"The Evident FV-4000 Confocal Microscope"

PROJECT SUMMARY Confocal microscopy is an essential tool in biomedical research, imaging structural and dynamic interactions within complex biological systems. The nature of confocal microscopy posed several practical limitations in multiplexing capabilities, imaging volume with sufficient spatial resolution, imaging speed, as well as postprocessing when image stitching and registration is needed. In addition, time-lapsing imaging in dynamic processes requires system automation and stability to accommodate with any motion artifacts and focus drift over time. All these practical limitations, if not addressed adequately, would limit our research capacity. The acquisition of the Olympus FV4000 confocal microscope provides solutions to all above limitations, enabled by new generation of silicone photomultiplier (SiPM), high-speed resonance scanner, as well as advanced software package. In this application, we provided detailed justification and description of the Olympus FV4000 confocal microscope, description of NIH-funded research projects by the major users, as well as necessary technical and institutional support to maximize the utility. We also have a well-developed administrative plan in place to manage the equipment in a shared facility. In summary, the acquisition of Olympus FV4000 confocal microscope will support a wide range of research topic from large number of research labs in Wilmer Eye Institute and Johns Hopkins research community and will boost the important research initiatives in Wilmer and JHU.