General user information, Turning on the microscope

1 General user information

Leica DM LB research microscope is only for the Molecular Cancer Biology (MCBP) and Genome-scale Biology (GSB) research programs internal use. It is a transmitted light microscope that cannot be used for fluorescence microscopy. Bright-field, polarization contrast, and low-quality dark-field illumination are available. There are no oil objectives available, thus the resolution of the objectives is lower than that of the Axioplans. There is a Leica manual on a shelf near the microscope.

Reservations for the microscope are made through the Scheduler. Access to the reservation system and instructions for its use are at MIU web page: http://www.miu.helsinki.fi/reservations.htm. MIU website has information about the instruments available, sample preparation, imaging techniques etc. Every user of instruments maintained by MIU is expected to be familiar with the information on the MIU user info web page: http://www.miu.helsinki.fi/userinfo.htm. In particular, if you use any MIU instruments or services for your publication, you are expected to acknowledge MIU.

2 Settings for transmitted light microscopy

2.1 Turning on the microscope

Turn on the microscope by using a switch located on the left-hand side of the microscope (Figure 1). This turns on the transmitted light source (halogen lamp). If the light is too dim or bright this can be corrected by adjusting the brightness control (Figure 1). For other light intensity problems, see the troubleshooting section on page 15.

Figure 1. Power switch (red circle) and brightness control for halogen lamp (red arrow)

2.2 XY-stage

Move the specimen stage in the XY-direction to center the sample or wanted detail in the field of view. This is achieved by turning the two adjustment wheels connected to the stage on the right-hand side (arrows in Figure 2). Upper wheel controls the