equipment and are usually not predictable - really, they're not.
Andrew
Transmission and Scanning Electron Microscopy Equipment
If you require more information on this equipment, please contact Allan Mitchell.
